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Question - Should I upgrade from a 55LB to larger trolling motor?

chadly

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chadly Contributor

chadly

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I have 05 Lund 1700 Explorer boat with a 55LB powerdrive trolling motor on the front. The dealer will let me upgrade the trolling motor for the price difference between my unit and unit with more thrust. I take a couple trips to Voyagers per year with no access to electricity so when the batteries run out I can't use the trolling motor any more. Right now I run 2 12 volt batteries so I can go for some time between charges.

From the limited use I have had this year it seems the 55LB is ok but may struggle in high winds.

The boats new and on my first charge with 2 batteries I have about 6-8 hours of use under varing conditions with most of the power set between 6-10. The batter meter is still reading 75% on the trolling motor.

What are you thoughts on upgrading, loss of time for batteries vs. overall performance?

Would 65 LBS be enough or shoud I go to 70 if I upgrade?

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bigb56303 Enthusiast

bigb56303

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cant go wrong with bigger that way your always prepared, as for your batterys i dont know if its sensibile for you but what about a solar charger when you cant get to a power source? i dont know how often you go where theres no power but i have herd that they are nice

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chadly Contributor

chadly

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OK I am upgrading. I currently have a 54" Shaft. The dealer has 70LBS in stock but they are in a 60" length. If I remember correctly from looking at the obat the head of the unit will stick out over the side a few inches if I go the extra length.

1. Should I get the extra 6 inches and leave it? Or should I remount. The only issue I have with it sticking out is during docking on that passenger side(couldn't remember if that is starboard or port) of the boat.

2. Have them order a 70LBS in 54"? Dont feel like waiting

3. Get a 65LB in a 54 "? They have in stock.

Cheers

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musky hunter Proficient

musky hunter

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Upgrading to a 24 volt motor should stretch the power budget. Reason: less heat losses due to lower current flow to the motor for the same amount of energy expended. My boat is about the same size, I have 55# thrust, and many times wish I had more. It's only when the wind is strong, the waves a little high, or when you want to go a little faster that it makes any difference at all. I'd get the bigger motor if I could afford it.

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Down Deep Veteran

Down Deep

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I would go with a 24 V system and buy an extra pair of batteries. Unless you are fishing in a gale you should be able to push out 5 days if you watch your power use. You could also drop one set of batteries off at a resort for charging.

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Juan Grande Mentor

Juan Grande

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Chadly,

I have the exact same boat and I upgraded to the 70lb with the 60" shaft. I haven't used it much yet, but the limited experience I've had has been good. The only negative I can think of with the 60" shaft is that the thing bounces around a lot when pulling the boat behind my truck. The shaft is so long that the motor head shakes a lot when I hit bumps.

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