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I am not a fisherman by any means ...and was looking for advice on trolling motors
Questions
1. What is thrust ?...I assume the bigger the better but what exactly does it mean ?
2.What size trolling motor I would need/want for a 13' whaler sport
I found this article - its a bit of a long read but really helps explain trolling motors, styles, mounts etc. They don't say what thrust is per say - but do go into sizes needed for different length boats.
Trolling-motors are specified in terms of the thrust output capability. It is the thrust and not the output of the electric motor in kW or HP that determines effectiveness. Thrust is a static measurement of force. It is a result of the power developed by the electric motor, the propeller shape, pitch and dimensions, and the speed in rev/min. The propellers are designed to achieve maximum acceleration for immediate response. Although frequently quoted there is no precise correlation between thrust and horsepower. The figure of 15 lbs of thrust does not equal one horsepower so use caution when using the numbers.
Ed,
I bought a 42 lb. thrust for my 13. It moves it around pretty well. Are you thinking about mounting it on the bow or the stern? I bought a stern mount model and turned the head around so I could mount it on the bow. I made a bracket that didn't really work and I'm redesigning another one. There's not much to bolt to in the front of an old 13. I'm trying a piece of aluminum that will start just to port of the bow light and follow the profile of the hull and wrap around the side a little. That way I can bolt it to the bow and the side to try to get a little stability. The first bracket offered none.
Mike
when i got my 13 the first thing i did was buy a troiling motor and the second thing i did was send it back! i fished this boat in the gulf of mexico, mouth of the mississippi river and its passes, all of southeast la. the boat is too easy to drift fish, anchor, position, and paddle. i used a 5' heavy paddle that you can use standing up because the boat is very steady. it is not worth drilling holes, hauling an extra battery, and the motor takes up too much room when in the up position. the bigest draw back is the thing will never stay in the boat if you have to run to save your ass.
it is the best boat ever made but you have to stay in it and have enough power to get out of trouble.
one more thing. do not screw any thing down. the gas tank and battery will break loose.
Dam shame you sold that 86 outrage with the twins Joe. That is the exact boat I'm in the market for. Wish I knew you were selling it. How much did you get for it?
