Trolling Motor Question

[Troublehook]

Hey guys and gals. I got a question for ya. My parents just baught me this fishing boat, and I am wondering how many pounds of thrust of a trolling motor it would need.

It says 16' on the lisence tab, but when I measured it, I read 14', so I know its one of the two. How much do you think is needed? I would like a hand controlled bow mound but I may have to go for the cheaper transom mount. Also, what do you think the (used) price would be for one, including the battery, and whatever else you need.(I don't know much about trolling motors.)

Thanks for any help!!!

[Greg Clusiau]

12 volt Minn Kota "Edge 40" (hand steer) 45" shaft - $250

[PerchJerker]

Years ago I had a similar boat and had a 12v 36 lb thrust transom mount motor, which worked great on that boat. I could mount it on the transom, or mount it over the gunnel near the bow. It was a simple job to take out the screw and turn the head around so it worked great in either direction, transom or bow. When I mounted it over the gunnel at the bow I put blocks of wood inside and outside the boat so it had something to grip to.

Basically all you need is a deep cycle battery, a battery charger, and a motor. If you can, get a motor that has infinite speed adjustments, vs. having speeds 1-5. The infinitely adjustable ones are much easier to use, and are easier on the battery life.

Good luck, and congrats on the boat!

[Fishin4Life]

I have a 14ft boat similar to that one. I would say 30 lbs thrust would work. If you can afford a slightly bigger one I would do it. On a calm day I can troll at about 2.0 - 2.5. I usually just use mine to help keep me on a line, don't really actually troll a ton with it. Lindy riggin, pitchin into docks, etc. so slow is perfect for my application.

As far as mounting it on the bow. I didn't know you could spin the head around like Perch said. I think I am going to do that one of these days!

Here is mine, under $100 at most stores. Minn Kota Endura 30-lb Thrust Transom Mount Motor 30-in Shaft

[Valv]

I agree with FishingForLife, you should be able to find something within $ 200.00 total including battery.

Ohh, what a coincidence I have a new transom mount 36lbs for sale in the For Sale section....

BTW if you don't need that 5hp on back of your boat, I have a buyer for it....

[Troublehook]

Well I like the idea of puting it on the gunwale if it would work. I also just need it to keep/ get into position. Thanks for all the great info already. Actually its a 4 horse, and right now I plan on keeping it, thouggh I would like to bump up to a 15. I have more to say, I just have to reread the responses so hold on....

[Troublehook]

OK. Perch thanks for the congrats. I am really going to enjoy this boat. We have a bigger boat, but my dad works out of state so this is an easyer size for my mom to launch when Dad is gone. Fishn4life. Will 36lbs be concidered slightly bigger or more like 40 lbs? because I am considering Valv's. thanks again everyone. I will still gladly accept more info.

[Fishin4Life]

36 would be bigger. It should work just great. Watch out for that Valv though, lol just kidding .

[Troublehook]

LOL. Only problem now that I am facing (a big problem) my parents dont seem so interested

[Fishin4Life]

Interested in what? a trolling motor, tell them you need it to feel safe on the lake! LOL just in case the gas motor dies out...

[Troublehook]

Oh i don't think they will believe that. Its got a big ol 6 gallon tank, and starts on the 2nd pull, so the best I can do probally is to to a bunch of chores without having to be asked, and only be helped by them paying for PART of it. whatever. Valv's motor is a good deal, so there is still a chance. Somewhat off topic here, but what do you all think I can do to make this boat nice? i am going to paint it red and grey/white on the outside kinda like some lund boats, and give it a tan colored paintjob on the inside. Just from that it should look a lot better. But I would like to do more. I would kinda like a deck on it but I don't know how/ if it would work.

[Fishin4Life]

There is a lot of posts in the equipment seciont and putting floors in boats. If all you want to do is a deck, like say over the front two seats, Sly (from here) has done that to his boat. I don't think he is around today, but I am sure he would shoot ya over some good information. Or you could read back over some old posts, there is a ton of great information on here.

I would say use the boat as it is. I know you probably want it to look nice, but its a first boat, I wouldn't worry to much about it, maybe focus more on things you may need, such as a homemade livewell, rod storage holders, maybe an anchomate? Just my 2 cents.

[Troublehook]

"homemade livewell"

LOL!!! I have to catch fish to do that right? Well I'm not too good at that yet. but thanks for the tips, I will check out the equipment section. And I probally will stick to the basics, but I would also like some other possibilities.

[Fishin4Life]

I notice your from Apple Valley, any good lakes in that area? I am always looking for new lakes to check out. Getting sick of the same ol same ol. I am no pro either. I am slowly learning from here and also from practice. As my dad always says "you gotta put your time in to be successful". I say back to him "Well how much time!!!!" LOL. Maybe on of these days we could hit up a lake in your area or mine. Let me know trade secrets and such. Let me know.

[Troublehook]

Yeah there are some good lakes. Crystal and Orchard being my favorite. I can't give away any secret spots, because these lake are all really getting pressured. Maybe we could toss a couple lines some day.

[ocf]

I would also try alignment not sure if it has a boat launch tho

[Troublehook]

Have you tried fishing there? If so, how is it? I live REALLY close to there.

[ocf]

its pretty good wasnt in a good spot to cast from but i caught a 13 inch crappie but that was all, im sure you could get some good fish off of that lake you should try it out