Minnkota Question

[jackpine]

Hi All,<br /><br />I am new to the forum and I have a question that I was hoping to get some feedback on. I am wondering if a Minnkota trolling motor would be powerful enough to push a 14ft aluminum for a days worth of fishing on a lake roughly 2km x 2km. If the wind came up would I have problems? I own a camp on a secluded lake and have to take a motor back and forth so I am considering buying an electric motor. Any info would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks All<br />Take Care

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Minnkota Question

You should be fine, with trolling motor that has at least 30-40 lbs of thrust variable speed...<br /><br />You can always have two batteries also...

 

[JB]

Re: Minnkota Question

Howdy, Jackpine.<br /><br />A sweet little JohnnyRude 3 to 6hp outboard and a 3 gallon tank (or a gallon jug if it has an integral tank) are a lot less trouble than an electric troller plus big enough battery for an all-day trip plus charger. The 8 to 12 hour recharge time on the deep cycle battery can also be a pain in the butt.<br /><br />I had a similar situation many years ago with a SportYak II. Tried both and found my little Johnny 3 with integral tank a far superior arrangement for all-day trips. . . and ready to go at a minute's notice. Extensive trolling plus relocating never used a whole gallon of premix.<br /><br />Of course, there are lakes where gas power is banned.<br /><br />If you do go with an electric don't scrimp. The more sophisticated motors with pulse width modulated speed control use far less energy than the cheapies, even at full speed. Use only deep cycle batteries (I recommend that you get 2) with double the capacity you think you need, and an automatic charger designed for deep cycle, automatic charging.<br /><br />I will move this to Electronics and Trolling Motors where it will get more suitable answers.<br /><br />Good luck.