trolling motor on a wood boat.

[Andrew B.]

I just launched my first build and now am ready to accesorize. Has anyone ever mounted an electric trolling motor on a lumberyard,ladybug,brockway type of skiff. I built an 18' and need some advice as to thrust. mainly lake and some inshore fishing.

Andrew

[TerryLL]

Electric trolling motors will provide about 1-3 HP, depending on the model. That's enough to move you sedately around a protected lake in calm conditions. But it's not enough for windy conditions or any kind of current. A 10HP 4-stroke will push you through most all conditions at hull speed, and a 25 or more will give you planing speeds.

[Tim Marchetti]

Here's a link to a buyer's guide for trolling motors. http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...oductId=532011

[Badger]

I am nearing completion of building the Bluegill Skiff and will be using an electric trolling motor with 30" shaft with 30 lbs. of thrust.
Along with re-charging the battery with a battery charger at home, I have a small solar panel to use while on the lake that will provide a trickle charge.

Here in Minnesota there are a number of small lakes that do not allow gas engines, and I plan to fish the tiny lakes and backwaters for lunker bass and slab panfish.

[obuerkle]

If you are meaning a bow mount trolling motor for fishing or similar I put one on my candlefish. Its a little smaller at 16' but I can offer some advice perhaps. There are a couple of pictures at the end of the thread here:

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...g-a-candlefish

I went with a 55lb thrust model. I could deal with a little less power I think but its always nice to have more. I can provide you measurements of the motor I have if that would help at all, I had a hard time getting dimensions. I would say 55lb would be the absolute minimum power as a fishing motor for you. What kind of wind conditions are you going out in and what does your boat weigh? I think more inportant is how much windage you have compared to a normal bass boat these things generally get installed on.

[Andrew B.]

Obuerkle, you had the info I was looking for. I was looking for bowmount info. I really want to stay in the 55 range to save weight and cash for batteries might need to step up to a 70 for my boat. with the high sides I have a windy day might wear out a smaller motor, still not sure which direction to go. Maybe I can figure it out while saving some pennies to buy one.

Andrew

[Tom Robb]

Rowing isn't an option? Healthy, cheap, green even....

[Andrew B.]

Paddles are for canoes, yaks and jonboats. Not center console fishing boats that weigh a lot. I have a paddle in the boat for emergencies but don't plan to use it except as a hook.