Need some trolling motor education...

[Valascus]

I am a HUGE newb when it comes to anything boating. There is a conservation reserve that I fish on fairly regularly that has a ton of small ponds and small lakes. On some of the lakes they allow you to use jon boats that they rent out for $5 a day. Some of the lakes are decent size though, and paddling to the good spots would be a workout to say the least. I am wondering what type of trolling motor would be good for this situation. I would need it to be easy to attach to the boat and remove from the boat. any suggestions of which brand and model I should be looking for? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot everyone.

[Matt Jungblut]

humm good  question

if ur going to be toting a trolling motor to put on and on different boats

my advice would be to try to find 1 with handle not foot pedal

id try for 1 30lbs of thrust maybe more but it should be 12v

i dont know how long they stay batterie power wise but it sure beats carring 2 or 3 batteries with u

i think both brands are about the same

[Rose_Jackets67]

I'd say pick up a transom mount Minn Kota Endura 30 (around $100 new) and a Everstart Maxx Marine battery ($65 in GA, but I'm sure that price varies with environment fees and taxes and such). Trolling motor attaches with two clamps that tighten by hand.

As far as carrying the setup to and from the car/boat, the motor will be light (I think less than 25lbs). The battery, on the other hand, will be 50+ and is not the most comfortable thing to drag around.

However, this setup would certainly beat the fool out of rowin'

good luck

adam

[RLinNH]

"i dont know how long they stay batterie power wise but it sure beats carring 2 or 3 batteries with u

i think both brands are about the same "

                  As far as how long a 12V Battery will last, I have a Minn Kota 55lb thrust motor. It runs of off 1 12 Volt Battery. I bought it new this year. I have been on the lake, in the wind with that motor for over 10 hours and I have yet to run the battery dry. I have a Trojan Battery hooked up to it. I charge the battery with a Minn Kota MK230 Battery Charger.

            If I were you I would find a 12 Volt Transom Mount Trolling Motor. Keep it simple and good luck.

[Guest avid]

Which model trojan battery do you use.  I hear they are among the best.

10 hours on a 55lb motor is outstanding

which charger do you use?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

"reserve capacity" is the number you are looking for when using strictly as a T/m Battery.

I use the 220 minute sears diehard's and they come in 160,180,200 and 220 minute reserve.  220 is the biggest you'll find out there.  I run them on each 55 endura and have yet to run low so I really couldn't tell you how long they will last.  Being in a canoe, I wouldn't go too huge because your weight is solight,it's not really neccessary.

[RLinNH]

Which model trojan battery do you use. I hear they are among the best.

10 hours on a 55lb motor is outstanding

which charger do you use?

   As far as which model Trojan I have, I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. I'd have to look and I just covered up the boat (Looks like my 2 Month Fishing Vacation is suspended as I just got a phone call to start some work tomorrow). As far as the Charger is concerned, I use a Minn Kota MK230. I'll peek at the Motor for you soon and I'll let you know exactly which battery it is.