What Size Trolling Motor Do I Need? A Guide To Sizing, Voltage, and Power

Are you looking to purchase a trolling motor for your boat? It can be an intimidating process, as there are many factors you will need to consider. What size trolling motor do you need? What type of battery do you need? What type of power output will suit your boat?

If you’re looking for a new trolling motor, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need about sizing, voltage, and power for your trolling motor. We’ll also offer tips on properly caring for your motor and extending its life. With this knowledge, you can choose the best motor for your boat.

Types of Trolling Motors

Selecting the proper trolling motor for your boat can be challenging due to the variety available, each with its advantages. Gas-powered trolling motors suit larger boats, offering more power, longer run times, and faster speeds. They tend to be noisy and require regular maintenance.

Electric trolling motors are suitable for smaller boats, kayaks, and bass or panfish boats. They are quieter and more cost-effective to maintain than gas-powered models. Electric motors come in various sizes, determined by voltage based on the boat’s power requirements and the terrain it will navigate. The thrust of the electric motor should match the weight of the boat and the motor combination used.

Determining What Size Trolling Motor You Need

Selecting the right size trolling motor for your boat requires careful consideration of several factors. First and foremost, you should consider the type of boat you’ll be using. Boat size and weight are crucial in determining the appropriate trolling motor, as different boats demand varying thrust levels and power to move efficiently.

After identifying a suitable trolling motor based on your boat size, the next step is to calculate the combined weight of your motor and the boat. This calculation will help you determine the amount of thrust and power you need to navigate the water effectively.

Consider how your boat handles the water and the specific activities you plan to engage in, such as fishing or cruising. Understanding these aspects will help you decide whether a higher voltage or greater thrust is necessary to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Voltage Considerations

Selecting the appropriate trolling motor requires careful consideration of voltage requirements based on boat size and the specific terrain you’ll be navigating. For smaller boats like canoes or jon boats that frequent shallow and calm waters, a 12-volt motor is typically sufficient. These motors are suitable for leisurely activities like fishing or relaxed cruising near shorelines, where high-speed performance is not a priority.

For mid-sized boats, such as bass boats that venture into slightly deeper waters with moderate currents, a 24-volt motor offers the appropriate balance of power and maneuverability. It caters to activities that demand increased speed or handle heavier loads without overstraining the battery with unnecessary amps, thus ensuring longer battery life.

Larger boats, like pontoon boats, navigating deeper waters with strong currents, benefit from the power of a 36-volt motor. This setup allows for faster speeds over longer distances and is particularly useful for activities like wake surfing, skiing, or wakeboarding, where quick maneuverability and sustained high speeds are required.

Power Considerations

After determining the suitable voltage for your boat, the next step is to assess the required thrust or power. Different boat sizes demand varying amounts of thrust depending on their weight. Smaller vessels generally need lower thrust, while larger ones require higher power to accommodate the heavier weight displacement that could otherwise slow down progress.

To accurately calculate the required power, consider the total weight of your boat and motor combination. Add 10% as a buffer to account for potential challenges or upgrades, such as adding live wells or anchors. This overage ensures you can consistently meet your desired speed specifications without straining or draining the trolling motor battery too quickly, providing proper power delivery throughout your voyages.

Other Factors To Consider

When purchasing a trolling motor, there are several important considerations to remember. The shaft length is crucial in determining the propeller’s depth underwater, affecting maneuverability in tight spaces and shallow waters to avoid potential damage. Research the maximum compatible speeds based on the motor’s design capabilities, ensuring the right power levels for various activities without drastic modifications when circumstances change.

Many electric trolling motors have features like LED lights for easier night fishing and variable speed control knobs that offer precise control, eliminating costly upgrades. When coupled with proper trolling motor batteries, these features allow for optimal performance ratios, making them ideal choices for achieving goals without overspending. Considering these factors, you can confidently select the best trolling motor that aligns perfectly with your boating needs, ensuring a satisfying and efficient experience on the water.

Conclusion

Selecting the proper trolling motor for your boat can be daunting. With so many types of trolling motors available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your boat. By following this guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the appropriate motor for your boat. With the proper motor, you can enjoy many hours of fishing, cruising, or whatever other activities you may have planned with the peace of mind that your boat will have the power to get you there.