Fishing or cruising on the waters requires you to have a powerful boat. When fishing, you need a boat that doesn’t scare away fish with noise. Also, when cruising, you need a boat that sails smoothly, even when the conditions are not that favorable. That is why you need a trolling motor that can offer enough power to move your boat while fishing or cruising.
Boats come in different sizes, just like the trolling motors. Therefore, your boat should have a trolling motor that can move it comfortably, even in waters with powerful currents. How do I choose the right size trolling motor? You have to consider several factors, and we have compiled them here for you. Therefore, continue reading.
What is Trolling Motor Thrust?
Before we look at the factors, let’s first discuss the trolling motor thrust. It is the standard measure of power produced by the trolling motor. In other words, it’s the measure of how powerful a motor is and is measured in pounds. Therefore, when you get to the market to get a trolling motor, you should first look at its thrust before any other factor.
What to Consider to Choose the Right Size Trolling Motor
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Boat weight
Boat weight is the main consideration to take into account when looking for a trolling motor. At standard conditions, a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100lbs is recommended. Therefore, if the total weight of the boat plus load is 4000lbs, then you need a motor with a thrust of (4000/100) x 2 = 80 lbs. For you to get the right size of trolling motor based on the boat weight, do your calculation with the heaviest potential weight that includes a boat with gear, maximum number of passengers, and even fuel.
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Conditions of the Waters
If you are cruising or fishing in smooth lakes with no currents, you can consider a smaller or less powerful trolling motor. On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time in fast-moving waters with significant waves/ currents, you will need a powerful motor.
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How Long You Stay on the Waters
Trolling motors require a battery for power. For that reason, you have to consider the voltage of your motor. If you want to stay for multiple days, without recharging, you need a high voltage motor. 80 lbs 24-volt motor can be ideal for you if you’re going to fish or cruise for multiple days. A motor with more run time is suitable.
Final Words
If you want things to go well while on the water with your boat, the boat needs to have a trolling motor with adequate thrust. The weight of the boats plus the load will determine the size of the trolling motor you need. Also, how tough or smooth the conditions are on the waters will determine the thrust your need. Therefore, consider the above tips, and you will choose the right size trolling motor for your boat.
