I am about to purchase probably 2 new (used) trolling motors.  One, for my 12 foot vee, that will get moved to whatever 12 or 14 foot jon we have at a current time.  I am looking for 40 - 50 on that.  I know that is plenty, as I have a 50, but just don't like the motor.  (I liked it when I first got it, but my needs have changed dramatically)  

But, on our 18 foot alumacraft, that we are restoring, I am not 100% certain on what I want.  I was guessing 60 - 80 pounds.  Definitely a 24v.  For those that have 17 to 18 foot aluminum bass boats, what thrust do you have, and how happy are you with it?

Thanks.

I have a 17 foot aluminum boat with a 12v 46lb MotorGuide. It is more than adequate in flat water, but in the current of Pickwick it barely makes headway on full when the current gets going. So, I guess it depends on where you fish.

I have a 40 pound Minn Kota on my 17 foot Bass Tracker.  It is quite adequate.  The boat originally came with a 27 pound Minn Kota.  I am not aware of ever feeling the need for more power.

Buy the biggest TM you can afford.  It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Kelley

Just like Triton21 said. Buy the biggest you can afford. If you are going to run a 24 volt the go as big a the $$ will let you.

I run a 36 volt 109# MG Digital tour on my Sea Nymph GLS 176, that is 109# on a 17 foot 6 inch aluminum V hull.

My father-inlaw has 45# 12 volt on his Tracker PTX 175 and he is moving up to a 24 volt TM for next season. I think He is getting a MG tour 82#. The 45# is nice but in high wind or current  or heavy weeds its just not cutting it. If your out fun fishing its ok, but using it for club tournaments the 45# is just not enough sometimes. he would rather have more power than needed 75% of the time than not haveing enough power when needed. That is why I got a 109#. I could fit 3 batteries, and I could afford it so why not. I never have to worry about not having enough power or run time