BR1AN Posted March 28, 2020 Share Posted March 28, 2020 What size trolling motor should i look to get for a 14-15ft plastic jon boat? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Bird Posted March 28, 2020 Super User Share Posted March 28, 2020 I'd want minimal of 55lb. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Catt Posted March 28, 2020 Super User Share Posted March 28, 2020 Biggest ya can afford ? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR1AN Posted March 28, 2020 Author Share Posted March 28, 2020 11 hours ago, Bird said: I'd want minimal of 55lb. is the lb the thrust level? what about the shaft size? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartwood71 Posted March 28, 2020 Share Posted March 28, 2020 I use a 55lb for a like-size john boat and it gets the job done. But I recommend you think as much about how big the body of water will be, and how long you’ll normally be running it for (trolling/coasting vs just moving from spot to spot). The reason being you should not overlook the battery size. Bigger is better. It stinks to have a battery run out when you’re a mile down wind from home. yes 55lb is the thrust level. And shaft length for a john boat you’ll be fine with any length as it hangs so close to the water level. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR1AN Posted March 28, 2020 Author Share Posted March 28, 2020 27 minutes ago, Hartwood71 said: I use a 55lb for a like-size john boat and it gets the job done. But I recommend you think as much about how big the body of water will be, and how long you’ll normally be running it for (trolling/coasting vs just moving from spot to spot). The reason being you should not overlook the battery size. Bigger is better. It stinks to have a battery run out when you’re a mile down wind from home. yes 55lb is the thrust level. And shaft length for a john boat you’ll be fine with any length as it hangs so close to the water level. Thank you ? How about brands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Catt Posted March 28, 2020 Super User Share Posted March 28, 2020 I don't wanna just get the job done ? I'm currently running a Alweld 1652VV Marsh RD Package Tunnel. I started with a 55# which got the job done but switched to a 80#. When I want move & not crank the outboard I can easily. I also fish shallow water marshes & the 80 eats vegetation. I'm running a MinnKota Maxxum®, 52" shaft, hand control. Foot control is great but with a bad back they kill my back & knees. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR1AN Posted March 28, 2020 Author Share Posted March 28, 2020 2 minutes ago, Catt said: I don't wanna just get the job done ? I'm currently running a Alweld 1652VV Marsh RD Package Tunnel. I started with a 55# which got the job done but switched to a 80#. When I want move & not crank the outboard I can easily. I also fish shallow water marshes & the 80 eats vegetation. I'm running a MinnKota Maxxum®, 52" shaft, hand control. Foot control is great but with a bad back they kill my back & knees. I like the idea of ripping apart veg lol, stuff can be a pain. But i think that's a little out of my price range right now. Amazon has a Goplus 86lb for $240 but says it takes a 24v battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Fishes in trees Posted March 28, 2020 Super User Share Posted March 28, 2020 I'm a fan of Minn Kota trolling motors, mainly because that's all I've ever owned and they. have been pretty reliable for me. You can tear them up, but you have to work at it. I like the composite shaft in a trolling motor because when you hit something it will flex and bounce back. Hit something with a metal shaft trolling motor and it gets bent and stays bent. As far as particular model, (I'm assuming you're going to stay 12 volt and not go to some kind of bow mount/foot control deal). The Endura Max model in the 2020 BPS master catalog, 55 lb thrust, lists for $289.99. Spend $25 bucks more and you have a choice of a 42" shaft instead of a "36. Doesn't seem like much of a difference, but if you stand up in your boat much, that 6" makes a considerable difference. Should you desire to go very heavy duty - get the salt water version of the Endura Max, which start at $459.99. Buy good batteries - the biggest deep cycle ones that will fit. Buy 2 and wire them parallel so that you're still at 12 volts but you will have double the running time compared to one battery. Believe me, running out of battery power in a Jon boat isn't any fun. Experiment with where to place the batteries in the boat - it will make a difference how the boat handles & feels. Doesn't necessarily have to be within reach of the cord that comes with the trolling motor. It is pretty simple to extend wiring and any auto parts store will have everything you need to do that. Invest in a 2 bank charger - it is important to keep both batteries charged the same. Put the batteries on the charger as soon as you get home. Set it and forget it. Alternative propulsion - it is pretty important to have an alternative method of propulsion. Get to the other end of the lake, smack a stump and shear a prop pin and you are stuck ( unless you brought extra shear pins and the tools to change it out ). Oars or paddles, if the boat has oar locks installed, go with oars, if it is pretty simple to install oar locks, go with oars, if not go with a paddle. FYI - paddling a Jon boat is challenging and a pain in the butt. If you frequently have 2 people in the boat - have 2 paddles. There you go - that's how I'd do it 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR1AN Posted March 28, 2020 Author Share Posted March 28, 2020 4 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said: I'm a fan of Minn Kota trolling motors, mainly because that's all I've ever owned and they. have been pretty reliable for me. You can tear them up, but you have to work at it. I like the composite shaft in a trolling motor because when you hit something it will flex and bounce back. Hit something with a metal shaft trolling motor and it gets bent and stays bent. As far as particular model, (I'm assuming you're going to stay 12 volt and not go to some kind of bow mount/foot control deal). The Endura Max model in the 2020 BPS master catalog, 55 lb thrust, lists for $289.99. Spend $25 bucks more and you have a choice of a 42" shaft instead of a "36. Doesn't seem like much of a difference, but if you stand up in your boat much, that 6" makes a considerable difference. Should you desire to go very heavy duty - get the salt water version of the Endura Max, which start at $459.99. Buy good batteries - the biggest deep cycle ones that will fit. Buy 2 and wire them parallel so that you're still at 12 volts but you will have double the running time compared to one battery. Believe me, running out of battery power in a Jon boat isn't any fun. Experiment with where to place the batteries in the boat - it will make a difference how the boat handles & feels. Doesn't necessarily have to be within reach of the cord that comes with the trolling motor. It is pretty simple to extend wiring and any auto parts store will have everything you need to do that. Invest in a 2 bank charger - it is important to keep both batteries charged the same. Put the batteries on the charger as soon as you get home. Set it and forget it. Alternative propulsion - it is pretty important to have an alternative method of propulsion. Get to the other end of the lake, smack a stump and shear a prop pin and you are stuck ( unless you brought extra shear pins and the tools to change it out ). Oars or paddles, if the boat has oar locks installed, go with oars, if it is pretty simple to install oar locks, go with oars, if not go with a paddle. FYI - paddling a Jon boat is challenging and a pain in the butt. If you frequently have 2 people in the boat - have 2 paddles. There you go - that's how I'd do it Thank you for the info Appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User GreenPig Posted March 28, 2020 Super User Share Posted March 28, 2020 Extremely happy with my 80 lb Terrova on my 1448. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallMeChris Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 I have a 1436 and just recently upgraded to the 80 lb terrova also. It’s fantastic and so much better than the old school motor I had before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass thumb 14 Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 I love my 80# minkoda 24volt for my 12’ John boat. I found you get a longer run time as well I believe it’s a 42” it’s the longer of the 2 shafts. Not a bow mount . I also use my 12 volt 55# when I want a quick trip by myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheScotsman Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 For me, it depends on the water you fish. If you do a lot of riding in current or want spot lock, definitely go with a 24v motor. If you really only fish calm lakes and want to save money and/or weight, a 12v 55lb should work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR1AN Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 22 hours ago, TheScotsman said: For me, it depends on the water you fish. If you do a lot of riding in current or want spot lock, definitely go with a 24v motor. If you really only fish calm lakes and want to save money and/or weight, a 12v 55lb should work. Yeah i pretty much fish calm lakes and ponds that's about it. The boat is posted below, I believe i got a good deal on it. I paid $200. I already took out the wood the previous owner put in. Bought a couple folding seats for it a month ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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