what size trolling motor would be best?

[mudman]

I have a 1650 fishhawk and fish some of the bigger lakes

Mille Lacs, Red, Leech, Ect

What pound thrust would be best?

[8-Ball]

Mud- The general rule I was always told was get the most powerful one you can afford. I have a 1750 Sportfish/90 hp, and I seem to do alright w/ a 50 lb. thrust w/ a 54" shaft. But, if you can swing spending more, bigger is always better, especially since you mentioned fishing big water, where the more thrust you have, the better off you will be. Don't go any smaller than 50 lb. thrust or 54" shaft-your boat is basically about the same as mine, and anything less than above, you will regret.

[mudman]

Thanks-

I figured I go with a 64# and 52" shaft.

I always like more than one opinion though.

[Norsky]

I have the same boat. I put on a 74# thrust 24volt system on the bow, but it was the shorter shafted one. The problem I have now is if I'm trolling into some pretty big waves the prop will come out of the water. If I had to do it again I think I'd buy the longest one I could get since you can always make them shorter. I also put on the on board charging system, I believe this pays for itself in extended battery life. I am going on my sixth season with a pair of deep cycles from batteries plus, I still can't run them down in a hard day of fishing.

[Moose-Hunter]

I'm running only a 12volt system up front with 42# of thrust. No where near what I need. During the last couple seasons, it's really put a damper on my style of fishing. And with only 42 pounds of thrust... On big water with big waves, you're hurtin' for certain.

I think you're very much on track with your choice so far. 24volt is a must. 36 if you can swing it. If at all possible and money allows, get the highest thrust model you can. Just because you have all that power, doesn't mean you'll need it all the time. But it's there when you do.

[rangr]

I run a 74# thrust with a 62in shaft that is 24v and yes, "bigger is better". In that size boat a 36v trolling motor would be to big the battery weight would be tough to evenly distribute around the boat. A 24v system should work great.

[Gatores]

So can you tell me what is the benefit of 24v over a 12v. It would seem to me that 12 would be better cause you would need less batteries, but im assuming im missing something cause you all sound like 36v is best and 24v would be second and 12v would be a last resort.

[rangr]

Being I'm an electrician by trade I will give a quick lesson in electricity. If a 12v motor draws 10amps at 50% of the motor capacity a 24v motor will draw 5amps at 50%. If you double the voltage you 1/2 the amperage. If a motor is rated at 50# of thrust it dosent matter if it is 12v or 24v its still 50# of thrust. Although the higher you go as far as voltage you will get higher thrust ratings because they draw less amperage. Basically people get 24v or 36v because they can run the trolling motors longer on a fully charged set of batteries.

[gspman]

I have a 1750 Fishhawk and a 74# with the 60" shaft and autopilot. Very nice. If I were you I'd go 24 volt, at least 55# and get the long shaft.

[mudman]

Thanks fellas!

here's the million dollar question that I have to decide on. Is a 54" shaft long enough?

[ChuckN]

I would say yes. I had a 50" on my old 17' boat, that was slightly short in rough water.

[Bigfife]

A 54" shaft should be perfect, but don't go any shorter. I have a 1750 Sportfish and the 54" shaft has popped out of the water once or twice, but it is rare. Don't go any less then 50lbs. of thrust either.

[Northlander]

I run a 17foot Lund explorer and have a 55# on the front and Im going to a 24 volt and probably 64# at least. In rivers I need extra power and on windy days as well.

[Jim Hudson]

The more the merrier I would say.. Ya never know where you are gonna be fishing.. so by going with extra power you may save yourself in a fishing situation someday... And a 24 volt system or 36 volt is the way to go!!! I run a 65# co-pilot with a 60" composite shaft. And truthfully, I wish I went over 70# on my 24 volt system on my 17' smokercraft out here on Lake Superior on them "gusty" days..