So I think I'm gonna pick up a trolling motor, just this one on sale from Amazon. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Freshwater-Transom-Trolling/dp/B004360NKY/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1423092234&sr=1-1&keywords=trolling+motor

 

But I know nothing about trolling motors, so I need your help! I have a canoe, so I assume I would need a special mount? And I also have a small rowboat (pictured below), that has a section I think a motor could be attached to. Do you guys think I would need a mount for this?

 

 

 I looked over thrust-to-boat-size charts, and this motor seemed fine.

 

I'm not really sure what else I would need besides the motor, a battery I'm thinking this one - http://www.amazon.com/MinnKota-Trolling-Motor-Power-Center/dp/B001PTHKMG/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_y), and maybe a mount. Am I missing anything?

 

Thanks in advance, this seems like a great website with some knowledgeable people.

 

EDIT: I saw in a review that this motor requires a "breaker". Can anyone fill me in on what this is?

The motor is minimal, a more powerful one is better. Your budget will determine that.

 

That is not a battery, that is a box to put a battery in. An unnessary expense.

 

You need a 12V DEEP CYCLE battery. The size will depend on how much run time you want with the motor and how much weight you want to deal with.

 

Go to Walmart and pick up some of the batteries to see which you want. The bigger, the better with those too.

Thanks! I'll make sure I get a real battery now, not some box. I'll look on walmart.

 

I know the motor isn't great, but I'm just looking for something to use a few times a year on small boats, so I think it should work for what I'm doing.

 

Do you think that motor would be able to attach to the rowboat?

That motor does just fine on the canoe I rode in. He made a 2*4 clamp brace and hung it off the side on the rear so it could be reached easily from the seat. The battery and charger is the most critical for long happy operation. A starter battery charger does not work best with a good deep cycle

That motor does just fine on the canoe I rode in. He made a 2*4 clamp brace and hung it off the side on the rear so it could be reached easily from the seat. The battery and charger is the most critical for long happy operation. A starter battery charger does not work best with a good deep cycle

 

Great, I'll make sure to spend the extra money to get a good battery. Is there one you'd recommend for this motor?

 

And I'm interested in how to make the 2x4 clamp brace, but I don't really get the full idea. Do you have a picture by any chance?

Check Craigslist, too. I got a 40 lb thrust for $50. 30 will move your boat, though.

Check Craigslist, too. I got a 40 lb thrust for $50. 30 will move your boat, though.

 

I had a look there first, but all I could find was 30 lbs. for $75. I figured I'd just spend $10 more and get a new one, without the hastle. 

Craigslist is a good place for used TMs.......I buy all my new ones from thedigitaloasis.com.......best prices I have found on electronics.

Right now I am looking at batteries... The main thing I've found is the MCA.What is a good number for that that will last for at least 5 hours? Thanks

For small boat I would recommend a sealed battery. The don't have all the capacity of lead acid but are a lot safer.

For small boat I would recommend a sealed battery. The don't have all the capacity of lead acid but are a lot safer.

 

How long do these last, if you have any idea?

Batteries usually last about 4 years. Don't overlook the battery box. In most states, it is required that the battery be covered, that's what the box is for.

Batteries usually last about 4 years. Don't overlook the battery box. In most states, it is required that the battery be covered, that's what the box is for.

 

Okay, I'll check to make sure I won't break any laws. Thanks for the heads up!

I have this motor on my 12ft jon boat and it does just fine. You should not need any mounting brackets, they come with the motor. Normally I can fish 2-3 days without recharging and I bought the cheapest deep cycle battery my walmart had ($80)

I think the box you looked at has a circuit breaker in it.

I have a couple of Walmart Everstart batteries, a 24 and a 27.  The 27 lasted longer when new, but weighs probably about 6 or 8 pounds more than the 24.  After two years, they both last about the same amount of time...6 to 9 hours on the water depending on wind and distance.

I use this charger http://www.amazon.com/MinnKota-MK-105P-Portable-Battery-Charger/dp/B000MN8SEK

- been real happy with it -- though I did have one fail, MinnKota sent me a new one pretty fast.

So if I buy the battery, it doesn't come with a charger? I have to buy a seperate $45 one? Thanks for the advice.

I have this motor on my 12ft jon boat and it does just fine. You should not need any mounting brackets, they come with the motor. Normally I can fish 2-3 days without recharging and I bought the cheapest deep cycle battery my walmart had ($80)

Great! Thanks! That battery lasts a long time!

So if I buy the battery, it doesn't come with a charger? I have to buy a seperate $45 one? Thanks for the advice.

Right, you'll need a charger too. You can start to see why they call a boat, "a hole in the water you pour your money in"

I would say that 45 is very cheap.  You should look at deep cycle chargers,  You may get away with that low of a price if its not an on board unit but this will directly effect the life and performance of your battery.

Minn Kota Portable Battery Charger - Model MK110P

This is the type i would look at if you dont want an onboard unit. 

Okay, thanks guys. So besides the battery and charger, are there any other hidden casts? Things I'll have to buy in order to use it?

Not right away....  Down the road, you may want to look at a second battery.   May not be until after you have to row or paddle a mile up wind a couple times, but at some point in the future.....