I'm looking for a trolling motor to power a 9-11ft Zodiac. I may also use it from time to time on an aluminum boat, but 99% of the time will be on a zodiac.

I'd like to spend below $250 if that would even be possible?

Thanks !

I was looking in the Bass Resource catalog, saw a Minn Kota Endura 55 (55lb thrust) for $244.99 or $239.99 (One is 36" and one is 42")

Would these be sufficient in pushing a zodiac ? If so what's the dis/adv  of the 36vs 42

A 55 should be enough motor I would go with the 36 inch if you get the longer one you would just hafta reach up for the tiller for shallow running.

I have an 8ft Zodiac and I put a 30 lb Minn Kota on it and it will fly with myself(200lbs) and my Weimaraner(100lbs). I purchased it a Wal-mart for less than $100. I am not sure of the shaft length but it is no longer than 36 inches. A 55lb motor would be overkill unless you can get a great deal on one.....................Al

Minnekotas you can play with the prop size if a 55 lb is too fast. But if you get the smaller motor it might be under powered for a larger boat. I have a 40lb on my v-bottom and in higher wind it is not enough motor. If I were to buy another one it would be a 55. Another good mod. for it is to get a foot switch for it. Easy to wire and you have instant control of your power.

So I just got my Zodiac boat.

12ft boat, very sturdy, and not the worlds lightest inflatable, but it's still not too heavy.

How will this due?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&partNumber=1192

I don't have the money for an outboard at this time, so I will be using this to travel a bit, I'm not going to fish rough waters, or attempt to travel 20 miles by any means, but will it push the boat and for how many hours on one battery? I'm planning on getting two batteries.

The problem with inflatables (I know, I have a Sea Eagle 9) is that they are like a sail in the wind.  As light as these boats are, if you are running into the wind you want all the thrust you can get.  I have a 55 on my boat and I can barely make 1 mph (gps) heading into a 15-20 mph wind.  I weigh about 210 and carry about 30 lbs. of beer ( whoops, I meant to say gear)

The problem with inflatables (I know, I have a Sea Eagle 9) is that they are like a sail in the wind.  As light as these boats are, if you are running into the wind you want all the thrust you can get.  I have a 55 on my boat and I can barely make 1 mph (gps) heading into a 15-20 mph wind.  I weigh about 210 and carry about 30 lbs. of beer ( whoops, I meant to say gear)

Haha, yah, this boat is actually quite heavy, much heavier then other inflatables I was looking at. None the less, I hate to go above 55lbs and need a 24v as opposed to 12v.