Bow mount trolling motors

[5150bass]

I have a 17 foot Misty River boat.  I am looking to get a bow mount trolling motor for it.  I have a few questions.  1.) What pounds thrust do I need? (I fish in rivers a fair bit).  2.) What length of shaft do I need for it?  and 3.) What difference is there in a 12 volt versus a 24 volt?  I am looking at the Minn Kota All Terain 55, 65 or 70 pounds of thrust bow mounts.

Thank you very much,

5150bass

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I would definelty go with a 24V and get the biggest one you can afford.  I would go with at least a 70+ personally.

[basser89]

I have a 1668 jon boat with a 12V 43# thrust bow mount. It gets me around ok, but I'm looking to upgrade it to a 24V 52# (maybe bigger) in the future.

[Madhouse27]

I'd definately go 24v and the largest amount of thrust you budget can swing. As for length I'd probably try to measure how high your bow is out of the water. I have a Minn Kota AT 65 and I think the shaft is 52 inches long and I'm happy with it.

[mattfish]

Both minnkota and motorguide have instructions on how to measure for proper shaft length.You measure from the top of your boat to the water level.You want the prop to be at least 12 inches under water when running so keep that in mind when buying.You also want to get more thrust then you think you need.When fishing in current you may want to move against it at some point.Your gonna need alot of thrust to push your boat in high heavy water.I have two 12 volt motors on my boats.I wanted to switch to a 24 volt system on my 17ft g3 but the wiring in the boat wasnt large enough to carry the current.Keep this in mind when buying as well.If your replacing a bowmount make sure you have the corrrect gauge wire to carry a 24 volt system.If its trasom mount you should be able to wire it correctly with no problem.Any manufactorer will be able to tell you the gauge of the wire needed.24 volt systems require two batteries to run and I believe they need three wires.Im not sure about that, someone correct me please if I have given wrong information.good luck!