Looking for input on trolling motor.

I am going to put a new trolling motor on my fishing boat this year. I have a 1977 Lund Pike with a 35 HP two stroke on it. The trolling motor is ready for an upgrade. The motor is a 1977 and runs well, but I want a good trolling motor as backup since the main motor is now 40 years old. It’s a good old boat, and I don’t feel bad if it sits in the driveway for a weekend in the summer.

I need some input on size of trolling motor. From what I’ve found, a 12 volt 55# thrust motor will probably move the boat around fairly well. For about $350 bucks more, I can get a 24 volt. The 24 volt would be better for longer trips, but would add extra weight with the additional battery and the boat is fairly slow anyway.

I’m also considering moving the trolling motor battery from the bow to the back to try and get a little better speed out of the boat. Having trouble getting on plane with the 35 HP motor with two people and camping gear in it.

I would say 55lb would probably be all you need. Those boats were lighter back then with less “stuff” built in. If you end up running down a battery on longer trips, you could always add a second hooked up in a series when needed. That would allow you to have two batteries when needed, or reduce it to one for normal use. I ran a 55lb motorguide wireless on a 16′ flat on the river (one series 27 battery) and it ran for an entire day without any issues, I’m guessing you’d see similar results, unless you plan on running it hard for hours. You could also run a series 29 or 31 battery for longer run times on that system if you needed to.

If you are worried about running out of battery on a camping trip throw a extra battery in and pull it out at camp. I do that and with extra gas when I am camping on the river.

Thanks for the info. I see there is a 55# on sale right now, so I’ll probably go that route. Good thinking on just bringing the extra battery when needed and leave it at home when not.

I had a 55 lb Terrova on a 16′ tin boat with a 60 hp tiller on it. I was happy with it about 98% of the time. The remaining 2% of the time, and am not sure a 24v motor would have made me any happier.

wimwuen said to hook up 2nd battery in series thats 24v you need too hook up 2nd battery in parallel plus/plus negative/negative for 12 volt and double amps
Stan

The 55# should be all you would need. I have a 55# Powerdrive on a fairly heavy 17′ Lund and that works fine for what I need it for. Then again, I use mine sparingly based on how I fish. If you’re fishing in current or out in a heavy wind your needs might be different. Also if you spend the entire fishing day using it…still a 55# should last on that weight boat for a few days with a single battery.

I’d burn through a group31 50# on my last 14′ boat in a day. It would get used long and hard for that day though. Just bring 2 batteries for long weekends. Most guys as Andy said won’t use as much. PIA getting 2 batteries in the boat, easier for me to just have 2 and stick in a fresh one when needed.

bassn7 wrote:

wimwuen said to hook up 2nd battery in series thats 24v you need too hook up 2nd battery in parallel plus/plus negative/negative for 12 volt and double amps
Stan

You’re right, I always get those mixed up. I know how to hook them up, just never remember which is which when stating it. Thanks for the heads up

I have a 24volt I think 80lb thrust lol power drive with a 60in shaft. I bought it from motor clinic last year and never used it. I paid 700.00 going to put it on Craigslist for about 500.00.
Thanks Matt.