what size trolling motor

I just bought a 2005 Alumicraft Magnum 165 tiller with a 60 hp Yamaha. My question to you guys is what size trolling motor shoul I put on? It has a battery compartment to strap down one battery. Will a 55 lb. thrust 12 volt work? Thanks for any help.

Ray G.

I have a similar-size Lund 1650 Rebel XL Tiller, and use a 55#/12V Motorguide Xi5. It all depends on how you plan on fishing, if you need to fight current, spend days on an island, etc.

HRG

I don’t think I will be on strong current unless wind blowing hard. How long is the battery life?

Ive got same boat but 2000.
I went 24v 80# 60″ shaft.
I use it for steering when trolling with the tiller as propulsion, use the troller to pull spinners at 1mph, and rigging/jigging in wind or river current.

I e never had battery run time issues. I had group 31 deep cycle interstates but changed last year to group 29 as i never drained the 31s and dont use the boat like i used to any longer.
The boat came to me with an old PD 40 12 volt that just did not do the trick for my needs. The added battery for run time, extra shaft length and weight of the battery are all good additions to the boat. That extra battery in the front when you’re out alone does wonders to keep the bow down when running of rigging.
You could always just add an additional battery to a 12-volt system and get double the runtime, if you’re not fighting heavy current that 55 lb should do you okay. You would also get that additional weight in the front.i cant say that i e ever needed my 80# in this boat but a 40# was a bit light for my like. 55 should do ya and as mentioned a second battery is cheaper than an 80# system. Just dont forget uou would need to charge another battery which may mean a different charger.

Bigger is better. If u can rig 2 batteries and run a 24 volt trolling motor I recommend it. I run a 36 volt Motorguide personally but have a heavy glass boat and fish the River in current sojewhat frequehtly. Bass guy here, Captain Morgan stance for hours sometimes. When I go th the Canadian border I use this set up to troĺl for Walters. My outboard idles too fast for trolling. I am able to troll for many hours provided my batteries are in good shape. In summary, too big is just being prepared.

A lot of it depends on your fishing style/methods and length of fishing outings. Sure, more is generally better, but along with that comes added price and complexity. Only you can really decide on the value of that.

All really great advice. This would be the first time owning a trolling motor, so wasn’t sure about much other than I don’t need a 36v system. I get the idea of ballast at the bow. I think that the battery box should have been on the starboard side instead of the port side because the live well is also port. Any other thoughts is welcomed. Thank you all.

Ray G.

blank wrote:

A lot of it depends on your fishing style/methods and length of fishing outings. Sure, more is generally better, but along with that comes added price and complexity. Only you can really decide on the value of that.

True words.

You’ll never want more motor if you get that 24v 80# Terrova as Mark was saying. However it’s more up front cost. Replacement cost and complexity goes up. If one battery goes bad, you’re buying two. If it’s just time to replace, you’re buying two.

Fishing partner and I have nearly identical 17’foot wheel boats. He’s got the 12v and I’ve got the 24v. It’s a running debate. If you’re not in current or not pulling spinners all day then the 12v seems to win the conversation. Only need one charger for a 12v.