What electric trolling motor should I get???

[halvyt]

I have a 18' Lund Pro V and was wondering what electric trolling motor I should get. I have been looking at the terrova by Minn Kota and it seems decent. Is there much of a difference between the Minn Kota motors?? Also how big should I go? I fish pool 4 quite a bit and I know that there can be lots of flow in the spring. I know that I should probably go with a 101 lb but its pretty spendy when you figure in all the add ons....battery's and charger. Would an 80 lb motor get the job done or would that be pushing it? Just looking for some good advice. Thanks

[WaveWacker]

The 80 should be just fine. I have a 65 power drive on the front of my Pro V (1775) and a 74lb vantage on the transom. Truthfully I utilize the Vantage more as I do more back trolling but the bow mount seems to handle the boat just fine.

[halvyt]

I was thinking that the 80 should be fine but I didnt want to look back in a year or two and wished that I should have gotten the 101.

[eyepatrol]

If you've got any concerns, then go with the 101 and leave no room for doubt, regret, hindsight, etc.

Been there, done that where I've "kicked myself in the rear" for not getting something or holding out for something my initial instincts told me to do.

[Shorelunch]

 Originally Posted By: eyepatrol

If you've got any concerns, then go with the 101 and leave no room for doubt, regret, hindsight, etc.

Been there, done that where I've "kicked myself in the rear" for not getting something or holding out for something my initial instincts told me to do.

I'd go with the 101, (36 volt if possible, 24v min) and get the longest shaft length possible.

You can never have too much power in an electric trolling motor.

[tigerbalm2424]

Depending on what/how you fish a excessively long motor shaft can get in the way. I have a 65lb, 60" kota on my 1650 Fish Hawk and its going to be shortened before this coming season! Always wacking the darn thing!

[Shorelunch]

You can always shorten the shaft (with that knob deal) but ya can't lengthen it when you're in waves and your prop is coming out of the water.

[JohnMickish]

I've got a 60" on my 1775 Pro V and there have been times when it comes out of the water. I can't imagine what it must be like with a 54".

[250XB]

I fish pool 4 a few times a year and I have over a 21ft boat with the pro 80 and it does fine. I had group 27 batteries before and they would be drained after about 10 hours. I replaced those with group 29 and can fish all day with no problems.

[loejay]

The 101 would be over kill. I doubt that u would use all of the 80's power. I have 20ft Warrior with 75# motor guide wireless.I fished the fast water below the dam at Oahe with no touble,24 volt 2 - 29 group batterys and can run for 2 days normaly before a charge. Good luck shopping. Motorguide has a program running on their wireless units. Check out Cabelas.

[Pat K]

I have an 18' Stratos with an 80lb and it's handled everything I've asked of it. I have the 60" shaft and would hate to have it any shorter. Nothing more annoying than that "slurp..slurp..slurp" sound in rough water.

[rodmaker]

I would go with what your'e talking about, or the vantage.