trolling motor props

[Merc Joe]

My dad jas an ol minnkota 28# thrust trolling motor & a 55 the 55 took a crap. I took the fiberglass/plastic one off the 55 & put it on the 28# thrust replacing the ol aluminum one the flukes are longer & wider on the plastic/glass one but I think it actually weighs less will that hurt or help the trolling motor when using it in the wind

 

[gm280]

First of all welcome to iboats, always glad to have new members... :welcome:

While I have rebuilt a few trolling motors, I am far from any type expert or pro. I know enough to make me dangerous. However knowing a little about such things, I can't see the prop swap effecting anything. You may get a little more RPMs from the trolling motor because of a lighter prop, but I'm not sure it will be noticeable for the most part. As far as it hurting the trolling motor...I say no problem... Glad to have you aboard though...

 

[steelespike]

Just using prop logic the longer wider blades will likely load the motor more. While the water may cool it well maybe run it full power for 10 or 15 minutes
quickly take it out of the water and see if any heat works it way to the surface of the motor.
The bigger prop may improve handling But may be too much.

 

[scipper77]

I would think that the bigger prop will make the weaker motor choke up in weeds. other than that I think we are dealing with energy equations here. Electrical energy is being converted to heat and propulsion.

If the motor runs at a set number of rpm's you will go faster with the bigger prop.At the same rpm's

If the motor just puts out a voltage and spins at whatever speed it finds equilibrium you might not see much of a difference. Because electrical motors see higher torque at lower speeds you still might see a difference since the bigger prop should slow down the motor. This lower speed with the same power will mean a shorter motor life.

The bottom line is as long as you are prepared to potentially damage the motor, try it and see. I like to tinker and I have no problem personally abusing equipment as long as I am being safe and I have accepted the negative consequences for my actions.

 

[Texasmark]

I really get chapped when you write a lengthy answer and the software doesn't store it so that you can come back to it without having to rethink the whole process if you should accidentally punch the wrong button on your computer.

Here we go again, thanks iboats......pfffffft:

In 1989 I bought a bass boat and ordered a Minn kota remote controlled trolling motor. I deliberately selected the one with the 13" dual blade as I recall, long blade to get the torque a long (moment of inertia) would provide.

This was not a good selection in retrospect as I usually Bass fished and small/short bursts of the motor is what it took to stay on target. The long blade took too long to respond to my satisfaction when stalking prey at low speeds, no wind or current to fight which is where I usually fished.

Additionally as others mentioned the long blades were definitely hampered by "Coon Tail Moss" and other such annoyances.

In retrospect, the Motor Guide with the 1" long 4 blade prop blades would have been much more effective in my user environment. But it depends on what and where.

 

[steelespike]

I also flare when that happens! If I think I'm going to be long I do part of it and post then edit it with more info.
A little at a time if necessary.

 

[Texasmark]

I also flare when that happens! If I think I'm going to be long I do part of it and post then edit it with more info.
A little at a time if necessary.

I usually just "copy" the contents until it loads properly but I forgot this time.