Trolling motor Dilemma

[nastyquedawg]

I currently have a 46lbs thrust minnkota trolling motor on my 16ft jon boat that weights about 800lb with me and my gear. I recently purchased a 17ft center console firberglass boat to use in salt water and it weighs about 1700 with me and my gear. I have few questions, 1) does the 46lbs trolling motor have enought power to move me in the fiberglass boat during strong currents 2) will the freshwater trolling motor hold up in thge saltwater if wash after each use? 3)Is there really much difference between the saltwater and freshwater trolling motors other than the color. When I compared the specs onling the only differences was the waterproofness of the footcontrol and the zinc anode that come on the saltwater trolling motor.

1. Using my current trolling and purchasing to quick release brackets will cost $212.
2. A new freshwater trolling with 55lbs of thrust and a newer model will cost $600.
3. A new saltwater trolling motor will cost $800-1000

I am looking for some good advice for someone who has not been dealing with boats a long time. THank you for all your responses in advnance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor Dilemma

A 46# (or a 55# for that matter) on that size boat will have to work pretty hard in a strong current but then it depends on what type of trolling you plan to do and how strong the current is. As a comparison, I have a 55# Minnkota on my pontoon and it does a good job. But my trolling is very slow and wind is more of an enemy than current. A pontoon acts like a sail on a windy day. I'm a fresh water guy so I can't advise you on what happens with a fresh water troller in salt water. It can't be good otherwise they would not be making salt water versions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trolling motor Dilemma

fresh water motors will not hold up in salt water.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Trolling motor Dilemma

Coming from someone who has a freshwater trolling motor and uses it in saltwater. Salt will eat away at the bolts on the mount before your motor wears away. Ive been using mine in saltwater for about 2 years and the motor itself is fine but i have to replace the bolts once a season. The only reason I use it is because it came with the boat. I have a 18ft with 40lb thrust and its enough to move the boat but barely in a strong current/wind. I would say to sell yours on craigslist and buy a saltwater setup if yours is still in good condition but mine is not in good condition so I will use it until it wears away and then buy a saltwater setup.