Choosing a Trolling Motor
What information do you need to base decisions when picking a trolling motor? Especially if you have never owned one of your own? The best decisions can be made from people you know that own a trolling motor. Inquire about the pros and cons of a particular brand trolling motor from their owners; most will be more than happy to share their feelings on a particular trolling motor and why they chose the one they chose.
Once you have an idea of what brand you might prefer, or not, this guide will walk you through some different considerations and may help you to make a final decision.
Thrust: Too Much or Too Little?
Mount Type: Bow Mount vs. Transom Mount?
Shaft Length: Too Long or Too Short?
Control Type: Hand, Foot or Remote?
Motor Voltage: 12, 24 or 36?
Batteries and Chargers
Additional Features
Thrust
Arguably the most important consideration is how much thrust do you actually need. Thrust, measured in pounds (lbs) is the equivalent of lbs torque in your automobile engine. The larger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you'll need to achieve the desired results on the water. If there's one thing you want to avoid, it's purchasing a trolling motor with too little thrust. Nothing kills a day on the water quite like an underpowered trolling motor that you have to run on high speed all day and runs your battery down in a matter of a couple hours. So how much thrust do you need? You should consider three factors: boat weight, length, and your typical fishing conditions, with boat weight being the most important factor.
Boat weight is the most important consideration to take into account when choosing a trolling motor. A good rule of thumb is that you want a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100lbs. When figuring boat weight, make sure you calculate the heaviest potential weight which include a boat fully loaded with gear, fuel and the maximum number of passengers.
The second most important factor to consider is boat length. Our chart below will give you a good starting point for the thrust range you should be considering given your boat size.
BOAT LENGTH(FT) MINIMUM THRUST(LB) MAXIMUM WEIGHT(LB) MINIMUM THRUST(LB)
12'-14' 35 1500 30
14'-16' 40 2000 40
17' 50 2500 50
18' 55 3000 60
19' 65 3500 70
20' 75 4000 80
21' 80 4500 90
22'+ 80-101 5000 100
If your boat happens to fall into two different thrust categories based on these charts, we'd suggest using the minimum thrust recommend via the weight method since it is the number one consideration.
Finally, where you spend most of your time fishing and your fishing style should play into your decision. If you usually fish on smooth lakes with little or no current and your fishing brush piles and droop offs, you should be able to stick to the listed minimum thrust without problems. However, if you spend most of your time in significant currents or waves such as rivers, or you spend most of your time crank baiting the shoreline you'll definitely want to move up a level or two in thrust to ensure ample power and minimal battery drain in all conditions.
Mount Type – Bow vs. Transom
The two primary trolling motor mounts for fishing boats are bow (front) and transom (rear). Each have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Bow Mounts
Bow mount trolling motors are the most popular type, especially with medium to large boats. One of their most notable advantages is that they provide significantly better control. Since a bow mount motor pulls the boat through the water instead of pushing it from behind it makes steering much more precise and increases maneuverability. The main factor, for a bow mount trolling motor, is that you will need a large enough flat deck on the front of the boat for installation. A lot of smaller boats just do not have the room.
Transom Mounts
Transom mount trolling motors are popular with smaller boats and are easier to install than bow mount trolling motors. Transom mounts easily attach to the boat's stern with a simple clamp and do not require the drilling and installation of bolt plates. Transom mounts are also much easier to operate from the back of the boat on non-decked boats and they don't clutter up the boat with foot pedals or cords. For smaller un-decked boats, transom mount trolling motors is the preferred choice. Decked boats on the other hand, such as bass boats would be very difficult to use a transom mount trolling motor. Do to their simpler design, transom mounts also tend to be less expensive than their counterparts.
Shaft Length
Selecting the proper shaft length is critical. You want to make sure the motor's shaft is long enough to keep the propeller submerged in rough water conditions, but not so long that it prevents you from entering shallow waters by hitting bottom.
The following chart (provided by Minn Kota Motors) gives guidance on what length shaft to choose. You'll need to measure the distance from either the bow or transom to the waterline. For bow mounted motors, consider stepping up a length if you'll be operating frequently in rough or choppy waters that may pull the bow up further out of the water.
TRANSOM GUIDE
Transom to Waterline Recommended Shaft Length
0"-10" 30"
11"-16" 36"
17"-22" 42"
Over 22" Consult Factory
BOW GUIDE
Bow to Waterline Recommended Shaft Length
0"-16" 36"
16"-22" 42"-45"
22"-28" 48"-52"
28"-34" 54"-62"
Control Type
There are three possible methods for controlling your trolling motor – by hand, foot pedal, or wireless remote. Each have their pros and cons, which we've outlined below:
Hand Control
Controlled by manually moving the motor head / shaft via an extension handle.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Simplest method of motor control Requires a sitting position
Perfect for transom mount applications Can only be controlled from motor
Most affordable Not compatible with Autopilot or Copilot technology
Foot Pedal
Controlled by operating a pedal with the foot. Trolling motor foot pedals are available in both cable and remote models. Cable foot pedals move an actual cable within the pedal housing to operate the motor while remote pedals send electronic signals from the pedal to the motor.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Hands free operation – Use both hands to fish Pedal cord can clutter the deck
Can operate from anywhere on the boat More expensive than hand control
Wireless Remote
Controlled via a wireless remote control, such as the Minn Kota CoPilot Remote, Minn Kotai-Pilot System orMotorGuide Wireless Remote.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Complete wireless freedom – operate anywhere Most expensive control option
Uncluttered deck and optional GPS positioning Potential to lose remote
Motor Voltage
Now lets talk voltage and power drain. The larger the motor you have, the larger voltage system required to power it. The manufacturer generally takes care of matching the proper voltage required with the motors and will not give you an option on the number of batteries needed. Higher voltage systems provide more power for higher thrust motors and also run longer as well. The drawback being the expense for multiple 12 volt batteries. All trolling motors require 12 volt batteries and the optional systems are as follows:
Which configuration is right for you? Again, the model you have chosen by the thrust you need will normally dictate the required number of batteries. The higher thrust motors will require either a 24 or 36 volt system, requiring the appropriate number of batteries for proper operation. Lower thrust motors will generally be a 12 volt system, requiring only a single battery.
Keep in mind, if you tend to fish frequently, and throughout the entire day, you may want to consider a 24 or 36 volt system. If you're out on the water often and for long periods, you'll definitely want the added run time offered by the voltage of multiple batteries. If you're more of a weekend fisherman and stay out for less than 8 hours straight, a 12 volt system will likely meet your needs with ample thrust based on your boat's size and weight.
Batteries and Chargers
It's important that you use a high-quality marine deep cycle battery. These batteries are designed to provide a steady stream of current, as well as to be drained and recharged over and over. Also, don't depend on your ignition battery for your trolling motor. USE A SEPERATE BATTERY. If you are miles from the boat ramp and you drain the primary battery trolling down the bank, it's a long float back and your trailer better be downstream!
There are three types of battery chargers:
Portable: Uses AC power to charge, and is temporarily hooked up to batteries for charging, then removed. Can be stored when not in use.
On-board: Also uses AC power to charge, but is mounted to the boat for convenience and permanently wired to the trolling motor battery.
On-board DC: Uses DC power from the alternator when your primary engine is running to recharge the trolling motor battery.
Make sure your battery charger is designed for the correct number of banks. The number of “banks” refers to how many batteries a charger can charge at the same time. A two bank charger is capable of charging two batteries at the same time on a 24 volt system. The charger amperage rating refers to how fast it can recharge the batteries. The higher the amperage rating the quicker your batteries will be charged and ready to go again.
Additional Bells and Whistles
AutoPilot
Only certain Minn Kota models offer an AutoPilot feature. This feature use a compass to automatically keep you heading in a straight line while compensating for wind, waves, and currents. If you want to follow a shelf, shoreline or just keep a straight course over open water an AutoPilot is an awesome feature.
Many Minn Kota models come equipped with the AutoPilot feature for an additional cost. Be aware there is also an Autopilot upgrade for these same models that were purchased purchased before the AutoPilot was introduced..
Sonar Transducer
Specific models can also come with a built-in sonar transducer on the bottom of the motor shaft for use with a fishfinder. The built-in transducer will as often provide a superior view of activity under the water as compared to thru the hull transducers. The draw back being that you cannot use it as a depth finder when the trolling motor is pulled up while the boat is moving.
Battery Indicator
Many motors come with a build-in battery status indicator, which tells you how much power is left in your battery. This is an invaluable tool in monitoring available power and knowing when to call it a day.
Minn Kota and Motorguide Trolling Motors Sold Well Below Retail at: www.djsmarinelectronics.com
Once you have an idea of what brand you might prefer, or not, this guide will walk you through some different considerations and may help you to make a final decision.
Thrust: Too Much or Too Little?
Mount Type: Bow Mount vs. Transom Mount?
Shaft Length: Too Long or Too Short?
Control Type: Hand, Foot or Remote?
Motor Voltage: 12, 24 or 36?
Batteries and Chargers
Additional Features
Thrust
Arguably the most important consideration is how much thrust do you actually need. Thrust, measured in pounds (lbs) is the equivalent of lbs torque in your automobile engine. The larger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you'll need to achieve the desired results on the water. If there's one thing you want to avoid, it's purchasing a trolling motor with too little thrust. Nothing kills a day on the water quite like an underpowered trolling motor that you have to run on high speed all day and runs your battery down in a matter of a couple hours. So how much thrust do you need? You should consider three factors: boat weight, length, and your typical fishing conditions, with boat weight being the most important factor.
Boat weight is the most important consideration to take into account when choosing a trolling motor. A good rule of thumb is that you want a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100lbs. When figuring boat weight, make sure you calculate the heaviest potential weight which include a boat fully loaded with gear, fuel and the maximum number of passengers.
The second most important factor to consider is boat length. Our chart below will give you a good starting point for the thrust range you should be considering given your boat size.
BOAT LENGTH(FT) MINIMUM THRUST(LB) MAXIMUM WEIGHT(LB) MINIMUM THRUST(LB)
12'-14' 35 1500 30
14'-16' 40 2000 40
17' 50 2500 50
18' 55 3000 60
19' 65 3500 70
20' 75 4000 80
21' 80 4500 90
22'+ 80-101 5000 100
If your boat happens to fall into two different thrust categories based on these charts, we'd suggest using the minimum thrust recommend via the weight method since it is the number one consideration.
Finally, where you spend most of your time fishing and your fishing style should play into your decision. If you usually fish on smooth lakes with little or no current and your fishing brush piles and droop offs, you should be able to stick to the listed minimum thrust without problems. However, if you spend most of your time in significant currents or waves such as rivers, or you spend most of your time crank baiting the shoreline you'll definitely want to move up a level or two in thrust to ensure ample power and minimal battery drain in all conditions.
Mount Type – Bow vs. Transom
The two primary trolling motor mounts for fishing boats are bow (front) and transom (rear). Each have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Bow Mounts
Bow mount trolling motors are the most popular type, especially with medium to large boats. One of their most notable advantages is that they provide significantly better control. Since a bow mount motor pulls the boat through the water instead of pushing it from behind it makes steering much more precise and increases maneuverability. The main factor, for a bow mount trolling motor, is that you will need a large enough flat deck on the front of the boat for installation. A lot of smaller boats just do not have the room.
Transom Mounts
Transom mount trolling motors are popular with smaller boats and are easier to install than bow mount trolling motors. Transom mounts easily attach to the boat's stern with a simple clamp and do not require the drilling and installation of bolt plates. Transom mounts are also much easier to operate from the back of the boat on non-decked boats and they don't clutter up the boat with foot pedals or cords. For smaller un-decked boats, transom mount trolling motors is the preferred choice. Decked boats on the other hand, such as bass boats would be very difficult to use a transom mount trolling motor. Do to their simpler design, transom mounts also tend to be less expensive than their counterparts.
Shaft Length
Selecting the proper shaft length is critical. You want to make sure the motor's shaft is long enough to keep the propeller submerged in rough water conditions, but not so long that it prevents you from entering shallow waters by hitting bottom.
The following chart (provided by Minn Kota Motors) gives guidance on what length shaft to choose. You'll need to measure the distance from either the bow or transom to the waterline. For bow mounted motors, consider stepping up a length if you'll be operating frequently in rough or choppy waters that may pull the bow up further out of the water.
TRANSOM GUIDE
Transom to Waterline Recommended Shaft Length
0"-10" 30"
11"-16" 36"
17"-22" 42"
Over 22" Consult Factory
BOW GUIDE
Bow to Waterline Recommended Shaft Length
0"-16" 36"
16"-22" 42"-45"
22"-28" 48"-52"
28"-34" 54"-62"
Control Type
There are three possible methods for controlling your trolling motor – by hand, foot pedal, or wireless remote. Each have their pros and cons, which we've outlined below:
Hand Control
Controlled by manually moving the motor head / shaft via an extension handle.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Simplest method of motor control Requires a sitting position
Perfect for transom mount applications Can only be controlled from motor
Most affordable Not compatible with Autopilot or Copilot technology
Foot Pedal
Controlled by operating a pedal with the foot. Trolling motor foot pedals are available in both cable and remote models. Cable foot pedals move an actual cable within the pedal housing to operate the motor while remote pedals send electronic signals from the pedal to the motor.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Hands free operation – Use both hands to fish Pedal cord can clutter the deck
Can operate from anywhere on the boat More expensive than hand control
Wireless Remote
Controlled via a wireless remote control, such as the Minn Kota CoPilot Remote, Minn Kotai-Pilot System orMotorGuide Wireless Remote.
Advantages:/Disadvantages:
Complete wireless freedom – operate anywhere Most expensive control option
Uncluttered deck and optional GPS positioning Potential to lose remote
Motor Voltage
Now lets talk voltage and power drain. The larger the motor you have, the larger voltage system required to power it. The manufacturer generally takes care of matching the proper voltage required with the motors and will not give you an option on the number of batteries needed. Higher voltage systems provide more power for higher thrust motors and also run longer as well. The drawback being the expense for multiple 12 volt batteries. All trolling motors require 12 volt batteries and the optional systems are as follows:
- 12 volt systems – 1 battery required
- 24 volt systems – 2 batteries required
- 36 volt systems – 3 batteries required
Which configuration is right for you? Again, the model you have chosen by the thrust you need will normally dictate the required number of batteries. The higher thrust motors will require either a 24 or 36 volt system, requiring the appropriate number of batteries for proper operation. Lower thrust motors will generally be a 12 volt system, requiring only a single battery.
Keep in mind, if you tend to fish frequently, and throughout the entire day, you may want to consider a 24 or 36 volt system. If you're out on the water often and for long periods, you'll definitely want the added run time offered by the voltage of multiple batteries. If you're more of a weekend fisherman and stay out for less than 8 hours straight, a 12 volt system will likely meet your needs with ample thrust based on your boat's size and weight.
Batteries and Chargers
It's important that you use a high-quality marine deep cycle battery. These batteries are designed to provide a steady stream of current, as well as to be drained and recharged over and over. Also, don't depend on your ignition battery for your trolling motor. USE A SEPERATE BATTERY. If you are miles from the boat ramp and you drain the primary battery trolling down the bank, it's a long float back and your trailer better be downstream!
There are three types of battery chargers:
Portable: Uses AC power to charge, and is temporarily hooked up to batteries for charging, then removed. Can be stored when not in use.
On-board: Also uses AC power to charge, but is mounted to the boat for convenience and permanently wired to the trolling motor battery.
On-board DC: Uses DC power from the alternator when your primary engine is running to recharge the trolling motor battery.
Make sure your battery charger is designed for the correct number of banks. The number of “banks” refers to how many batteries a charger can charge at the same time. A two bank charger is capable of charging two batteries at the same time on a 24 volt system. The charger amperage rating refers to how fast it can recharge the batteries. The higher the amperage rating the quicker your batteries will be charged and ready to go again.
Additional Bells and Whistles
AutoPilot
Only certain Minn Kota models offer an AutoPilot feature. This feature use a compass to automatically keep you heading in a straight line while compensating for wind, waves, and currents. If you want to follow a shelf, shoreline or just keep a straight course over open water an AutoPilot is an awesome feature.
Many Minn Kota models come equipped with the AutoPilot feature for an additional cost. Be aware there is also an Autopilot upgrade for these same models that were purchased purchased before the AutoPilot was introduced..
Sonar Transducer
Specific models can also come with a built-in sonar transducer on the bottom of the motor shaft for use with a fishfinder. The built-in transducer will as often provide a superior view of activity under the water as compared to thru the hull transducers. The draw back being that you cannot use it as a depth finder when the trolling motor is pulled up while the boat is moving.
Battery Indicator
Many motors come with a build-in battery status indicator, which tells you how much power is left in your battery. This is an invaluable tool in monitoring available power and knowing when to call it a day.
Minn Kota and Motorguide Trolling Motors Sold Well Below Retail at: www.djsmarinelectronics.com
