Cwitherington3 Posted May 11, 2015 Posted May 11, 2015 Ok I have found myself in a bit of a rush to get my new skeeter rigged out for this weekend and I still have to get a new trolling motor. I have a very limited budget of $700 and I se e that BPS has a minn Kota maxxum 65lb thrust on sale for $650 right now I'm just worried the 65lbs won't be enough motor for a 18.5ft boat. What do you guys think my only other option is to get the minn Kota edge 70lb Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted May 11, 2015 Super User Posted May 11, 2015 I have a Stratos 285 Pro, 18'6", with a 65# Motor Guide on it and have never had any complaints. Now, if you are trying to hold on points in gale force winds, you might not be happy, but other than that, I don't think you will have any problems. Speed wise, under normal conditions, it's about as fast as my 20' Javelin with an 80# motor. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted May 11, 2015 Super User Posted May 11, 2015 Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle. BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat Jeff 2 Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted May 13, 2015 Super User Posted May 13, 2015 Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle. BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat Jeff Wow 80# oughta just about get 'er up on plane! 1 Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted May 13, 2015 Global Moderator Posted May 13, 2015 65 will be big enough, just make sure it's variable speed instead of the 5 speed. There's too big of a difference in power between 4 and 5 on any of their 5 speeds IMO. 4 isn't strong enough if it's windy, but 5 has you zooming past everything so you have to constantly get on and off the motor. 1 Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted May 13, 2015 Super User Posted May 13, 2015 Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle. BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat Jeff Exactly! I should have bought a smaller trolling motor... Said no one ever!!!!! If you have to wait a weekend and then get one. If you can get the 70# that will work. I had a 70# on my 19' bass cat and had zero problem. Just be sure to buy quality batteries. Agree with bluebasser too, get a variable speed rather than the 5 speed. You will thank us later. Quote
Matthew2000 Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Exactly! I should have bought a smaller trolling motor... Said no one ever!!!!! If you have to wait a weekend and then get one. If you can get the 70# that will work. I had a 70# on my 19' bass cat and had zero problem. Just be sure to buy quality batteries. Agree with bluebasser too, get a variable speed rather than the 5 speed. You will thank us later. What year/ model is you're bass cat? Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted May 13, 2015 Super User Posted May 13, 2015 What year/ model is you're bass cat? 1989 bass cat pantera II. I no longer have it Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted May 14, 2015 Super User Posted May 14, 2015 Wow 80# oughta just about get 'er up on plane! It will easily do over 6mph. HAHA Jeff Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 I ran a 56# Motor Guide on my 202 Blazer (20' with a 200 Merc on it) for years and it did fine. Speed wasn't the greatest against a strong wind or current. I'm now running an 80lb xi5 and I'm much happier. Long story short, 65# should be enough to power your 18.5' Skeeter around just fine. Quote
no39 Posted May 17, 2015 Posted May 17, 2015 Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle. BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat Jeff I agree. I currently have a 70lb maxxum on 14 aluminum deep v and I wouldn't look back. The extra power is always appreciated when you need it. That all being said I still wonder if I should have went with the 101 lb. Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted May 17, 2015 Super User Posted May 17, 2015 It will easily do over 6mph. HAHA Jeff That's a 16.5? Which model is that? I really like it! Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted May 17, 2015 Super User Posted May 17, 2015 Weldbuilt 1652. Nice boat Jeff Quote
ColdSVT Posted May 18, 2015 Posted May 18, 2015 I have the smallest gas motor (90hp) in my bassclub I also have the largest trolling motor lol. (80# fortrex)...i wish it was 100# lol 1 Quote
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