Not sure exactly where to put this thread, so mods, feel free to relocate it if needed.
I hunt mainly public land, most of which in inaccessable except by boat. I dug out my old 10 foot flat bottom boat (weighs around 60 lbs) and saw the transom is only rated to a 3 hp outboard. I figured I'd throw a trolling motor on it instead as they are quiter and cheaper.
The creek I'll be on isn't flowing (dammed except in high rain, which we don't seem to see anymore). The total weight I'll be hauling will be around 275 lbs (me plus gear) and hopefully a deer/hog on the way back.
With this in mind, can anyone tell me how much thrust my trolling motor should be rated for? One guy I asked said his 20 lb is enough, but my brother in law reccomended at least 40 lbs? Also, what brand is a good one? Looking for transom mounted ones.
I've got a 24 or 26 lb thrust 12v motor on a 17' white water canoe that is well over 100lbs plus three people and their stuff and if does just fine. Maybe a little slow on the take off when fully loaded but once you get going it doesnt seem to matter if the boat is full or if it is just me. Even going against lake/wind currents doesnt seem to be a problem. I would say get the biggest one that you can budget for, plus a good battery. The battery is probably going to cost near what the motor will.
I had a 12 foot V bottom with a 40 lb thrust trolling motor (12 volt).
On high you could practically water ski !! I would think a 36 lb would be more than enough motor.
I know it's a bit more cash layout. Agreeing on 24V system, you will have 2 heavy batteries in a small boat with you, your gear, etc. Speaking of cash layout, plan on replacing the batteries every few years, if all goes well.
$650 for a 2.6 outboard. How much faster would a 2.6 HP outboard push me? Worth the extra money and noise? I like the idea of sneaking up on a hog in the creek.
As far as 12 vlt vs. 24 vlt... Why is the 24 vlt better? I have no experience in the matter. I'm afraid the extra battery would be a bit too much weight to put in the back of the little boat. It is very small.
I have a coleman 16' square stern canoe with a 4 horse 4 stroke Merc. It FLIES! It is a relatively new motor (2005) that was almost new when I got it. It is pretty quiet compared to other motors I have had in the past.
Even the newer 4 stroke 3 hp motors are pretty good, more power and quieter than the older ones. I have an older 5hp Merc 2 stroke, it pushes me about as fast as the 4hp.
If you are going to go with a trolling motor, get the biggest that you can afford, even if you don't use the full power you will be thankful you have it (if) when you need it.
$650 for a 2.6 outboard. How much faster would a 2.6 HP outboard push me? Worth the extra money and noise? I like the idea of sneaking up on a hog in the creek.
As far as 12 vlt vs. 24 vlt... Why is the 24 vlt better? I have no experience in the matter. I'm afraid the extra battery would be a bit too much weight to put in the back of the little boat. It is very small.
I'm not sure how fast a 2.6 would push you. Depends on weight of load, current, wind, etc.
24V will drive a larger motor for more run HRS.
The boat being very small is why I thought a small OB would work better? It just seems safer than adding a heavy battery and a trolling motor?
Back when I lived in Florida I had a real sweet house that was on a small lake where gas powered was not allowed by the associations rules on the lake. We had a small 10 foot flat bottom alluminum boat and it had a 12V motor. It was not very power full and it took forever to get around so me and my buddy decided to do some mods. We just took two 12V batteries and hooked them up in series and man that little baby hummed! For some reason about two weeks later the little engine that could refused to spin anymore! No surprise and we payed nothing for the boat or motor as the former owner of the house had left it behind so we had our fun with it for those two weeks and went back to using paddle power after that.
Not sure exactly where to put this thread, so mods, feel free to relocate it if needed.
I hunt mainly public land, most of which in inaccessable except by boat. I dug out my old 10 foot flat bottom boat (weighs around 60 lbs) and saw the transom is only rated to a 3 hp outboard. I figured I'd throw a trolling motor on it instead as they are quiter and cheaper.
The creek I'll be on isn't flowing (dammed except in high rain, which we don't seem to see anymore). The total weight I'll be hauling will be around 275 lbs (me plus gear) and hopefully a deer/hog on the way back.
With this in mind, can anyone tell me how much thrust my trolling motor should be rated for? One guy I asked said his 20 lb is enough, but my brother in law reccomended at least 40 lbs? Also, what brand is a good one? Looking for transom mounted ones.
I think a Minkota trolling motor is hard to beat. At least where I live(Kansas City area) they are very common and parts are available.
For my lightweight aluminum fishing boat I use a 48 lb thrust electric trolling motor. More than likely, your outfit, plus other things, is a lot lighter than mine...thus...you should get by with something in the neighborhood of 17 lb thrust. I used a 17 lb Minkota on the same boat outfit before upgrading to the 48 lb thrust. It moved me around just fine...but not as vigorously as the 48 lb thrust motor.
My recommendation is to get a motor with around 17 lb thrust +/-.
Also, the length of the shaft is important to consider. They come in different lengths. Be sure to measure your boat's transom to help decide on what length you need.
There ain't no fix for stupid! 
