Trolling motor thrust question

[IGH70]

How do you figure what size trolling motor would be best for your boat? I want enough power to go through the wind but yet I dont want so much that I am wasting battery juice. I have a 15' aluminum V-bottom Sea Nymph with a 40hp motor. I figure most of the time I will have 2 adults in the boat but sometimes have a couple kids too. Any help would be great.
I was thinking around 40lb thrust but now I'm not sure.Maybe 28lb would be enough.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling motor thrust question

Go with the 40lbs. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it. But if you ever need that extra thrust in an emergency, you have it. It does happen.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor thrust question

28 will be marginal in very windy conditions. 40 would be a good choice. When chosing a motor, consider spending a little more money for one that has Maximizer circuitry (MinnKota terminology). These motors are very battery friendly and provide much longer run time.

 

[IGH70]

Re: Trolling motor thrust question

What is Maximizer circuitry ? Never heard of that before. How do I know if it has that?

 

[wileecoyote985]

Re: Trolling motor thrust question

Maximizer circuitry is Minn Kota's technique for conserving battery power. It consists of circuitry that (at lower speed settings) sends pulses of power to the motor instead of a steady flow. These pulses vary with the speed setting.

With the old technology (i.e. speed coils) you are generally drawing nearly full power from your battery even when you are using the lower speeds. The power that isn't needed to turn the motor is converted into heat energy (in effect wasted).

Something to consider is that with a higher output motor, you will use full power much less. This will allow your battery to last longer while you're fishing, provided you do get the Maximizer.

I've got a 15' Klamath with a 30hp and recently installed a 55 pound thrust Minn Kota Powerdrive on it. I'm very happy with the Kota so far, although I haven't used it in very windy conditions. I don't think I'd have been satisfied with a 40 pound thrust on my rig though.

Just a FWIW

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor thrust question

Good description. I too run a MinnKota PD and fish hard from early morning to nightfall. Plug in for an hour over lunch and have never come close to running down the battery.