Electric (lake) trolling motor size question

[Bigprairie1]

Anyone have any advice as to the minimum size electric trolling motor I could get away with on a 17' Bayliner Capri/90hp O/B? The boat is in good shape and not too heavy....so I'm thinking maybe I don't need anything too heavy duty here.
I'm starting to putz around the local lake a bit doing a little bit of trout-trolling so I'm not in any need of anything too heavy duty for what I'm dabbling with.
When I'm out I usually go for say....1-2 hrs....calm lake and thats about it.
Quick Info/Update on what I have come across:
I have a line on a 30lb Minn Kota for cheap and I'm wondering if I could away with that on the boat?
Normally I do wet/dry float boat fishing and as a result I'm new to the trolling thing any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks!!
BP

 

[roncoop75]

Re: Electric (lake) trolling motor size question

If it were me I'd look for something larger than a 30 lb.

I've got a 55 on a 16' tin can. I could have probably gotten away with a 45 but it's nice to be able to snap the front of the boat around and pull it away from something quickly if it's drifting somewhere I don't want to go. I doubt a 30 would throw it around like that. And your boat is heavier and longer yet.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Electric (lake) trolling motor size question

i would go with a 55.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Electric (lake) trolling motor size question

On my 14' Niagara a 44# MinnKota will do OK up to about 2mph. So Lake Trout and Walleye can be trolled with it. But for salmon speeds I have to go with the main motor to be efficient or in good control.

I would suggest at least a 55 on your boat, maybe bigger.

Or just get a trolling plate to slow you down. Depending on water temp and (related) time of year, and tackle, lakers can be had from .5 mph to 1.8 mph although I have nailed quite a few at nearly 3mph.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Electric (lake) trolling motor size question

Wow....well first I have to apologize for what is probably a somewhat redundant post given the amount of 'motor size' questions and feedback I am seeing.
To be quite honest this is my first time on Iboats to visit and notice the electrics/+/Trolling motors section...I'm a bit embarrassed.:redface:
Regardless, great responses and that gives me a lot to go on. I think I'll keep looking for something a little larger than the 30lb motor I saw.
Again, many thanks guys!!
BP