im looking to buy a trolling motor to replace my 1.2 hp 1967 outboard because its too loud and has too many problems.  i had been looking at some minn kotas with 40lb thurst and 36in shaft ($165) for awhile.  and i came across a add in a magazine today aobut a 45lb thurst 36in shaft ($170).  does anyone have either of these motors. and how much stronger is the extra 5 pounds of thurst.  

For $5 more I'd take it though side by side you probably wouldn't see a whole lot of difference.

When it comes to trolling motors, you want as much power as you can get.

The downside is that the more powerful motors weigh a little more and draw more power.

It's a trade off.