04-15-2010, 09:38 AM
Electric trolling motors deal with "pounds of thrust" when describing their power ratings. When choosing what pound thrust is needed to move your boat, a number of criteria must first be considered. How heavy are the boat, gear and people? Do you fish in adverse conditions, such as high winds and rough water? And lastly, what is the length of the boat? The following chart will show the appropriate size motor needed in comparison to your boat's length:
Boat Length in Feet/Pounds of Thrust Required
12-foot boat, 30 pounds of thrust is required
13-foot boat, 30 pounds of thrust is required
14-foot boat, 32 pounds of thrust is required
15-foot boat, 36 pounds of thrust is required
16-foot boat, 40 pounds of thrust is required
17-foot boat, 50 pounds of thrust is required
18-foot boat, 55 pounds of thrust is required
19-foot boat, 65 pounds of thrust is required
20-foot boat, 74 pounds of thrust is required
21-foot boat, 74 pounds of thrust is required
22-foot boat, 101 pounds of thrust is required
This chart is meant to convey "normal fishing conditions." If you fish in rough water or current areas, moving up to the next thrust level would be advantageous. Also, if you store a lot of heavy gear, or have more than one fishing partner usually in the boat, moving to the next level is also advised. Whatever you do, don't scrimp on choosing your motor. Many professionals believe that the best rule of thumb is to buy the biggest motor you can afford, all within reason of course. Running a motor that is underrated for your boat will only lead to headaches, and sub-par days of struggling to get around while out on the water.
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Boat Length in Feet/Pounds of Thrust Required
12-foot boat, 30 pounds of thrust is required
13-foot boat, 30 pounds of thrust is required
14-foot boat, 32 pounds of thrust is required
15-foot boat, 36 pounds of thrust is required
16-foot boat, 40 pounds of thrust is required
17-foot boat, 50 pounds of thrust is required
18-foot boat, 55 pounds of thrust is required
19-foot boat, 65 pounds of thrust is required
20-foot boat, 74 pounds of thrust is required
21-foot boat, 74 pounds of thrust is required
22-foot boat, 101 pounds of thrust is required
This chart is meant to convey "normal fishing conditions." If you fish in rough water or current areas, moving up to the next thrust level would be advantageous. Also, if you store a lot of heavy gear, or have more than one fishing partner usually in the boat, moving to the next level is also advised. Whatever you do, don't scrimp on choosing your motor. Many professionals believe that the best rule of thumb is to buy the biggest motor you can afford, all within reason of course. Running a motor that is underrated for your boat will only lead to headaches, and sub-par days of struggling to get around while out on the water.
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