Bow mounted trolling motor thrust??

[ripper]

I have a 16ft s/c with a 25h fishing boat and I'll looking to intall a bow mount trolling motor. What size thrust should I be looking for? Any recommendations on either Minn Kota or Motor Guide??

[VMS]

55lb thrust would be plenty on that size rig. Just make sure you get a shaft length long enough. I'd consider 48" to be pretty good (assuming it is a standard V-hull boat)

I prefer Minn Kota, but I would bet both are pretty comparable. Motorguide had some issues a while back, but I have not heard of many problems as of late.

Steve

[sparcebag]

I've got a 16ft. crestliner with 40lb. thrust minnkota bow mount wish it was more powerful on windy days.

[Rivernut]

Definitely Minnkota. I have a 16ft,with a 25 on it. I have a 40lb Minnkota. Works fine most of the time. Next one will be 55lbs.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Ripper,

I would not go with anything smaller then a 65# thrust with a 54" shaft. If there is room for the extra battery, go with a 24 volt. More power and the batteries will last longer.

You can never have to much power on a bow mount!!

I have a 1775 Pro V and have upgraded from a 65#, 12 volt, 48" to a 85#, 24 volt, 60" and still wish I had more power at times! Wind is a BIG factor.

Cliff

[Northlander]

55# pound at least and 65 if you can. If you can go 24 volt do so. Like said above you can never have too much bow mount.

[ripper]

Thanks everyone for the info!

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I agree that you can't have too much thrust. I put a #65 on the front of a 16' and it was a major improvement over the old #48. One thing to look into is buying a factory reconditioned unit from Minn Kota. I purchased one that had never seen the water for $175 less than retail and it included a warranty. It had suffered external damage during shipping and was repaired. Looked brand new. You can find them at some marine electronics retailers.

[Chuckster]

ditto. I just purchased a 55# with a 54 in. shaft w/universal sonar for very cheap. This was a reconditioned motor as well, never seen the water, and still has warranty. Sometimes you will have to call though, not all stores advertise these.

[traveler]

You can check out the bargain bin at Cabelas online right now; they have a bunch of reconditioned Minn Kotas there...just not the one I want, of course:(