What Shaft Lenth and Thrust for Bow Trolling Motor

[TroutYammer]

I have 2000 16-FT Lund Rebel and am wondering what shaft length and LB Thrust you recommend to mount an electric trolling motor on the bow of this boat? I want to stay with a 12-Volt motor.

Also...since the bow has limited mounting space what models have a small footprint for mouting on the bow?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

[dfv87]

55 LB

54 inch shaft if you fish bigger water, 48 if you are a small lake guy.

[eyebjim]

I think the biggest you can get is 55lb in a 12 volt motor. I would no go any lower. If you fish bigger waters at all I would recommend a 54 inch shaft. The power drive minn kota is a fairly small footprint. I would highly recommend the auto pilot model.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I just plopped a 55lb Terrova with a 54" shaft on my 16' Sylvan. I've only used it once, but I like it so far. For the price difference between a 48" and 54", you might as well get the longer one.

[PerchJerker]

The PowerDrive V2 and the Terrova will have the smallest footprint for mounting on the bow.

55 lbs is the highest thrust you can get with a 12 volt motor.

If I am picturing your boat correctly, it sits low enough to the water that a 48" shaft should be fine, although there's nothing wrong with a 54" shaft ..... the only downside is the extra 6" of space it will take up when not stowed.

There's rebates on the PowerDrive V2s and Terrovas right now. You can check them out HERE

[jwhjr]

I have the 55# 54" Powerdrive on my 16ft Alumacraft and it's plenty powerful enough.

[TroutYammer]

Thanks Everyone! Now I gotta go shopping!

[Charley]

Longer is always better.