Your boat is only as powerful as the motor that powers it. In light of this, it is important that you select the right trolling motor. Here is some information that will help you make the right decision:
What Strength Should My Trolling Motor Thrust Have?
This question is perhaps one of the most important that you can ask. And it plays a vital role in helping you determine the trolling motor you should buy. Measured in lbs (pounds) the weight of your angler boat or any other small fishing boat bears plenty of significance for optimum thrust levels.
A general rule of thumb here is having 2lbs per 100lbs. For instance, if you own a boat that weighs 3000lbs (with a full load); divide the total weight of the boat with 100 – 3000/100= 60lbs. So, a 3000lbs boat should have a trolling motor that can provide 60lbs of thrust.
If you aren't sure how to accurately calculate the total weight of the boat – search the NADA directory for boats. It contains a list of hundreds and thousands of boats with their weight, including a trolling mount for a canoe.
Your style of fishing and the conditions also play a hand in determining a good thrust. For example, for fishing on calmer lakes and rivers, you will not require a powerful thrust. But if you love fishing in fast moving bodies of water, you will need a high-performing motor.
Is It Possible For Me To Install The Trolling Motor Without Professional Help?
It is certainly possible if you are a somewhat reasonably handy individual. There is no rocket science to installing the motor. However, there is no doubt you have to take all the necessary precautions handling the electrical aspects of the installation.
Moreover, call in a friend to help you out. The motor will be quite heavy. Also, you will have to accurately measure everything for a perfect fit before you start drilling. Read the installation manual thoroughly.
Lastly, don't joke around when it comes to installing the electrical. Get a proper gauge wire, a commercial-grade circuit breaker and ensure that you don't leave any exposed wires around, which could very well lead to a complete short circuit, damaging the motor.
How Important Is To Get A Trolling Motor With The Correct Shaft Length?
Choosing the right shaft length for a bow mount trolling motor is one of the most critical aspects of shopping for the best product.
You have to be sure that the shaft of the trolling motor has an adequate length in order to safely and consistently keep the propeller submerged underwater irrespective of the conditions. However, you have to be sure that it isn't so long that gets caught at the bottom or is a bother to stow.
When it comes to a bow mount trolling motor, which is what a majority of people use, you cannot neglect the size of the shaft, which isn't an issue with transom mount motors.
The average distance from the bow to water significantly varies depending on the type of boat you have. Plus, the bow is designed to have a lot more movement on water compared to a transom motor.
So, if you have a bow motor, you should get the shaft length right. You can start by properly measuring the total distance between the horizontal mount area on top of the bow and the waterline. After determining the measurement, throw in another 20 inches to the total.
As a rule of thumb, get a shaft length that exceeds the total of your measurement. But never settle for less.
If you sail commonly on rough waters to find the best catch, it is better to add another 5 inches to the total to get a new shaft length. This addition will prove useful because the shaft will keep the motor propeller submerged despite constant bobbling, the effects of the wind on the water and the choppiness of the river.
How Many Types Of Mounts Are There?
3 Types of Bow Mounts
Bow Mounts
These are pretty popular, especially when it comes to professional fishers and those that have a serious hobby of catching fish. Bow mounts are suitable for medium and large fishing boats. The best advantage of this type of motor is the fact the offer enhanced control compared to a transom motor. Why?
Well, that is primarily because bow mounts effectively pull the vessel in shaky waters rather than pushing it, which is what makes steering-control that much easy.
While these motors are quite powerful and well-designed, they are expensive as well. Transom motors are a much cheaper alternative if you’re short on cash.
Engine Trolling Mount
As the name suggests, you can fix these types of trolling motors directly on the cavitation of a boat's outboard motor. These motors are pretty good when it comes to powerful thrusts and steering action, mounted on the outboard.
You can steer the engine using your hands or by grabbing the wheel. Another advantage of this mount is the fact you can control the thrust of the engine via remote control (wired).
These trolling mounts are spending choice for different types of boats. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about anything if your boat cannot accommodate a general trolling motor. You can easily have the engine trolling motor installed.
Transom Trolling Mount
These types of mounts are ideally suited for small boats. They are easy to mount and are lightweight compared to bow mounts.
While you will require plenty of drilling to mount a bow trolling motor adequately, you don't have to use any power tools to install a transom motor. You can just simply attach the component on the stern of the boat. All you will need is a clamp.
Also, transom mounts are simple to operate. As you can install them at the back of the boat, you can keep the boat free of clutter. Plus, there are no circuit breakers and wires you have to watch out for on-deck as opposed to a bow motor.