How to Select the Right Size Trolling Motor?

Understanding what size trolling motor you need is key to enhancing your boating and fishing experience.  Trolling motors provide anglers a stealthy way to access the best fishing locations and offer precise control and silent operation.

Discover the factors to consider when selecting the perfect trolling motor for your boat and fishing style, and learn how to make the most of your aquatic adventures by finding the ideal size and power for your needs.

What is a Trolling Motor?

A trolling motor is a specialized electric propulsion system that complements your primary outboard motor. They allow you to silently and efficiently maneuver your boat through the water, making it easier to catch fish without scaring them away.

Trolling motors are mounted on the bow or transom of the boat and are available in various sizes and configurations for different types of boats and fishing conditions.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Trolling Motor

When shopping for a trolling motor, look for a model with enough thrust to access shallow fishing locations without getting jammed on underwater obstacles like weeds and oyster beds. A motor that is too small won’t give you the power you need, while an oversized motor can impact your stability and control.

Some considerations for selecting the right trolling motor size for your boat include:

Boat Size and Weight

The size and weight of your boat determine the trolling motor you require. You should have at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of boat weight.

For the most accurate trolling motor size calculation, you need to estimate the heaviest potential weight, including passengers, gear, and fuel, to ensure your trolling motor can handle any situation. For an accurate boat weight calculation, refer to the  NADA boat directory, which provides data on boat weights.

Then, calculate exactly how much thrust your trolling motor needs to propel you, your boat, and your load across the water. For example, if your boat, fully loaded, weighs 4,000 lbs., the calculation would be (4,000/100) * 2 = 80 lbs. of thrust.

Hull Design of Your Boat

The design of your boat’s hull impacts the amount of thrust needed. Boats with deep-V hulls typically have more drag when turning compared to boats with flat or  Jon Boat-style hulls. As a result, a trolling motor has to work harder on some hull types than others.

If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and choose a slightly higher thrust rating to ensure that your motor can handle your boat’s hull design.

Typical Fishing Conditions

Regular fishing conditions are another crucial element when choosing the right trolling motor. If you usually fish in calm lakes with little current, the minimum thrust rating may be enough to get you to your fishing location.

However, if you fish in fast-moving water, strong currents, or high winds, consider a higher thrust motor to ensure you have ample power. The thrust provided by your trolling engine must be sufficient to keep your boat stable, especially when you’re fishing in rough conditions. If you frequently fish in areas with strong currents, waves, or challenging waters, add an extra 10 lbs. of thrust capacity.

Understanding Trolling Motor Specifications

Understanding the terminology and specs to look for when choosing a trolling motor can help you find the best models for your boat and fishing experience. Some specs to be aware of:

Thrust Power

Thrust, measured in pounds, is the primary indicator of a trolling motor’s power. It’s crucial to have sufficient thrust to navigate your boat efficiently. The rule here is simple: the larger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you’ll need.

Adequate thrust is essential for maintaining control when faced with gusty winds and for holding your boat in one position while fishing.

Voltage: 12V, 24V and 36V

Trolling motors have three standard voltage ratings: 12V, 24V, and 36V. Higher voltage motors provide greater thrust. Understanding the relationship between voltage and thrust is essential:

• 12V motors: Typically provide 55 lbs. of thrust or less.
• 24V motors: Offer over 55 lbs. and up to 80 lbs. of thrust.
• 36V motors: Deliver over 80 lbs. and up to approximately 115 lbs. of thrust.

Selecting the correct voltage impacts the trolling motor’s performance and power. It also determines the number of batteries required for operation.

Controlling Features: Hand-Controlled vs. Foot-Controlled

Trolling motors come with various control options. Hand-controlled motors use a handle or lever for steering and speed adjustments. Foot-controlled motors are operated through foot pedals. The choice between these control methods depends on your preference for control and ease of use.

Find a Trolling Motor With the Right Shaft Length

The shaft links the prop and motor to the control unit. Depending on the boat’s design, shafts come in various lengths. Selecting the right shaft length is crucial to optimize your motor’s efficiency and avoid damaging your boat and trolling motor. Here are some tips to help you pick the appropriate shaft length:

• Determine water conditions: Consider the typical water conditions you’ll encounter. You’ll need a longer shaft in choppy waters for efficient propulsion to ensure the propeller remains submerged.
• Factor in boat depth: Measure the distance from the boat’s deck to the water in inches, then add 15” to 20” to the shaft length to ensure optimal submersion. Then, add 4” to 6” for stability in rough waters.
• Match your boat’s design: The type of boat you have can also impact the ideal shaft length. Larger boats with higher gunwales require longer shafts to maintain proper submersion.

Different Types of Trolling Motors

Trolling motors come in several styles, depending on your boat design and fishing location. The two most common models include bow mount trolling motors and transom mount trolling motors.

Bow Mount Trolling Motors

Bow mounted trolling motors offer numerous benefits for avid anglers. These motors pull the boat, giving you smoother, more responsive steering than transom mounted motors. They make positioning your boat easy, especially against winds or currents, ensuring stability while fishing. Plus, with the motor up front, there’s less water disturbance, reducing the likelihood of spooking your catch.

The  MotorGuide Tour 82lb-45"-24V Bow Mount is designed for serious anglers. This cable steer trolling motor features silent, responsive steering and a Zero-G lift assist for smooth operation. Its features include a non-slip metal pedal, integrated Bounce Buster, and a lifetime-guaranteed composite shaft.

The Minn Kota Edge combines strength with a simple design ideal for smaller vessels. It features a secure latch and door bracket for easy installation and removal, five adjustable speed settings for optimal control, and a power prop for navigating dense areas of vegetation without getting tangled. Its indestructible composite shaft is guaranteed for life, offering maximum reliability, and the ultra-quiet motor ensures discreet water navigation.

Transom Mount Trolling Motors

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that is easy to install, consider the transom mount trolling motor. These motors are mounted on your boat’s stern (transom) and can be easily transferred between different boats, offering flexibility to anglers who own multiple vessels.

However, they may not provide the same level of control and precision as their bow mount counterparts. The stern placement may limit your ability to fish from the back of your boat.

The  Minn Kota Traxxis from Fish307 is a high-quality transom mount trolling motor designed for ease of use and durability. It offers one-hand stow functionality for easy storage and a convenient thumb release to deploy it into ten positions.

The tilt/extend tiller lets you take control, adjusting up to 45° and extending 6”. With variable-speed settings, you can conserve battery power for a full day of fishing.

Get the Right Trolling Motor at Fish307

Whether exploring the serene lakes or conquering the challenging waves, FISH307 offers the ideal trolling motor for your needs.  Our selection features top brands like Garmin, Lowrance, MotorGuide, and Minn Kota, ensuring you get the highest quality motor for the best fishing experience.

If you are still asking yourself, “What size trolling motor do I need?”  reach out to us via phone, email, or our convenient online form. As passionate anglers in the Lake George area, we can help you find the perfect trolling motor for your next fishing adventure.