You’re a prospective buyer going into a boat dealership. You ask about trolling motor thrust, but the salesman uses words you don’t understand.
He also talks about bow-mounted and transom-mounted motors. You have no idea what he means.
Finding a trolling motor may seem like a daunting task, but a few calculations will guide your path. Keep these two things in mind: thrust power and boating activity.
The primary function of any trolling motor is to push or pull a boat. Here, we will show you what size trolling motor you need, regardless of the boat.
Learn Thrusting Power
In boating terms, you measure the thrusting power in pounds. Thrust pounds vary between 18 lbs. and 112 lbs., with the most common being 55 lbs.
From there, consider what type of battery you need to power the boat. Low-power thrust motors only require a single 12V battery. Heavier motors, such as an 86 lb. engine, might call for a 24V battery. Finally, the 112 lb. range motors need a 36V battery.
You need two lbs. of thrust for every 100 pounds of weight.
If you have a 2,000-lb boat, for example, adhere to the following formula:
- (2000/100) * 2 = 40 lbs.
Further, you need more thrust power to push heavier boats forward.
However, thrust power does not necessarily mean enhanced speed. Speed pertains to the RPM of the motor and the prop pitch of the propeller.
What Size Trolling Motor for Different Activities?
Boating is a healthy activity, but to get the most of your time, you must choose the right motor for your activity.
Buy a bow mount to install on the front of your boat if you enjoy fishing. Bow mounts pull boats forward.
It also allows you to angle and maneuver your boat efficiently. There are many bow mount motors on the market, such as the Minn Kota Terrova 112.
Transom mounts are the best choice for smaller boats, such as canoes, because they push the boat forward. They also protect the motor against grounding.
Bow mounts have added flexibility in terms of wireless function and hand/foot options. Transom motors are cheaper, but they have fewer features.
- Note: To safeguard against saltwater, invest in a salt-water-proof trolling motor.
You must also know the run times of the batteries to avoid getting stranded in the water. For instance, a boat with a 50 lb.-thrust motor will draw 20 amps at medium speed, equating to five hours of runtime.
To know your boat’s runtime, divide 100 amp-hours by the amp draw.
Get Trolling with Your New Motor
The next time you ask yourself what size trolling motor you need, consider the type of boat you have. Is it for fishing, sailing, or cruising?
If uncertain about the trolling motor, the most important calculation to keep in mind is thrust per pound.
Boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, absorb the sun, and breathe the fresh air. Visit our lifestyle section to gain more insight into living a healthy life.
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