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Author:
Basstard
Date:
Apr 07, 2009
Subject:
Selecting a trolling motor
Message:
I have recently became tired of paddling my canoe around so I am looking into buying a transom mount trolling motor for it. I have no experience at all with trolling motors at all so I was hoping maybe some of you guys could point me in the right direction. How much power do I need to move a canoe, two people, and a ton of tackle? Will 30lbs of thrust do it? 40lbs? Any brands I should stay away from? What shaft length do I need? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks guys, Nick
Author:
slimecoat
Date:
Apr 07, 2009
Message:
This is how I got started as a teenager. I had a 30lb thrust MinnKota and it moved the canoe just fine. Remember to get the canoe registered before you go out with the trolling motor attached, because the DEP considers any vessel powered by anything other than man power, a motorized vessel. I learned the hard way, mr. DEP waved me over to the launch, wrote me a ticket, and it cost me $60 for an unregistered vessel. Pointing Dog was there to witness this event many many moons ago. Does your canoe have a flat transom to mount a trolling motor, or is your canoe pointed on both ends? If it is pointed on both ends, you will need to strengthen the side wall to attach the clamps to the side of the wall. I used 2 pieces of oak, 6" by 6", and put 1 piece on each side of the fiberglass to add support and to keep it from sliding around. You don't need too long a shaft as your only 6" from the water line, actually the shorter the shaft the better, because if your in really skinny water, you have to raise the top handle so high it ends up being over your head, and just not ideal to fish around. Good Luck......
Author:
Basstard
Date:
Apr 07, 2009
Message:
Unfortunately, My canoe is pointed at both ends. I'm am pretty handy so I think I am gonna build a bracket. I saw a bunch of brackets for sale online. I am just gonna copy the design and build it myself. I like your idea of using oak. I may have to steal that idea from you. Thank you for you help. I didnt have any idea how much power i needed.
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