Transom mount electric thrust requirements

[FelonFinder]

I need to push an 8 foot aluminum and I want to use electric to do it. I need advice. I want to be able to run for up to 6 hours with only myself and possibly my little kids. It seemed to me to just go with the max thrust I can get, but in reality I don't know if that makes any sense. I'm completely ignorant on this matter. Any suggestions on what battery I need to do this? Will I destroy a car battery if I try it? (I have a brand new one in the garage!) I weigh 200 and my combined tackle and kid weight will probably not exceed 100 pounds. Thanks, PR

[BuKuBass]

If you want to save money, get the lowest power that has the Maximizer/pulse modulation technology. It does make a substanial difference in running time.
Battery should be a deep cycle to withstand the recharging. You'll soon fry/boil a car battery.

[FelonFinder]

Thanks Buku. Will the motor specify this feature? And do I need to go with a heavy hitter or is 35# enough or do I need 50 or 70 or what? Thanks again.

[BuKuBass]

Search MinnKota or MotorGuide or Cabela's or BassProShops for the specs.

[Clyde]

I am doing exactly what you want to do with a Minn Kota Endura 30 lb thrust. It works great. I weigh in at 220 and I take my boy out, 42lbs, with gear with no problems. I have a 14 foot Old Town Canoe and I bought a deep cycle marine battery at Batteries Plus. I don't think a car battery will do it. Spend the extra money and get a maintenance free battery so if it tips it won't spill. My battery is rated 115 amps per hour which so far has yet to be drained lower than 60% for a couple of four hour uses. I haven't trolled with it so I'm not sure what it would be for continuous use. Batteries and a decent charger will run you a pretty penny and with motor you'll be spending around $250...it looks like it will be cheaper to go electric (definitely greener) but you can easily find a used gas motor that will give you much more thrust...a lot messier also. GI Joes has average prices on the motors but their batteries are over priced.

[FelonFinder]

Thanks Clyde. A friend used a 3.5 hp gas motor on this boat and it was ok. It would slowly get you around. I saw a 5hp motor at the local equivalent of Sportsmans and it looked way way bigger than that 3.5hp motor, and I was wondering why and what real difference would there be, and wouldn't an electric be easier for control? Plus you don't have to start it up. Just go. That sounds good to me. But I want to be able to jump across the lake w/o worrying if I can make it before lunch. Thanks, PR

[Clyde]

I love the way my Minn Kota works! Not real fast but I was actually surprised how fast it was. My canoe is only about 50 lbs and cuts the water pretty well, especialy with my fat butt and battery in the back and Cal in the front! Also, it's quieter and like I said, greener...

I'm guessing now but I think I could make the trip from north to south in under an half hour...?

If you go to Hagg they rent little boats with an electric motor...you could check it out.

(Okay, I just actually noticed you don't live nearby!) :laugh:

[Hunt'nFish]

I know your boat is small, but don't rule out a good used 42lb or 55lb Bowmount Autopilot. Since your move south you'll soon be looking at bigger boats. Mounting on the bow or transom is easy enough. A transom mounted autopilot could be handy at times. You might also take a look at the
Vector w/ 3x steering. It allows full 360 steering, very cool for bass fishing skinny water with structure all around that you have to wiggle your way through. Here's a link: Vector Transmon Mount (http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/motors/fw_transommount/vector.asp)

I totally agree with Clyde on the battery. (Although I don't like Optima) When I bougt my Tracker I was too cheap to buy the best, so I hit Bi-Mart up for a couple grp 27 deep cycles made by Excide for Bi-Mart...$29 sale price seemed reasonable enough. 3years later both are still in use.
In the Crestliner I had to go to bigger Grp31's to get the capacity to pull the bigger boat around (walleye fishing eats up batteries) So I got a couple big Trogans, very good batteries.
One thing, when you start looking at motors, try and find an electric start model. Most elec's have a charging circuit. Charging the battery when you run from spot to spot can extend your trolling time a whole lot. Many small 8 or 9.9hp trolling motors have electric start and charging . And most still have a cord under the cover for manual starting if your battery were to fail. Persoanlly I think a back-up battery is a good idea, but in a small boat like that weight is an issue. But a little weight up front in the form of a spare battery under the front bench seat might be worth it.
Good luck and we DO EXPECT SOME PICS OF THOSE BIG TEXAS BASS!
Hunt'nFish

[FelonFinder]

Thanks H&F. A guy was telling me about 7 to 8 pound farm pond bass he got into this AM. I'm still trying to figure out about licenses, get my moving expenses paid off, and find the right propulsion. But when things settle I'll put a pic up. I've already got some cats with the kiddies so that's cool. The crappie have long since finished the spawn and I have no idea where to look yet. I need to find some guys to take me out. There are a lot of them around. But I found out you don't suggest using crappie meat for catfish bait... :redface: