Trolling Motor

**general1123** · 02-09-2011, 04:52 PM

I recently purchased an 18' alminum Bass Tracker with no trolling motor. I have no idea what size motor to buy. Would a 45lb thrust be enough or should I buy a bigger one? I mostly fish lakes.

**Big Ridge Brewer** · 02-09-2011, 04:59 PM

I have an 18' Tracker All Fish and just took a 48lb (24V) MG off of mine. It pulled the boat pretty decently but a really good wind and you could tell it wouldn't hurt to have a little more thrust. I'm putting an 80lb Terrova on it. I would look for something bigger than 45lb.

**Stymie** · 02-09-2011, 05:02 PM

The 45 lb thrust will pull the boat sufficiently, but if your fighting a good wind, your single 12 volt battery will drain fairly quickly. I was getting about 4 hours of steady longlining depending on the wind. I bumped up to a 24 volt Terrova and have gone 3 days between charges. Part of that is the maximizer technology ( a pair of servos) and part of that is the extra juice.

**majflyboy** · 02-09-2011, 05:16 PM

I put a 24v, 80lb Terrova with i-pilot on my 175 pro crappie and love it, will change the way you fish, especially if you fish alone like I do.

**MEATGETTER** · 02-09-2011, 06:55 PM

at least a 70lb, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. and go with a mk.

**Stymie** · 02-09-2011, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by majflyboy

I put a 24v, 80lb Terrova with i-pilot on my 175 pro crappie and love it, will change the way you fish, especially if you fish alone like I do.

Awight, I wasn't goin to bring this up since you were talkin trollin motors. But beware of IPilot and a higher thrust TM on a lighter aluminum boat. The spot lock function is .... shall we say less than desirable.

**mduncan62** · 02-09-2011, 07:06 PM

I had a 17ft aluminum boat and I can tell you right now that 45lbs will not be enough. If you are out in any kind of wind or waves, this will not do it for you. I'd look for a variable speed unit and something 65lb or above. 5 speed units are also an issue that I've had enough of. 4th and 5th setting are almost the same, 3,2,1 are weak. Variable will give you complete control over the speed.

**MePreach** · 02-09-2011, 07:11 PM

I have a 18' aluminum G3 that had a 55 on it and it was not enough! I bought a 24v Maxxum 70lb and it was the best thing I ever done! Go Big with your trolling motor you will not regret it!

**feelay** · 02-09-2011, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by MEATGETTER

at least a 70lb, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. and go with a mk.

Amen, +1

**general1123** · 02-10-2011, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Do they make a 70 lb trolling motor that is 12v or would it just drain the battery too fast? How difficult is it to rum a 24v system?

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