Is there such thing as "too much" trolling motor?

[Megastink]

I just bought the hull of an '89 Tracker 1800TF that I'm going to set up for electric only lakes. It has no outboard or trolling motor. I was wondering if I could put a 101+ lb trolling motor on it, or if that would be overkill. It's an 18' hull and weighs around 1,000lbs as is. Most fully rigged boats that big have 70-80lb 24v systems. That's always an option. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Wbeadlescomb]

To answer your question hell no I've had 109 motor guides on 18 foot boats I had a 80lb thrust on a 14/48 aluminum boat

[slonezp]

As long as there is room for batteries

[00 mod]

No such thing....

Jeff

[Josh_Bovaird]

I put an 80lb on a 17ft aluminum bass boat and sometimes I wish I just made the jump to a 112

[crypt]

Bigger the better,nice to have that much in reserve when you need it.

[Bluebasser86]

I've never once in all my time on the water heard someone wish the had a less powerful trolling motor. Shorter or longer shaft yes, but never less powerful. 

[tbone1993]

No problem at all. Buddy had that boat  with a motor and gear it could have used a 101. I believe he had  a 70lb minn kota edge on it.  I would get a nice seat for the bow so you aren't standing all day when running  putting from spot to spot. 

[WIGuide]

The only time there's such a thing as too much tm is if the tm has a set number of speeds instead of a variable speed. All the higher powers have the variable speed control so you'll be good. Heck I put an 82 lb thrust on a 16' bass boat and never regretted doing that! Being that you're on an electric only lake you'll be happy you got the 36V system. 

[Fisher-O-men]

It may feel like too much when you have it pointed sideways, set on high, and step on the switch!

[Further North]

I've run a 101 lb Terrova on my last three boats:

• '91 Lund Pro-V 1800
• '97 Crestliner Pro-AM 1750
• '05 Crestliner CMV 1850.

All weigh within about 100 lbs. of your boat.

I just upgraded the CMV to a 112 Ulterra.

No way would I go back to a 24 volt system - there's always room for another battery, somewhere.

I have never, ever wished I had less power...

2 hours ago, Fisher-O-men said:

It may feel like too much when you have it pointed sideways, set on high, and step on the switch!

...but to be fair, it's a good idea to tell the guy on the back of the boat you're gonna pop it at max speed...unless he needs a bath.

[BaitMonkey1984]

I agree. I have never heard anyone say they regretted going to a higher lb thrust trolling motor. The rule of thumb is generally get the biggest one you can afford.

I have a 19ft Ranger with an 82b thrust MG and that is overkill on the faster speed setting for my style of fishing. I rarely go past speed setting 5 as I down fish rivers and it doesn't get all that windy on my small lakes. However, I am a firm believer that you do not want to get a trolling motor that is going to need to be run on max power the majority of time. That, in my experience, kills the batteries and burns the motor out rather quick. If you fish all day, or in wind, current you may very well need the 101. IF not, an 82 lb trust may do. One important factor to consider is the additional cost of  third battery every three years or so- quality batteries are not cheap.

 

If you have any doubt, get the 101.