Trolling motor thrust

[Gary]

Hi all,

I've purchased a new bass boat which is 20 feet 1 inch long, and has a hull weight of about 1750 pounds. It comes factory rigged with a Minn Kota Maxxum 70lb thrust trolling motor. I have the option of upgrading the motor and I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on whether or not 70lb thrust is enough for this boat.

I'm inexperienced about this as this is my first bass boat, but most of the folks I see have 80lb or higher. My concern is controlling the boat in rough water and wind, such as on Champlain or Erie. Should I boost it up to 80lb or would that not make much of a difference?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Gary

[andy]

Hey Gary.

It all depends on what type of water you fish, be it deep water off sholls or weed lines 70 is more than enough if it is not windy.
My self I like lots of power in my trolling motor becouse you can always turn it down but if you don't have you can't turn up. I had a 16.5ft before my new boat and it has a 70 lb thrust and it was just right.

My new boat has a 70lb as well I don't think I am going to like it because when you get way in shallow , in real thick stuff the extra power is very important to get out fast or just get out. A stainless prop would help with this aswell.

If I where you I would go with 101 lb

Mine came with the 70 and I had no option to upgrade or I would have went with 101 still might sometime this summer.

Andy

[Pete]

Hey Gary,

First off nice boat

As for the trolling motor. I have to agree with Andy. On my Nitro I have a 67 lbs motorguide and on Lake Champlain when the wind comes up, it was hard to keep boat control. If I have the opportunity to get another trolling motor I would go for the longest shaft and the most thrust I can possibly get.

2 reasons:
1) the longer shaft is perfect when you have 4 and 5 foot rollers on Erie and Champlain..

2) the higher thrust as Andy mentioned, you can always slow it down, but you can never speed it up if you have a 70 lbs thrust.

So basically, upgrade your trolling motor.

Pete