RE: Need help about trolling motor from the experts
2010/01/26 14:19:01
(permalink)
I have a 30# 5 speed minn kota transom mount on my 14' aluminum boat that weighs north of 1200# (with full floor, 2 swivel seats, 4 batteries, homemade livewell, casting deck with 50# bow mount, 6 gal. gas can, 15 hp motor, and all my gear) and I can move my boat on a calm lake at 2.5-2.8 mph on the gps. Throw in some wind or current and I am down around 2 mph. My 50# bow mount can run at 12v or 24v and I literally get thrown from the platform if I put it on 24v and its highest speed. Running just the bow mount in a fairly straight line (not so easy with my older Johnson bow mount) I can get 3.2-3.4 mph on full speed 12v.
For your boat, 30# will be plenty for what you want to do with it but, bigger is always better, at least that's what she said! 17# will work (as long as the motor works ok) but you may be disappointed on windy days and may do better with oars.
You can usually get a brand new 30# minn kota 5 speed on sale at Gander Mtn./DicksSporting or online for $99 to $109. Craigslist is hit or miss. When they do come up, some guys seem to want new prices for used motors. Just keep an eye out.