I've read some back and fourth debate on this. I was pretty dead set on getting an 80lb 24v minn kota for my 16' Lund Rebel XL SS. 

 

However, I'm concerned about the weight and space up front if I run two batteries.  The weight of the boat, motor, gas, me, and gear would be around 1600lbs give or take. 

 

I plan to use it to move around the slop for largemouth and to spot lock and jog over structure on lake Erie for smallmouth. 

 

For those with 16' boats like mine, did you go with 55lb 12v or are you good with the extra weight/space of the 24v system?

 

 

Erie? Go 80lb. and deal with the little extra weight. You could always downsize the two batteries to offset some of that while still maintaining 24v and 80# thrust. I’ve got a 16 ft with similar 12V and can get by OK since I only fish smaller inland reservoirs now. Always went 80# on my bass boats though for bigger reservoirs and lake and river current.

If you go with the 55lb and find you need more run time you could run 2 12 volt batteries in parallel.  I don't have spot lock but a 55lb works fine on my 16 ft deep V.