Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: ThatDeafGuy on March 27, 2016, 10:26:23 AM

Title: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: ThatDeafGuy on March 27, 2016, 10:26:23 AM
So I'm looking at electric trolling motors now that spring is here.  I've got a 14 foot aluminum boat, it's actually quite light, maybe 200 lbs tops.  I've been doing a lot of reading on the "power" of electric motors, some state that for every 200 lbs of weight, there should be 5 lbs of thrust.  Others state 100 lbs to 2 lbs of thrust.  I know that's fairly close, but getting the right power will make all the difference in fishing!

Any advice on your experiences with electric motors?  your insight would be greatly appreciated in my shopping :)

Thanks
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: Rodney on March 27, 2016, 10:28:26 AM
I use a 55lb thruat Minn Kota for my G3 1442, works great.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: ThatDeafGuy on March 27, 2016, 11:53:45 AM
Yeah?  What's your battery set up like?
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: JustPuttsin on March 27, 2016, 01:57:41 PM
I have the same trolling motor Rod has and push a 10' inflatable with it. I can go for 5 days without recharging with a interstate deep cycle 12v battery. I just troll at slow speed to get that kind of life out of a charge. If traveling at higher speed your battery time will be reduced by quite a bit.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: DanL on March 27, 2016, 02:39:10 PM
If you are going to use it for trolling be sure not to get one that can only run at pre-set speeds. It will be more expensive but one with variable speed will make your battery last much longer and being able to finely adjust your speed is critical.

Also go for the largest battery you are willing to budget for and lug around. Group 24 or 27 deep cycle marine batteries are popular choices
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: firstlight on March 27, 2016, 08:19:12 PM
I have a 14 ft Lund and a Minnkota 40 lb and works great.
If the wind gets too strong when trolling it blows me around so I have to start up the gas motor or do something different like wind drift or anchor up.
It would be no different with the 55 lb.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: ThatDeafGuy on March 28, 2016, 10:31:41 AM
Thanks for the responses guys!  Appreciate it!

Good insight: wind and how to make the most out of your battery.  I don't have a gas motor so that's something I will have to keep in mind with the lakes I go and visit.  At least till I get a replacement 9.9.

Looks like it's shopping time, I'll let you know what I get!
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: Damien on March 28, 2016, 11:19:02 AM
Costco.ca has a 44lb and 55lb.

The 44lb even comes with a charger.

http://www.costco.ca/Endura-MAX-44-%e2%80%93-Moteur-de-p%c3%aache-%c3%a0-la-tra%c3%aene-avec-chargeur-MK105-.product.100114970.html
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: banx on March 28, 2016, 12:17:30 PM
theres a guy in burnaby who sells used batteries as well on craigslist

I bought a class 31 off him and it lasts as long as the brand new class 31 trojan I bought.  55lb thrust 10' inflatable.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: Damien on March 28, 2016, 03:21:07 PM
Was just at Canadian Tire,

Endura C2 40lb is on sale for $254.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: firstlight on March 28, 2016, 04:55:46 PM
Whatever you get make sure it has the Maximizer feature for ext. battery life.
If you like to troll then you also want variable speed control.Not the one with 5 pre-set speeds.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: ThatDeafGuy on March 28, 2016, 06:45:56 PM
Thanks guys, looks like the costco option (Endura MAX 44) is the best, which included the variable speed control and maximizer feature that was pointed out.

I'm excited to try it out.  Probably won't be for about a month or so.  I'll update how it's going.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: firstlight on March 31, 2016, 05:41:13 PM
I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
Ive often said it is the best money ive ever spent on boating/fishing stuff.
Nothing like piece and quiet while you troll down the lake. :)
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: FishOn36 on March 31, 2016, 09:22:40 PM
I got a Endura C2 30lb thrust for $119+ tax at Walmart in Langley last month, they only had the one at the time.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: swimmingwiththefishes on March 31, 2016, 10:18:37 PM
Don't want to hijack this thread but are electrics any good in the salt?

 Just picked up an 11 ft aluminum that will be used mostly in the salt so trying to get an engine that would be a good fit.Thinking a 6hp short gas engine as there is a decent amount of current where I'll be fishing but also considering electric options.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: firstlight on April 01, 2016, 05:39:34 AM
There are saltwater models but they are much more expensive than the Minnkotas talked about on here.
Good luck with a 6 horsepower in the chuck. ::)
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: Noahs Arc on April 02, 2016, 08:32:28 AM
Don't want to hijack this thread but are electrics any good in the salt?

 Just picked up an 11 ft aluminum that will be used mostly in the salt so trying to get an engine that would be a good fit.Thinking a 6hp short gas engine as there is a decent amount of current where I'll be fishing but also considering electric options.

A 6hp and 11ft are fine for tooling around Cates park Belcarra area, but "the Banana" as its called,(area 29 t-10, sand heads deltaport) are no joke. Winds, tides and large standing waves in the Fraser mouth are not to be taken lightly.
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: swimmingwiththefishes on April 02, 2016, 12:54:25 PM
Yeah just poodling around bays in the gulf islands
Title: Re: Electric trolling motor question
Post by: Damien on April 03, 2016, 07:51:22 AM
You'll be fine, taking appropriate precautions.

Back on topic, the Endura c2 doesn't have maximzer.  Might not matter for you, makes a big difference on my 72lb 24v bow mount, and 50lb transom mount.