What size trolling motor should i look to get for a 14-15ft plastic jon boat?

I'd want minimal of 55lb.

Biggest ya can afford ?

11 hours ago, Bird said:

I'd want minimal of 55lb.

is the lb the thrust level?

 

what about the shaft size?

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.   

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?

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 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.

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

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.

Extremely happy with my 80 lb Terrova on my 1448.

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. 

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

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. 

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.