55lb or 80lb thrust

Thanks to the last post, you guys definitely sold the terrova over PDv2. Now the question is 55lb or 80lb. My boat is a 1994 16ft lund explorer tiller. Not like the newer explorers, but more like a rebel but a little deeper and a shallow v. I currently run a 55lb which pulls the boat just fine. The question I mainly have is what will give me longer run time: an 80lb 24V system or a 55lb 12V system with a back up battery? I already have the two batteries so the 55lb would simply save about $250 on the trolling motor purchase. Whichever I choose, it will have ipilot. Thanks for helping me spend my money!!

80 ,eighty,40+40 … how ever you do it… make it an 80 with a 54 ” shaft.

YOU WONT BE SORRY !

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80 ,eighty,40+40 … how ever you do it… make it an 80 with a 54 ” shaft.

YOU WONT BE SORRY !

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X2
Your already carrying 2 batteries so put both to work for ya
You won’t be sorry having the extra power

Hi Tim,

I have a similar boat to you, 16.5′ G3. I have the 55 PD and I would never buy one again after fishing the Mississippi River on a spring day. I will be buying a 80lb terrova by spring. So if anyone has one for sale let me know Get the 80lb and be happy.

looking at the Lund catalog archive, you’ve only got a 542# hull, unless you’re always working a lot of current, I think the 55# would do the job nicely. I’m running a 55# on my 800# 1650 Rebel XL with no regrets.

HRG

why do you guys always convince me into buying the more expensive option. Oh well, a wise fisherman once said that boat is an acronym for B.ring O.ut A.nother T.housand… gonna be some expensive fillets next season

If you decide to do the 55lb let me know. I have a used one I will sell you, complete with I -pilot. I upgraded to a 24v, 80lb. PM me if interested.

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why do you guys always convince me into buying the more expensive option. Oh well, a wise fisherman once said that boat is an acronym for B.ring O.ut A.nother T.housand… gonna be some expensive fillets next season

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Tim, on a windy day/weekend you are gonna wish you had the 80lb.

Remember I posted I had the PD55/V2US2 with add on I-pilot, I have mine hooked up to 2 group 29’s and have a tad bit lighter boat than yours(Lund Rebel 40hp)even tho I can run all weekend in MOST all conditions,I wish I had the extra $$ to run with the Terrova 80 when I purchased mine.

I am not trying to spend your money but instead trying to help buy what you really need,that extra power will make a HUGE difference on your boat.

Like I said you WONT be sorry !

ALWAYS better to have more power and not need it, than to not have the power and kick yourself in da arsh for not having the extra oomph! Especially in heavy current or big winds.

80lb. you won’t regret it. I switched to 24v on my 16′ and would never go back to a 12v. I can run all day in all conditions and have ran out of juice. Buddy switched to a 24v system this summer also and wasn’t sure if he wanted to spend the extra money but now says its the best thing he’s done.
Not to spend more of your money Tim but then you’ll want a 3 bank on board charger, 2nd best thing I’ve done to my boat. Come home plug it in and you always have fresh batteries.

I would recommend the 80lb.

Go with the 80.Its a night and day difference on run time.

Tim
I feel your pain.
I was asking the same questions. I have a 16 ft Lund Alaskan I think it is an even lighter boat then yours. I went with the 54″ 24 Volt Terrova I pilot link. With the lighter boat you will not run it as hard and your battery life will be longer. I’m not sure how the math works for battery life. 12 volt = more amps pulled but less voltage. 24 volt = move volts but less amps. I think in the end it is about the same life given that the batteries and load are equal on both units.
Another benefit is that because you are not pushing the batteries as hard you should experience longer useful battery life. (If you properly charge them) I added a Minnkota 3 bank on board charger. I have read more damage is done to batteries by overcharging. I have used it quite a bit and have never pushed the batteries too hard. I come home plug in the charger. It is great piece of mind knowing the batteries are being properly charged and maintained.
The second reason was in case I decide to upgrade my boat I can transfer the trolling motor over to the new boat and not take a bath on selling it and buying a 24 volt.
I absolutely love this trolling motor! Spot lock is awesome even in wind and current. It allows me to focus more on fishing and less on boat control.
Bob

Everybody has covered it here: go with the 80. Actually, now that I think of it, might as well get the 101. I upgraded to the 80 and it has changed my fishing life. Sooo much better.

If you have the extra $250 I wouldn’t hesitate to get the 80#. Your going to save battery life with it for sure. 80# will pull you at the same speed on a lower setting than the 55#. I have a Pro-v and my 80# will pull me a round all day long with my batteries in a good walleye chop.

Never in Fishing, under estimate the power you may need someday. Go BIGGER.

I have a 16 1/2 ft Sylvan backtroller (Aluminum) with a 109#, 36 Volt on the bow. Pulls me around all day and tomorrow, thru the thickest weed beds you can find, making salad as we go.

Yes, much of the time it is set pretty low, but a quick twist and were on full POWER to move.

PS: I can get up to 5.5 mph depending on the winds with just the bow mount. Turn my 12 Volt 55# on the back and we can get 6.5-7mph. Oh, wait, slow down, you’re creating a WAKE!

Underpowering is like taking your sister on a date(even if she is good looking). Might be flashy at times but you still know its dead wrong.

I’m kinda notorious for this on boats, but always go bigger, esp with your trolling motor. Sure, you gotta go with 2 batteries instead of one, but you’ll most likely have a lot more than you need, and it’ll be there when you do need it. You can always turn an electric motor down. Nice to have it when you really need to turn it up.

If you go with an 80 (or even a 101) on a light boat, beware the rabbit button, particularly if your standing up in the bow and your trolling motor head is pointed 90 degrees to the boat..

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If you go with an 80 (or even a 101) on a light boat, beware the rabbit button, particularly if your standing up in the bow and your trolling motor head is pointed 90 degrees to the boat..

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No lie. Especially if you’re not the one holding the remote!