Electric trolling motor

[mailman1]

Here goes. I have a 12 ft alm. boat and would like to know what size motor I need to push it. And what kind of battery is good? Any Help?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Good news for you. You will be happy with just about any model you want. A 30lb thrust transom mount will give you all the power you need (about $100). If desired, you can go up from there. For a battery, get a mid-sized deep cycle battery and an automatic charger and you are set for the season.

 

[mailman1]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Now, where is the best place to buy an electric trolloing motor? Any hints?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Electric trolling motor

I can give you a report on batteries; Walmart carries an EverStart Trolling Deep Cycle for around $35. Take care of it and it will take care of you. But, if the performance starts slipping any time during the first year, take it back, get a new one, no charge, no questions asked, no problems.<br /><br />For the motor, I'd go to Academy or Bass Pro. or ebay.

 

[bbalcer]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Get a 65lb trolling motor and you may get up on plane depending on how many calories you take in on a given day.

 

[pom mom]

Re: Electric trolling motor

I used to have a 12 foot aluminum boat with a 30 lb. thust motor. It was too slow and on a windy day, I had trouble getting away from the dock. I upgraded to a 55 lb. thust. It added a good bit more speed and I never got trapped at the dock again.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric trolling motor

You can start your search for trolling motors right here on iBoats. Click the blue MARINE STORE button at the top of this page. Your choices should be MinnKota or MotorGuide. If you don't want to deal with mail order, then Cabelas, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, and nearly any sporting goods store that sells fishing stuff has them. For a battery charger you can use a good quality "smart" battery charger available wherever you by the motor. A portable unit will work fine for you since mounting an on-board charger is a little overhill on your boat. For batteries, bigger is always better. Smallest would be a group size 24 (physical size). I recommend a group size 27. But that decision is based on how hard you fish. If you are out for a couple hours and then back to the dock you can plug in and charge. If you are out all day, then go the larger deep cycle battery. ALWAYS recharge the battery immediately after every outing. Best way to kill a battery is to leave it in a discharged state.