Help W/ trolling motor size for my boat

[KitsapJohn]

Im looking to buy a electric tiller trolling motor for my 14 foot smokercraft. I dont want to over power ( if thats possible) but more so dont want to under power. I will be using it for trout, bass and a walleye trip or two so something that can handle a windy day on the lake. I do have a 15 hp merc as the main power. Thanks for your help and inputs

[bassplayer17]

30# to 40# thrust will do the job...Ive got a 55# tiller and a 43# bow mount on my 14 lowe....

[gfakkema]

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[spindog]

There is nothing worse than being under powered and fighting to get back to the launch.
40LB- 50LB minimum , Ive owned 36Lb, 43Lb, 48LB, 55LB. Used on 10 and 14 foot boats.

Minn Kota with digital maximizer, conserves power, keeps you on the water longer and
gives you full variable speed, this is not a 5 speed motor. Best motor for trolling.

[KitsapJohn]

Thanks guys

[Adam B.]

I second that on finding one that has variable speeds on it so you can find that perfect trolling speed for the day. I too have tried a 22lbs model I got years ago with just two speeds. I used it on a 8ft to 10ft inflatable originaly and it worked just fine. Tried using it on my 16ft aluminum and I have to keep it on high almost all the time. With any wind, you can't get much accompished either. I am too looking for something bigger and with vaiable speed.

[zen leecher]

There is nothing worse than being under powered and fighting to get back to the launch.
40LB- 50LB minimum , Ive owned 36Lb, 43Lb, 48LB, 55LB. Used on 10 and 14 foot boats.

Minn Kota with digital maximizer, conserves power, keeps you on the water longer and
gives you full variable speed, this is not a 5 speed motor. Best motor for trolling.

I was going to recommend a 50 also. If you need less power you don't have to crank the motor on full but if its a smaller motor and you need more "juice" you can't crank the handle past 100%. 55lb might be the biggest motor you can get and still run one battery. I'd go with that.

[KitsapJohn]

Im sold, after work Im going looking. looked on CL and really didnt see much as 50's. again thanks guys

[The Quadfather]

I too have a 14' Alum. as my electric trolling moter, I run a Min Kota 55lb thrust motor. These are nice motors for the sleepy little quiet crawl/troll, late at night on some Eastern WA. lake when there is no wind, etc. But beyond that I am happier to troll on my 25 hp Merc. I can get it down to about 1.5mph, depending on the chop.
The 55lb Min Kota can't beat when the conditions are perfect, but when they are not, I find it to be a door stop.
You do really though, benefit from both. conditions will be on either side of the coin, and make you wish you could go with either one, depending.

[gfakkema]

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[Adam B.]

I have used my motor in the salt for the last three years now with no extra wear that I have noticed. I use it when flying into Stuart Island for a weekend trip. It gets us from the dock by Stuart east to the county dock on the west side. I do make sure I wash it really well after I get back and "force" myself to do a fishing trip on a freshwater lake also to make sure it gets the salt out. My motor is probably 15 years old or more. I would think if you were wanting it to be a trolling motor constantly used in the salt, I would go for the Riptide models. Otherwise I would just put your own anode and wash it afterwards.

[KitsapJohn]

Pulled the trigger lastnight. I found a Minn kota 42" 50 lb at Walmart for under $200, now just the battery. Again thanks guys for the inputs.

[kokanee_slayer]

Pulled the trigger lastnight. I found a Minn kota 42" 50 lb at Walmart for under $200, now just the battery. Again thanks guys for the inputs.

Congrats on the new Trolling Motor!!! Just something to keep in mind if you purchased the Minn kota with the Digital Maximizer technology:
They are great units however, if you operate a Fish Finder off of the same battery, you may pick up interference on your finder. I had this issue on my previous boat and after some research, decided the best way to remedy the situation was to purchase a small 12 volt battery solely for the Fish Finder. If memory serves, Cabela's sells them, with a charger, for around $30.00

[KitsapJohn]

Good to know, thanks

[GCB069]

Call Interstate batter you may get a Blum for almost 1/2 off I got a G24 D/C for like $54 and I still can't find the blum...

[KitsapJohn]

Thank you for the info. just have a few more "tune ups" to the boat and gear and to the water!!! thanks again guys for the help. I better get hot and try to get some "club " sticker posted.