Trolling Motors

Copper · Post by **Copper** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:49 pm

I have inherited a 14' jon boat, which I am trying to convert into a bass rig.Which size trolling motor would be sufficiant for it,lbs. of thrust ????

sh03z · Post by **sh03z** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:56 pm

30 lbs Thrust.

I have a 43 for my 17' Lund (aluminum), and that thing flies accross the water like you've never seen.

Anything above 32 is too much.

Get yourself a gel-cell marine deep cycle battery. It should last for days on end.

johnnie crain outdoors · Thu Mar 25, 2004 3:42 am

Mike is right, 30 pounds is plenty, I wouldn't go less though because flat bottoms can get easily pushed around by wind and waves. A good battery is essential so you don't go too far and can't get back on a windy day, if the troller is your chief power supply. Good luck, Johnnie

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:32 am

When I fish out of Jon boats I have a transom mount 52 pound thrust 12 volt motor. Now that thing flies. The bigger motor didn't really cost a lot more money but when my buddies and I goof around and have Jon boat tourneys I always blow them away in the speed department.

LOL Once I secrectly stashed 2 extra batteries and 2 extra trolling motors in the boat. (For a total of 3 transom mount motors) Once they started going I strapped the extra motors to the back of the boat. When I was done jacking around I had (2) 52 lb thrust motors and (1) 44 lb thrust motor. I had so much dang power that I almost tipped myself out of the boat when I took off. My buddies were laughing so hard when I flew by them. They said leave it to me to think of something shady like that.

It really worked well though. I just locked the two outer motors in the forward position and steered with the center motor. A little word of caution though. If you ever decide to get crazy and try this be sure not to turn your center motor too far unless you have A LOT of clearance on both sides. It makes a bad sound when two spinning props collide under water.

JT Bagwell

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 3:31 pm

Buy the largest you can afford! I have a 43 lb thrust on a 15' 50" bottom Alweld and plan on buying a 55 lb thrust. Aluminum boat a light and are easily blown around by the wind.

johnnie crain outdoors · Tue Mar 30, 2004 4:22 am

J.T. you're not planning on using that power blaster at Lake George by any chance? LOL! Guess I'll folow you around and pick up all the fish that come up to see what all the commotion is about. LOl. See ya there. Johnnie :rolleyes:

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Tue Mar 30, 2004 3:31 pm

LOL Johnnie it was at Lake George where I did that. It was so funny except when I almost went overboard.

I am going to pick up my new Triton TR20 next week and I better check to see if I can get a 500 pound thrust Minn Kota on the front. LOL

JT Bagwell

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Tue Mar 30, 2004 7:11 pm

There are a few things I will not put up with while fishing and a weak trolling motor is one. I fish Toledo Bend which is 2 1/2 mile wide and 65 miles long, most of the big fish are in the grass beds, out on the main lake. So with wind & grass you need all the trolling motor you can afford.

jeremy_221 · Post by **jeremy_221** » Tue Mar 30, 2004 7:31 pm

I have a 30lb. Minnkota trolling motor and it is great for my 12' aluminum boat. Like the others have said, a powerful battery is important. I purchased a battery from walmart, and it holds its charge very well. 36lb. thrust is another good choice. My uncle owns one and it gets him where he needs to go. Hope you all have good luck on the water. Fish, its good for you!

johnnie crain outdoors · Wed Mar 31, 2004 12:07 am

JT, I suggest a 20 pound thrust-hand controlled transom mount trolling motor for your new Triton-12 volt only!! LOL. Johnnie :rolleyes: