Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

[Iceking]

I have a 2003 Bone Boats 18'-6" Cape Island boat and are looking to put an electric trolling motor on the bow. The boat and motor weigh about 2200 lbs. Is there a formula for determining the "thrust" needed to propel this boat in a slight/moderate current/wind?<br /><br />Is a Minn Kota Riptide 64 lbs. thrust adequate?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

My experience is to buy the biggest you can afford. You can always turn it down on a calm day, but if you dont have enough, you cant turn it up when the wind blows if its not there. Batteries will last longer if you run a high output motor on a slower speed than a week one on high all day also.

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

64 lbs will be adequate for your boat. The minimum requirement for your size is around 54, so you are still on the low side. It would be nice to run around 80, but you need to justify spending $800 on a motor!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

Try this page, lots of info.<br /><br /> http://mastercatalog04.westmarine.com/0221.asp

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

always remember mo.<br /> mo is better

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

Do you have to have the quiet electric ? Or could you use a small, used, in good condition -remote electric starting, less than 9 hp O B ? You are in salt water MD ? High bay winds mean higher power.

 

[Iceking]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

Sea Six and Richard P.,<br /><br />Thanks for the input. I ended up buying a Minn Kota RT74AP this past weekend and feel ta ti got a sweet deal once you take into consideration the Boca tool offer ($119 value) and the $120 discount I received.<br /><br />I was looking for a quiet engine and this should do the trick.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Determining Thrust for Trolling Motor

Who gives a perk like that ?