Trolling motor decision

[mrklambrecht]

I have a ranger 17' bass boat that weighs about 1500# loaded. When I bought the boat it came with a motorguide 24v/41# thrust trolling motor that has never worked well, so I'm not sure if this is enough thrust or not. I'm looking to get a new one and am looking at a minn kota 12v/40# thrust edge. I'm wondering if this would work good for my boat or if anyone has any other suggestions.

[K-Driz]

I've got a 16' bass tracker with a 43# motor guide and if it's very windy, that strength of trolling motor doesn't do it for me. So with you're longer boat, it'd probably be better to have at least a 55# trolling motor, especially if it get's very windy where you usually fish.

[mrklambrecht]

Thanks K-Driz. I was in Academy today and found a Minn Kota 55# thrust on clearance for $350 and couldn't pass it up. I will let ya know how well it works. Thanks again.

[bassnman30]

You may wish to check out a 71 pd. thrust by Motor Guide. It's got a 24 volt system, and 5 forward speeds. Very popular model.

[Rebbasser]

I'm with bassnman-that is the TM I have and have been real pleased with it. On a boat that size a 43 lb 12v won't hold it in a strong wind. That I know from personal experience, which is why I have that 24V Motorguide now .

Welcome to the forum, BTW!

[Bender]

Have any of you had any problems with too large of a trolling motor? Th older the boat it seems the smaller the TM, my early 90s 16' has a 28lb. and in any breeze it struggles. I am worried about breaking the welds on the bow though with a bigger one.
Do any have a "soft start" feature so there is not so much shock when you start up in the highest speed?

[Rebbasser]

Not really, Bender. I will say when you have a 71 lb on high pointed left or right it can throw you off balance real quick. If you have an aluminum boat-sounds like you do-a 12V with 40 or so lbs of thrust should work fine.

[bassintom]

my maxxum 74 has the soft start...it's 24 volt.it also has the infinite speed instead of 5 preset speeds which really comes in handy.don't forget the kipawa prop when you get the new motor...don't go with a 12 volt,you will eventually regret it.

[lizardsrule]

Originally Posted by Bender

Have any of you had any problems with too large of a trolling motor? Th older the boat it seems the smaller the TM, my early 90s 16' has a 28lb. and in any breeze it struggles. I am worried about breaking the welds on the bow though with a bigger one.
Do any have a "soft start" feature so there is not so much shock when you start up in the highest speed?

Yes I have broken some welds rotfl I would suggest you mount it with extra brackets, and as many screws/bolts as possible. Tere are moters that come with a slow start, I believe the Minnkota Maxxum is one of them. I just have an old tin can, so I just bolted the heck out of it. When I bought my boat it had a 28 lb thrust, it now has a 50lb thrust , so it can make a difference on how it's mounted.

Lizards

[flfireman]

Mines held on w/ 6 bolts. I got a 50# on my tin can also. Moves me when I need to, strong enough even in a stout wind. Will throw my butt on 4 or 5 if not paying attention.

[PowerBass]

I want to upgrade my TM, froma 46 to at least a 71 lb thrust Minnkota Edge, or the 71 Lb MotorGuide Pro Sereis(for tracker boats) The dge has variable speed and thats somethign defintley comes in handy in a stiff wind or surrent sitatuion

[Vabass22]

I would reccomend minn-kota, over motor-guide, and for your boat, at least a 50#. Its all in personal opinion, but IMO,(and my fishing buddies), minn-kotas are better.
my .02

[Larry]

You can get a wind sock to help you in the wind.....then all you need is a TM to help keep the boat alined

[Wee Vee Bassin]

You can go with any size trolling motor you want on any boat. On my 16' tin boat I have a bow mount 109 motor guide 36 volt. And it will throw you out of the boat if your not careful. As long as you have a good solid mount you will be fine. Having more power than needed is great, Your not out fighting wind on high and trying to fish.