trolling motor questions

[Michigan Man86]

I'm in the market for a trolling motor this year, and I am wondering what I should be looking for?
What's the difference if the trolling motor is up front opposed to mounting it in the back of the boat?
With a deep cycle battery, how long would one last powering a 55-pd thrust motor?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I want to be prepared picking out my motor.

[CatFan]

Manuvering the boat is much easier from the front.

As to how long a battery will last, that's like asking how far a vehicle can go on a tank of gas. It depends on which battery, how big the boat is, how you fish, and whether the motor is a 5-speed or variable.

[jimp]

weight of everything plays into the run time as well, the boat, gear, # of people, even current or wind will affect how long the batts will last, and how fast you go to get where you want to go.

[gabowman]

Yep, what they said. I'd also do a little asking around at the ramps seeing what somebody else is using comparing the weights and styles (flat bottom, deep V's, etc.) of their outfits to yours and that'll give you a ballpark idea. Make sure you have checked the MinnKota website for the recommended trolling motor thrust for your boat length too.

[skeetbum]

I can't expand on what's been said so far, except to say that the battery should be new enough that you could buy another to match in case one isn't enough. Two in parallel will give enough for any day on the water with a 12 volt TM. I had a 40lb PD that drug down the battery after a long day, and I put two in parallel and never had another issue. Just a thought for the future, and good luck and lots of fun with the new toys.

[Michigan Man86]

Thanks for the tips, I will start checking em out. My boat is a 14 footer with a deep V front, usually just me and my bro, under 1000 pds all together.