TROLLING MOTOR SELECTION & BOAT SIZE GUIDE
Determine how much power you need (thrust level and voltage) and what size shaft you need.
THRUST
How much power do you need? Trolling motor power is measured in pounds of thrust, and boat weight is key when determining how much thrust you need.
VOLTAGE
Our trolling motors require one to three batteries on your boat based on their power level. You’ll need one battery for every 12 volts in your trolling system
THRUST RECOMMENDATION:
USE THIS CHART TO HELP DETERMINE HOW MUCH POWER YOU NEED*
TOTAL BOAT WEIGHT (LB) | BOAT LENGTH (FT) | MINIMUM THRUST LEVEL (LB OF THRUST) | VOLTAGE |
---|---|---|---|
1,599 or less | 14' | 30 - 40 | 12V |
1,600 - 2,599 | 16' - 17' | 40 - 55 | 12V |
2,600 - 3,599 | 17' - 18' | 70 - 80 | 24V |
3,600 - 4,599 | 18' - 19' | 80 - 90 | 24V |
4,600 - 5,599 | 20' - 23' | 112 - 115 | 36V |
5,600 or 9,999** | 24' - 28' | 112 - 115 | 36V |
10,000 - 15,000** | 28' - 35' | 115 | 36V |
* These are general recommendations using common boat sizes and total boat weight (boat weight with people and gear) to help determine the minimum thrust needed. If things like wind or current are major factors where you fish, consider extra thrust to optimize motor performance.
** Performance results may vary in extreme conditions or when installing on large vessels.
SHAFT LENGTH RECOMMENDATION:
Choosing the proper shaft length is important; if it’s too short, the prop won’t be sufficiently submerged. We recommend submerging the center of the motor section at least 12 inches. (*See below for a few exceptions to this recommendation)
- *Add 5" to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Optimal operating mode is with the engine trimmed all the way down.
- *Add 9" for bow-mount Hand Control motors.
- *We recommend that the propeller tip is submerged at least 12" below the water line to avoid churning or agitation of the water surface.
BOW TO WATERLINE (IN) | RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN) |
---|---|
0" to 10" | 36" |
16" to 22" | 42" to 45" |
22" to 28" | 48" to 52" |
28" to 34" | 54" to 60" |
34" to 52" | 72" to 87" |
52" to 72" | 100" |
TRANSOM TO WATERLINE (IN) | RECOMMENDED SHAFT LENGTH (IN) |
---|---|
0" to 10" | 30" |
10" to 16" | 36" |
16" to 22" | 42" |
22" to 28" | 55" (RT Transom) |