What size trolling Motor

[cartfan]

I have an Alumacraft Bactroller 14. It's a 14 ft with livewell, floor, etc. I am going to get a transom mount trolling motor and need to know if anyone has any suggestions on what pound thrust to get. By the way, this if my first post. I've been reading this forum for awhile and have always enjoyed it. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Guest]

Cart,

Your boat sounds like it's pretty heavy for a 14 footer.

If you plan on Back-trolling with your electric rather than your outboard, get at least a 45 to 55lb. thrust motor, in fact I'll assume you have 12volt wiring in your boat that will dictate the amount of power you can max-out in the electric motor.

If this is the case, go with a Maxxum-type Minkota--they are designed to run more efficiently than the cheap 12 volt motors--the Maxxum's burn less battery power and run cooler on the internal parts.

Enjoy!

------------------
Chells

[cartfan]

I have an Alumacraft Bactroller 14. It's a 14 ft with livewell, floor, etc. I am going to get a transom mount trolling motor and need to know if anyone has any suggestions on what pound thrust to get. By the way, this if my first post. I've been reading this forum for awhile and have always enjoyed it. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

[cartfan]

Thanks for the good info Chells. Any other thoughts or experiences.

[Guest]

Only that trying to save pennies on this type of equipment can cost you dollars in the long-run.

Just the case for 24-volt vs. 12 volt equipment of this type. 24-volt is designed to work harder with less power and stress than 12 volt. You may not have the ability to opt for 24v equipment if your boat isn't rigged for 24v already.

My suggestion to get a higher thrust rating is that a 45lb thrust motor will propel your boat wonderfully and it won't work as hard as a 36lb. thrust would. You may run the 45 at 3/4 power or less and the 36lb. at full power, which will be harder on the motor in the long run and drain more battery power.