Trolling motor big enough?

[san dimas]

Hello everyone;

Do you think a Minn Kota trolling motor with 34# of thrust is big enough to move my 14' Valco through the water OK?
Boat weighs about 175 lbs and people and gear another 550 lbs. I'll be fishing small lakes in the Sierra Nevadas. Some lakes only allow electric motors.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Trolling motor big enough?

Hello everyone;

Do you think a Minn Kota trolling motor with 34# of thrust is big enough to move my 14' Valco through the water OK?
Boat weighs about 175 lbs and people and gear another 550 lbs. I'll be fishing small lakes in the Sierra Nevadas. Some lakes only allow electric motors.

Sounds fine to me....I have a 16' aluminum (over 500# plus 55/8hp motors and gear /people) I use a 28# with. Mine actually calls for 40-55 lbs but it requires a 52" shaft motor and this one came with the boat. I plan on replacing it one day to a foot controlled unit, but am surprised on how well it works. The ONLY time it has been a concern was in 25-30mph winds and even then we moved. I would imagine a 34# would move you pretty well. Minn Kota has a good website that suggests your motor based on your boat if you want to d/c. But I think you are fine.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Trolling motor big enough?

Thanks JSGOLD, I'm going to put it in the lake today and see how it does.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Trolling motor big enough?

Took boat out yesterday and trolling motor worked fine. 2mph into the wind, 3 mph no wind.