Trolling motor question

[Finch]

I feel like this is a dumb question but I'll ask anyway. If you had a choice to buy a 45 or 55 lb thrust trolling motor for the same price, would you buy the higher thrust one? To me it it seems like a no-brainer but I'm curious why they're both the same price?

 

[Mt Al]

No clue why they're the same price, but 55lb! OTOH, if you have something so small it only can use 45lb, zero benefit for 55lbs, maybe then, but still don't get it because you can just throttle back.

 

[Bubblehide]

is weight a factor?

 

[JD Jones]

Same voltage? (12v / 24v?) if the smaller thrust is 12v and the larger one is 24… add the cost of a second battery.

 

[stanginthe11s]

more thrust = more power both input and output. less run time but you'll get there faster lol. really depends on boat size and weight loaded. if a 45 is borderline you will not save amps over a 55, if a 45 is overkill, then a 55 is a waste. if battery drain isn't a concern then go with 55.

 

[Finch]

Both motors are 12v. My boat is a 16 ft flat bottom aluminum with a 40 hp motor.

I'm really new to all of this. Not sure if the 55 lb thrust would be overkill or not.

 

[roadrunner]

Better to have it and not need it than to want it and not have it.

Go with the 55. You won't have to run top speed the way you would with the 45. On windy days, you'll be glad you went with the 55...

 

[hunt1up]

55 definitely won’t be overkill. Get that.

 

[Mt Al]

55 NOT overkill for that boat, as above!! Pinky swear if you get the 45 you'll be in a slight chop against the wind some day and will start kicking stuff on board wishing you bought the 55 for. the. same. price.

 

[roosiebull]

Both motors are 12v. My boat is a 16 ft flat bottom aluminum with a 40 hp motor.

I'm really new to all of this. Not sure if the 55 lb thrust would be overkill or not.

View attachment 551558View attachment 551559

Not overkill at all, I have a riptide 101 for my little sled and it’s not overkill for my use. It’s a 36 volt, and I’m considering a 36v lithium to streamline, but I would certainly err on the side of bigger for your boat… it will only burn batteries faster if you’re running it hard, but it’s there if you need it. If you’re just trolling it should last the same with either motor, but why not have the bigger one? The actual weight will be very similar too, so that’s not a factor

 

[RSather528]

If the model and specs are the same and it’s just the thrust, 55 for sure. When it comes to accessory available, shaft lengths that’ll work for you, and capabilities to link to finders that is where some extra thought could be had.

No doubt 55lbs is better to have when needed vs wishing you had it.

 

[Tmac]

55 for that boat is the better choice.

 

[Screamrider]

I’d go 55 all day. I use a 70 for my 18 footer and debated between that and a 55. I fish a river with lots of current and I’m happy to have that extra power.

 

[Finch]

Thanks guys. I was hoping you'd say the 55 would be the way to go.

Is it worth getting the quick detach plate for this motor?

Also, if lake fishing, do I need an anchor since I'll have this trolling motor? It doesn't have spot lock and I don't want to spend that kind of money on one.

 

[Finch]

This is what I'm thinking about getting.

Check this out! https://a.co/d/fzSN76G

 

[Fatcamp]

55#. Yes to quick detach plate. Always, always, always carry an anchor.

 

[Finch]

55#. Yes to quick detach plate. Always, always, always carry an anchor.

Thanks. Next thing I'm trying to figure how is anchor type and weight. Do most people use the manual anchor winches? If you can't tell, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to boating.

I guess wiring in a trickle charger for my trolling battery would be a good idea too?

 

[Fatcamp]

Thanks. Next thing I'm trying to figure how is anchor type and weight. Do most people use the manual anchor winches? If you can't tell, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to boating.

I guess wiring in a trickle charger for my trolling battery would be a good idea too?

I would highly reccomend reading through a boater education course or even find one online. Boats are great and I love having them, but it is a dangerous hobby. A litte education goes a long way.

An anchor of 20# will hold that boat. Using a rope to haul it up is all we have ever done. Use a shackle and couple feet of chain to attach the rope to your anchor as they wear don't low. Google anchor line length to learn more.

Keeping a trickle charger on is a good idea but not necessary.

My advice would be to keep everything as simple as possible. I've been boating for years and still stick to that. Best hobby ever.

 

[roadrunner]

Use a mud anchor, the key to setting anchor is the length of line used at approx a 30 - 40 deg angle. So figure the total length needed based on the depth of water, simple trig really.

 

[go4thegusto]

Bigger is better! More is better! Why is this even a question? Lol

More thrust is only needed to move mass. We run electric motors on canoes to bow stands. 30lb performs as well as 55 lb in this case as it is all about prop speed and twist to propel you forward.