How Big Is Too Big?

[NWBasslover]

I'm running a 37lbs Motorguide on the front of a 16' Nitro 160tf. I really want to upgrade but am not sure how big I should go. Would 55lbs be big enough or should I look at something upwards of 65-80lbs?

 

Thanks in advance for all the input!

 

Tight lines.

Matthew

 

[Fishes in trees]

There is no substitute for trolling motor power.  You can't have one that is too big.  Get the biggest one that you can afford/fit on to your boat.  I'd go at least 70 lb thrust/24 volt.  Go 101 if you can fit the extra battery in your compartment.  While you are installing trolling motor batteries, do not forget the on-board charger.  My experience has been that the on-board charger makes the battery charging operation and hassle free experience.

 

You are running a 37 lb. thrust currently.  If the wiring on your boat absolutely won't support 24 volts, and you don't feel like upgrading, then at least go to a larger 12 volt model, like a 55 lb thrust.

[ww2farmer]

No such thing as "too big" as far as TM are concerned I have a 70lb thrust on a 17' Aluminum. It flies on high, and I can make my batteries last forever because most of the time I only have to run it on 25-30% in "normal" conditions, and 50-60% in wind, and usually no more than 75% in grass mats. My old 46lb 12v motor had to be on high to do the things I can do with this one on 50% and it killed my battery quick. By the end of a long tournament with the 12v motor, I had to be on high just to move. I can fish for 2 10 hour days on the 24v system without charging. I don't do that on purpose, but I forgot to plug the charger in one night after fishing all day, went out 3 days later, fished all day again, and never noticed ANY lack of power from the TM. 36v is out of the question for me because of space for batteries, but next time I need to replace/upgrade the TM I am going to go with 80lbs.

[slonezp]

Another vote for 70

[BrianinMD]

I agree with ww2farmer, there is no such thing as to big in regards to trolling motors. Get the biggest you can afford, or can fit on your boat. You may not need the power all the time, but when you do you will greatly appreciate it.

 

Also, the batteries will last longer and the unit itself will last longer because you can use it with a lower percent of full strength.

[BrettD]

What ever you get make sure it is variable speed. I have a 5 speed trolling motor now and it sucks 4 is to slow most of the time and 5 is way to fast it will be the last 5 speed TM I will ever own.

[J Francho]

I'd get a 70.  It's noy much more, and so worth the power when you need it.

[NWBasslover]

Thanks for the input guys, an overwhelming 70lbs vote it is!

 

So now the question becomes...

Minn Kota or Motorguide?

 

Tight lines.

Matthew

[BrettD]

Minn Kota's they are better in the grass and are quieter but the motorguide has a better foot pedal. They both are great trolling motors but after having both I choose minn kota especially because I fish in a lot of grass.

[slonezp]

MK. Composite shaft won't bend and I have never broke one. I've had to replace a couple shear pins after hitting rocks hard, but that's about it.

[james 14]

I actually find that MG is better in the grass since the prop cuts better...or at all compared to the MK. I have to lift my MG out of the water MUCH less than I did my MK when I fish in thick grass. Yes the MK will sweep the grass away but the crap I fish can't be swept away...it has to be cut through.

 

To answer your question 55lbs will not be big enough...at least not for my liking. A 36v would be nice but you'd be served almost just as well with the biggest 24v you can get which would be somewhere in the 80lb range depending on what brand you get.

[BassinB]

minn kota maxxum

[ww2farmer]

Another vote for MK Maxxum.  While it's not quite fair to compare the 46 lb thrust, 5 speed 12v Motorguide my boat came with to the 70lb thrust 24v, var. speed MK Maxxum I have now.............I have fished with people who have comparable MG's, and I just like the MK better, especially if your in grass.

[Sun Fish]

MK Maxxum 70lb variable is my vote.  I've ran several different MKs and MG's and nothing compares to how well a MK goes through the thickest of milfoil or any other vegetation.  On the MGs I've owned I found myself constantly having to pick it up and clean the prop in thick stuff.  I've tried several of the MG props that are supposed to make it better in weeds with no success MK all the way.

[canyouheminow]

i had the exact same boat that i just recently sold and had a brand new 12v 45lb thrust min kota edge on it. in small lakes it did fine but during an 8 hour tournament i could tell it would get weak. id go with a 24v set up. better to have more and not need it than need more and not have it lol 

[NWBasslover]

Decided to go with a 70 pound maxxum. Now to sell the ones I have to pay for it!

Thanks again for all the input!

Tight lines.

Matthew

[Downeaster2010]

I have had a dozen trolling motors, starting when the biggest was a 12 lb thrust.  I had two of those.  Now I have the 70lb thrust MK and love it.  One thing I found out over the years of fishing is the MK was quieter than the MG resulting in me catching more keepers in tournaments.  I got my MK 70 v2 four years ago, and they have dropped in price like a rock.  Mine was over one thousand, and I also have the built in transducer.  That is a nice touch, when you want a depth finder up front.