I've never owned one or used one, so looking for advice? I've got a 13 ft. tinny that I'm thinking of getting a electric motor for? Need to know what pound thrust is adequate for decent maneuverability to troll with. Appreciate any comments.
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I've never owned one or used one, so looking for advice? I've got a 13 ft. tinny that I'm thinking of getting a electric motor for? Need to know what pound thrust is adequate for decent maneuverability to troll with. Appreciate any comments.
I don't know enough to help you with thrust but I do know they become a PITA every time the battery dies or needs charging so I went with a 2.5 mercury 4 stroke..... I think it weights 40lbs, great on fuel and pushes my 12' really well....
With a 13 foot aluminum you could get away with a 50lb 12v system no problem. If you ever upgrade to a bigger boat then a 70-80lb and 24v system would be better. I know alot of people do just fine with the 12v 50lb, I doubt you want 2 batteries in that size boat just for the extra thrust of a 24v system. If you do have room though consider a 24v system.
Hey bushmoose I've got a 55lb thrust on my 14'7 deep and wide. It's runs on a 12 volt deep cycle it pushes the boat loaded full of duck and goose decoys and 2 guys at 4mph on GPS. I can run it at least 3 days before I need to charge it if I'm using it for a trolling motor while out fishing. I've had it for 15 years with out any issues. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if something happened to it as I have more than got my money out of it.
Thanks for the replies fella's! It gives me an idea now, to what I should be looking at if that's the route I decide. :thumbup:
I have a 14'..with 40 or 50 lb. Deep cycle CT battery for back lake 4-5 hrs no probs....plenty fast too
I have an old Minn Kota that I have had since the 1970s (I think its a 40 Lb thrust?) - it just keeps running.
We just inherited a 16 ft Starcraft tin pot with a 20 Hp Merc this spring, and with 3 guys in the boat we kept using the electric instead of the Merc for trolling this summer - pushed us just fine at half throttle.
Any good 12 volt should do the job for you on a 13 ft boat.
I used to have a big heavy 16’ Naden with an old 25 Johnson when I lived up in Dryden long ago. I bought a cheap MinnKota 12v transom mount that was under 40lbs thrust. Usually had two heavy adults in the boat, it did fine for many years as a trolling motor. Had it on Wabigoon, Lac Seul and Eagle regularly. Never an issue and the battery would last a solid 8+ hours.
My Dad still uses the same old MinnKota on his 14’ Mirrocraft to this day. That little motor is close to 25 years old...