Question for glass boat owners...

[Dave63]

I am looking at picking up a used 17-18 foot fiberglass (150 HP or under) sometime in the next couple of years and I have a question about your trolling motors. I know that on a tin boat a 24V motor is almost a necessity because because the wind kites it all over the place, but does a 12V motor on a glass boat perform adequately since it doesn't get blown around as bad? I don't really care about speed in movement, just battery life and will it move the boat around. I know I'd prefer the 24V, but there are a lot of used boats that have a 12v (and I'd rather spend the money on electronics rather than a new TM unless I have to) and I'd hate to turn down an otherwise good deal. Thanks!

[bassboogieman]

I would not find a 12v T/m adequate for an eighteen foot 'glass boat. Glass is a lot heavier than an alum boat, more load for a 12v troller to get moving. You would not get a full day off a 12 troller, that means carrying a spare battery so you may as well go with a 24v, which would be a minimum for me. If I were (and do) fishing a lot of electric only water, then I'd put a 36v on it.

[Dave63]

That's what I figured. Thank you!

[bamabassman]

NO ! NO! NO !! get the biggest 24 volt you can afford. 36 volt is even better in MY opion.

[lilmule]

70 pd thrust will do with most boats more is better all i have is 72,lasts all day on medium settings. 24 v uses less amps as would 36 even less,but have never owned a 36v

[MIbasser]

I upgraded from a 12v to a 24v this year on my 17' 6" glass boat. The 12v just wouldn't last that long in wind. I did have 2 batteries in the back for the TM just to help extend the life of it so I was already for the 24v when I put it in.

[Dave63]

Thanks guys! That's about what I figured.