I just bought a boat, 2003 Tracker SuperGuide V16 and I need to buy a trolling motor for it. How many lbs. of thrust do I need? The boat is 16′ 6″ long and weighs about 1000 lbs with motor. I’m not including anchors, equipment, people, etc. I’ll be fishing the Mississippi with it, including the backwaters and wingdams on the main channel.
I would go with at least a 24 volt of some type. It is better to be over powered than under. You can always run it on a lower speed and your batteries will last longer also.
I wouldn’t go less with 70. I have a 16.5′ Alumacraft and like the 70. Your boat’s a little heavier, so I’d say 70 is a minimum with 80 maybe being a better option.
dont skimp go 24 volt the miss can get windy an hard to control a boat
24 vdc 80# would be the ticket for the river 
Get the Terrova 80 wiht iPilot if you can afford it and don’t look back
I have an Alumacraft Backtroller 17 and for years I had a Minnkota 565 on it. I believe it was a 36 lb thrust in the 12 volt fashion. It served me well for a lot of years. The 12 volt battery would not last all day. I now went to a 70lb 24 volt and am wondering how I managed before. I can run all day and still have 60% battery power left. Go with at least 70-24v
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Get the Terrova 80 wiht iPilot if you can afford it and don’t look back
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Get the Terrova 80 wiht iPilot if you can afford it and don’t look back
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Get the Terrova 101 36 volt system and water ski behind it. 
Terrova 80#
I’d asked the same question about trolling motor size for a similar size boat last year, particularly for use on the river.
The answer was 24v motor at a minimum which puts you in the appropriate thrust ranges anyway.
I got a deal on a Powerdrive V2 24v 70lb and I’ve been very happy. Cost was a factor and I got the motor used as well… but if I could have went new, would have been a Terrova.
Definitely want to stick to 24v system at a minimum.
Don’t forget about quality batteries. I would also suggest going as big as possible on the batteries. At least 29’s in my opinion.
Good Luck ,
FDR
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Don’t forget about quality batteries. I would also suggest going as big as possible on the batteries. At least 29’s in my opinion.
I would think quality group 29’s (like Interstate) with a 80# Terrova would provide more than enough power and control for that boat.
I would absolutely go with the 80# terrova(unless you want cable driven). I have a 16.5′ alumacraft lunker and will be putting a 80# terrova w/60″ shaft w/iPilot and universal sonar. It may be more than I need, but I don’t want any situation to occur and not be prepared. Also, when I move up in boat size in a few years, I’ll already have this investment paid for. I currently have a 50 and am not happy with the performance. If current or wind is up, I need to put the big motor on and use the bow to steer.
Thanks for the great insight. Now I know that a 24 volt system is a must so that’s the way I’ll go for sure. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on it so I’m hoping to find a good used one before spring comes. If anyone has a good 24 volt minn kota with universal sonar that they are looking to sell, let me know.
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Thanks for the great insight. Now I know that a 24 volt system is a must so that’s the way I’ll go for sure. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on it so I’m hoping to find a good used one before spring comes. If anyone has a good 24 volt minn kota with universal sonar that they are looking to sell, let me know.
I have a 74# thrust Maxxum,24 volt that came on the new boat to me that I’m going to sell. I have not run it in the water as of yet, But have run it just to make sure it worked. New it runs about $650-$700. I’d be willing to seperate with it for $450.
Does your Maxxum 74# thrust have the Universal Sonar built into it? What is the shaft length? I need a 54″ shaft. Also, what year is it? I don’t see a 74# Maxxum on the new list of motors on Minn Kota’s site. I know they are always changing something on them every year.
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