So for my little 14 foot aluminum v haul. I’m using a trolling motor for my main propulsion and fishing obviously. It has some decking In it but nothing crazy heavy by any means. I’m going to be replacing the trolling motor and I was curious. I plan to go with an edge bow mount. With the foot pedal. 45” shaft length. But the question is 45,55,65 pound thrust? What do you guys recommend and think I should go with?

A 45 is plenty on a boat of that size and weight. But as always, there is no harm having more and not needing it. You can turn the power down below 10 on a bigger motor but you can’t go above 10 on a small one.

3 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

A 45 is plenty on a boat of that size and weight. But as always, there is no harm having more and not needing it. You can turn the power down below 10 on a bigger motor but you can’t go above 10 on a small one.

Very wise statement

7 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

A 45 is plenty on a boat of that size and weight. But as always, there is no harm having more and not needing it.

Agree

Better to have and not need than to need and not have

The price difference between the 45 and 55 12 volt models is negligible. I'd go for the biggest 12 volt motor you can get. Having power to overcome wind and waves and current can be important as well as speed since you said this was your only propulsion.

I'm the kind of guy that no matter what the voltage is, 12, 24, or 36 volts, I would always go with the biggest motor in each category.

I've had canoes with 25lb thrust. Just about useless. A 55 on my canoe was much better. And I think the same for you as well. Why play around? Go big!

For many years I got pushed around by the wind in my 1448 flat jon with a 40 lb thrust TM and it was a struggle. When I did her makeover, I put an 80 lb on it, so I could fish where I please.

I'm not suggesting you go that route. With your boat being a V hull a 55 lb should be perfect.

Wait. If it's gonna be your only propulsion. Go big.

Check the factory recommendation about running on full power. MK says it is unwise to operate my 36 v 112# thrust Ulterra for very long at full power. So I use 8 when moving any distance. If that’s the case with the one you plan to get I think I would spring for the most thrust in the designated voltage and budget. If you can’t find it in a manual download, you can always call a factory customer service tech and ask.

Make sure the model you chose has the Maximiser. You get double the time with one battery.

21 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

Check the factory recommendation about running on full power. MK says it is unwise to operate my 36 v 112# thrust Ulterra for very long at full power. So I use 8 when moving any distance. If that’s the case with the one you plan to get I think I would spring for the most thrust in the designated voltage and budget. If you can’t find it in a manual download, you can always call a factory customer service tech and ask.

Oh no I wouldn’t run around on max just for the sake of doing it

1 minute ago, Reel said:

Make sure the model you chose has the Maximiser. You get double the time with one battery.

I’ll check but I feel like that’s the higher budget models

Yes, the Maximiser comes with the higher powered models ( 55 and 65) but it's worth it.

25 minutes ago, GreenPig said:

For many years I got pushed around by the wind in my 1448 flat jon with a 40 lb thrust TM and it was a struggle. When I did her makeover, I put an 80 lb on it, so I could fish where I please.

I'm not suggesting you go that route. With your boat being a V hull a 55 lb should be perfect.

Wait. If it's gonna be your only propulsion. Go big.

Man that’s awesome. I just don’t wana go to underpowered but I doubt I need a ton. Did a stronger one help you that much?

1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

The price difference between the 45 and 55 12 volt models is negligible. I'd go for the biggest 12 volt motor you can get. Having power to overcome wind and waves and current can be important as well as speed since you said this was your only propulsion.

I'm the kind of guy that no matter what the voltage is, 12, 24, or 36 volts, I would always go with the biggest motor in each category.

I've had canoes with 25lb thrust. Just about useless. A 55 on my canoe was much better. And I think the same for you as well. Why play around? Go big!

Somehow I missed your comment! lol I had an aluminum canoe with a 30 pound and yeah you weren’t fighting much tide or wind. I think you and everyone else are right. I should probably spend the lil extra on a 55 pound

I’d recommend going no lower than 55 if you want to stay with 12 volts. You’ll regret going smaller on a windy day.

I have a 12v/45lb motor guide, with foot pedal steering, on a 15/48 - mod-V aluminum.…it came with the boat.

I’ve never had an issue with it. Regular windy days are no problem. But if where to have to buy a new one I would go with the biggest 12v one I could get.

I've spent a lifetime in 14' aluminum boats. Love 'em.

Strongly feel its best to stay 55-lb+.

Some things to remember....
-How big is the body of water you fish on?
-How windy is it?
-How deep is it?

-What style of fishing do you do - move a lot or not?
-Do you carry your battery back and forth to the car every time you go?

-Do you fish alone or with other people (it's a weight question)?
-Don't skimp on the battery.

-Do not skimp on proper charger or charging discipline.

In every case, the 55lb+ with a big battery will be a welcome decision. IMO

Congrats. You're going to be psyched.

3 hours ago, Joedodge said:

Man that’s awesome. I just don’t wana go to underpowered but I doubt I need a ton. Did a stronger one help you that much?

Yes. But I'm trolling a 25 hp Mercury, 6 gallons of fuel, aluminum floor, deck, subfloor, and a silly amount of tackle under the front deck. Even after fishing 8 hours in the wind, the trolling batteries rarely go below 70%. I also like the 4.4 mph to chase schooling Stripers & Hybrids.

This can all get expensive quick, especially with all our great ideas we will share.

I don’t know how they still have it in stock but BPS has the Maxim 55 lb thrust 12v available. That’s going to give you the variable speed digital maximizer, better motor, heavier duty mount with the breakaway protection. But it’s pricier than the Edge at $849. If you can swing might be a worth it over the Edge for only $200 more.

https://www.basspro.com/p/minn-kota-maxxum-bow-mount-trolling-motor

8 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

This can all get expensive quick, especially with all our great ideas we will share.

I don’t know how they still have it in stock but BPS has the Maxim 55 lb thrust 12v available. That’s going to give you the variable speed digital maximizer, better motor, heavier duty mount with the breakaway protection. But it’s pricier than the Edge at $849. If you can swing might be a worth it over the Edge for only $200 more.

https://www.basspro.com/p/minn-kota-maxxum-bow-mount-trolling-motor

Oh wow thank you for posting that link!

9 hours ago, GreenPig said:

Yes. But I'm trolling a 25 hp Mercury, 6 gallons of fuel, aluminum floor, deck, subfloor, and a silly amount of tackle under the front deck. Even after fishing 8 hours in the wind, the trolling batteries rarely go below 70%. I also like the 4.4 mph to chase schooling Stripers & Hybrids.

Oh yeah you are toying around some weight lol. Dang that’s impressive tho!

Something to keep in mind with the Edge. It's a cable-driven steer version and the pedal sits higher. I have a Maxxum which is bigger and more powerful than the Edge, but similar. Pedal is exactly the same. I have a cutout in the floor for mine so it's recessed. You might get tired of standing on that raised pedal like Captain Morgan.

The Edge also does not have spot lock or remote capabilities. Just a FYI. It will have a more immediate response when you turn though and is less likely to fail because its a true cable steer bow mount.

8 hours ago, gim said:

Something to keep in mind with the Edge. It's a cable-driven steer version and the pedal sits higher. I have a Maxxum which is bigger and more powerful than the Edge, but similar. Pedal is exactly the same. I have a cutout in the floor for mine so it's recessed. You might get tired of standing on that raised pedal like Captain Morgan.

The Edge also does not have spot lock or remote capabilities. Just a FYI. It will have a more immediate response when you turn though and is less likely to fail because its a true cable steer bow mount.

Ya know I was literally thinking about that. Being straight legged on one leg and bent on the other could get old fast. I may make a pedal box at work or just buy one. There is space up there on the deck and the pedal does look tall. And I did not realize that about the cable drive. Thanks for the great info!!

I agree to go with the biggest thrust that you have batteries for. If staying 12v (single battery) a 55# is best.

Like they say about horsepower, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

If your wallet provides, Spotlock with hand held remote options are the bomb.

Truth being I used a hand steer trolling motor on an aluminum V for years over foot steer. Being able to bump it with your leg or a quick hand direction change was easier and more comfortable and convenient than a high foot box while taking up less room. Especially if you sit and fish.

And it was less expensive.

1 minute ago, Motoboss said:

I agree to go with the biggest thrust that you have batteries for. If staying 12v (single battery) a 55# is best.

Like they say about horsepower, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

If your wallet provides, Spotlock with hand held remote options are the bomb.

Truth being I used a hand steer trolling motor on an aluminum V for years over foot steer. Being able to bump it with your leg or a quick hand direction change was easier and more comfortable and convenient than a high foot box. And it was less expensive.

That is a great point. That’s the only concern I have honestly. Is the height of the pedal. They look really tall

Just now, Joedodge said:

That is a great point. That’s the only concern I have honestly. Is the height of the pedal. They look really tall

They typically are and uncomfortable while sitting plus they crowd you at the bow. On a bass boat it’s different because of built in recess and the deck roominess.

None are cheap so give some serious thought about how you’ll use it, under what most common conditions and it’ll effect movement, accessibility and experience.

I’d try to buy or borrow a trusted used unit to try out to confirm your decision.

27 minutes ago, Motoboss said:

They typically are and uncomfortable while sitting plus they crowd you at the bow. On a bass boat it’s different because of built in recess and the deck roominess.

None are cheap so give some serious thought about how you’ll use it, under what most common conditions and it’ll effect movement, accessibility and experience.

I’d try to buy or borrow a trusted used unit to try out to confirm your decision.

I’ve looked at used units on marketplace. And i plan to add a recess box I’ll either order one or weld one up at work.

One thing to consider going that route is technology changes rapidly. So whatever you do for one trolling motor today may not fit your next one.

Consider the future when fitting for today! Your modifications done today may not be useable with future trolling motors. It might be something to consider.