Ok I have found myself in a bit of a rush to get my new skeeter rigged out for this weekend and I still have to get a new trolling motor. I have a very limited budget of $700 and I se e that BPS has a minn Kota maxxum 65lb thrust on sale for $650 right now I'm just worried the 65lbs won't be enough motor for a 18.5ft boat. What do you guys think my only other option is to get the minn Kota edge 70lb

I have a Stratos 285 Pro, 18'6", with a 65# Motor Guide on it and have never had any complaints.  Now, if you are trying to hold on points in gale force winds, you might not be happy, but other than that, I don't think you will have any problems.  Speed wise, under normal conditions, it's about as fast as my 20' Javelin with an 80# motor.

Always get the biggest TM you can afford!  If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end.  Don't settle.

 

BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat

 

Jeff

Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle.

BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat

Jeff

Wow 80# oughta just about get 'er up on plane!

65 will be big enough, just make sure it's variable speed instead of the 5 speed. There's too big of a difference in power between 4 and 5 on any of their 5 speeds IMO. 4 isn't strong enough if it's windy, but 5 has you zooming past everything so you have to constantly get on and off the motor. 

Always get the biggest TM you can afford! If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end. Don't settle.

BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat

Jeff

Exactly! I should have bought a smaller trolling motor... Said no one ever!!!!!

If you have to wait a weekend and then get one.

If you can get the 70# that will work. I had a 70# on my 19' bass cat and had zero problem. Just be sure to buy quality batteries. Agree with bluebasser too, get a variable speed rather than the 5 speed. You will thank us later.

Exactly! I should have bought a smaller trolling motor... Said no one ever!!!!!

If you have to wait a weekend and then get one.

If you can get the 70# that will work. I had a 70# on my 19' bass cat and had zero problem. Just be sure to buy quality batteries. Agree with bluebasser too, get a variable speed rather than the 5 speed. You will thank us later.

What year/ model is you're bass cat?

What year/ model is you're bass cat?

1989 bass cat pantera II. I no longer have it

Wow 80# oughta just about get 'er up on plane!

 

 

It will easily do over 6mph.  HAHA

 

 

Jeff

I ran a 56# Motor Guide on my 202 Blazer (20' with a 200 Merc on it) for years and it did fine. Speed wasn't the greatest against a strong wind or current. I'm now running an 80lb xi5 and I'm much happier. Long story short, 65# should be enough to power your 18.5' Skeeter around just fine. 

Always get the biggest TM you can afford!  If you don't make it out 1 weekend to save a little for what you really want, it will pay off in the end.  Don't settle.

 

BTW- I have an 80lb terrova on my 16.5' jon boat

 

Jeff

I agree.  I currently have a 70lb maxxum on  14 aluminum deep v and I wouldn't look back. The extra power is always appreciated when you need it.  That all being said I still wonder if I should have went with the 101 lb.

It will easily do over 6mph. HAHA

Jeff

That's a 16.5? Which model is that? I really like it!

Weldbuilt 1652. Nice boat

Jeff

I have the smallest gas motor (90hp) in my bassclub

I also have the largest trolling motor lol. (80# fortrex)...i wish it was 100# lol