QA

How To Install Trolling Motor On Boat

What side of a boat do you mount a trolling motor?

Decide which side of the bow – port or starboard – you want to mount the motor. There’s no “wrong” answer for this as it really depends on how you operate the boat and how you fish. If you usually steer the boat from the port side, you’ll want to consider mounting the motor on the starboard side to improve visibility.

Is it hard to install a trolling motor?

Installing a new trolling motor on your boat is a relatively simple process, but you need to have the right equipment and parts. Below is a list of the parts that are included with your trolling motor and other parts (recommended and required) that you will need for installation.

Where should you mount your trolling motor?

The trolling motor should be placed as close to the center of the stern as possible without interfering with the operation of the main motor, if there is one. The top of the mounting bracket should be flush with the top of the stern.

What is the difference between a trolling motor and an outboard motor?

What Is A Trolling Motor? A trolling motor is complete self-contained like an outboard motor, but unlike the outboard motor, the trolling motor isn’t going to be the primary source of propulsion. Instead, these motors are lifted from the water when the primary engine is being used.

What size trolling motor do I need for a 16 foot boat?

The rule of thumb is that larger motors require more battery capacity, and if you fish from dawn to dark with a boat of 16′ or longer, you’ll probably want 24V. Serious anglers who spend a lot of time on the water will appreciate a 36V motor.

How deep should my trolling motor be in the water?

The rule of thumb is that the top of the motor section should be submerged 12″. In general, shaft length selection is more critical with bow-mount motors versus transom-mount motors. Most boat transoms are similar in their distance to the water, and Minn Kota’s standard transom shaft lengths should be adequate.

Why are trolling motors mounted on the left side?

Remember – you care about where the plug is — when the motor is in the water – not out of the water. The other reason – to have the motor on the left – is that if you have a console boat – and if you ever fish alone – the boat will balance better.

How long does it take to install a trolling motor?

Total man hours spent on the install was 14 hours ($1,900), with another 4 hours ($540) on the custom starboard, plus wiring, screws and other installation bits and pieces “I would plan on about a week of time to do the install, give or take, actual time on the boat may be less may be more,” Held said of the process,.

What size trolling motor do I need?

General rule of thumb: you need at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of fully-loaded boat weight (people and gear included). If things like wind or current are major factors where you fish, you’ll want a little extra thrust.

What do I need for trolling?

As with every fishing method, you’ll obviously need one or several sets of the three most basic pieces of fishing equipment: fishing rods, fishing lines, and saltwater reels. For trolling (fishing), you might have to look for specific trolling rods as well as non-corrosive lines and reels.

What does transom mount mean?

In short, a transom mount is a trolling motor which mounts to the transom of a boat. These motors thrust the boat from the rear. In contrast, a bow mount which pulls the boat through the water. These motors are typically affordable, easy to install, and simple to operate.

Can you put a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail?

We’re frequently asked if it’s possible to install a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail. The short answer is yes, but only with great difficulty! In actuality, due to the arc required for the trolling motor shaft to swing during stow and deploy, virtually all bow rails get in the way.

Is a trolling motor considered a motor boat?

Generally, boats must be registered in their state if they have a gasoline, diesel or electric motor, including a trolling motor. Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) are considered motorized crafts and needs to be registered in most states.

How fast will a trolling motor go?

The maximum speed of a trolling motor is 5 mph regardless of how many pounds of thrust.

How long can you run a trolling motor?

Almost 5 hours doesn’t seem too bad, but that is really a max runtime in ideal conditions. Reality is likely to be less. If the battery is old, damaged or not fully charged then you will not get the rated amp hours from it, reducing your runtime. Significant cold or hot weather will also reduce your runtime.

How fast will a 70 lb thrust trolling motor go?

A 70lb thrust trolling motor will have a speed of about 8 miles/hour or 15 km/hr.

What is the most powerful trolling motor?

Minn Kota has introduced the most powerful trolling motor on the market featuring 112 pounds of thrust.

Can you use a car battery on a trolling motor?

deep discharge cycling a car battery (using it for a trolling motor) will ruin it rather quickly. a trolling motor battery is designed to deliver a modest amount of current for a longer period of time. it is designed to tolerate deep discharge/recharge cycles.