Propulsion Question 2-Man Boat

[Snubby]

I recently purchased a two man scamp to hit back waters, creeks and smaller lakes. I used this boat 6 times now, the first trip was in a creek where wind was not an issue and the TM (30lb bps prowler) was more that sufficient for power/ propulsion.

This past weekend was a different story, took it in the river Friday afternoon to get out of wind, and I knew with low water and no rain last week the current wouldn't be much of an issue. We got down stream fine, but noticed a couple of shallow areas where it caused the current to increase significantly. On the way back the TM did fine until we got to these spots and then had to assist with one man paddling to make headway. Got back to the ramp area and battery was almost shot, less than 3 hours of use most just steering downstream.

Saturday went to a small lake and we all know the NW west was brutal (11mph constant - with 18mph gust) this boat actually handles rough water well, better than my 16ft jon. I was solo fishing this day, since couldn't find anyone crazy enough to brave such winds and cold in such a tiny vessel. The battery held up well and 30lb did well against the wind, but decided since the prowler TM was almost 8 years old it may be time for an upgrade. Stopped by Sportsman and got a new Endura C2 30 and tried it out yesterday morning, I was in disbelief the older prowler seemed to have more power, of course hard to tell for sure cause has 2 in the boat this time so more weight by 200lbs or so.

So now that I have explained what types of waters I fish and the load in the boat, the questions is this. Should I spend $1000 on small 3hp or under outboard or would I be better off going to a larger thrust TM and just carry an extra battery on board?

[Slab Slinger]

I'd go with a larger TM. A 55# 12 volt motor would be awesome on that rig.


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["G"]

I got a ten ft. Jonboat and have a 45 lb. Trolling motor....works great even against a strong wind.

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[Donald@CrappieLogic]

I had a 55 I think on mine and I fished all over the river creeks and Grenada and I'm a pretty good size fella trolling motor worked fine for me.I think I had a 8 foot bass hound looks like a scamp so I would just get a stronger trolling motor

[Snubby]

Well shucks, seems like I should have axed this question prior to my purchase of the C2 30 Next question, with the larger TM will I get better battery life since it won't strain the motor as much (in high winds or current) or will I use more battery in general powering the larger TM?

[MidMsAngler]

Run upriver first and fish your way back downriver maybe. At least then if it dies you can drift your way back. I know when we launch our runabout off the the ship in the MS river we will stage the boat down current of the destination. If the skiff has any issues it can float back to us.


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[Cray]

Well shucks, seems like I should have axed this question prior to my purchase of the C2 30 Next question, with the larger TM will I get better battery life since it won't strain the motor as much (in high winds or current) or will I use more battery in general powering the larger TM?

Get you a 45-55 variable speed Minkota. Should have more than enough power and get much better battery life. Get in your scrap pile, find you a 6 by 12 piece of stiff aluminum, piece of PVC or conduit, fab up a mounting bracket for back of boat, cut a slit in shaft long enough to slide aluminum into and bolt together. Makes a rudder to stop it from turning around when you let off trolling motor and track straight a lot easier. I would also try to return that motor you just bought.

[Snubby]

Yeah what a buddy said, but hate to return it after 4 hours of use on it for them to stick it back on the shelf for the next poor sap to buy. Not anything wrong with the TM so no legitimate return reason, besides I goofed up and under bought. I will keep it for those days when I fish a small lake or pond and the 55# is too much.

[deltabull]

Take it back and buy a bigger motor. Just tell them that you aren't satisfied with it. They will send it back to their distribution center, and in turn will be sent back to the manufacturer and then sold as refurbished. Everyone still makes $ off the deal, just not as much, but nobody loses....Don't keep it out of guilt

["G"]

Yep take it back and tell them it just wasnt big enough....pay the difference and rock on

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