How Much Thrust Do You Need?

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Thrust is the primary force that makes trolling motors work so well when you want to catch your favorite fish using your favorite lures. Electric trolling motors are rated for thrust so that you can choose the right one for your trolling needs. When you have the right trolling motor that produces sufficient thrust, your fishing vessel will be capable of giving you the sustained speed necessary to effectively troll for whatever species of fish that you are targeting. Let’s take a closer look at what affects thrust and how it determines which trolling motor you should buy.

Three Levels of Power

The first factor that affects thrust is the electric motor’s power level. There are three power levels for electric motors that are based on voltage. Those power levels are 12 volts, 14 volts, and 36 volts. As you might have guessed, more voltage equals more power. You might have the same basic trolling motor, but it might offer two or all three power levels and correspondingly higher levels of thrust.

For example, a 24-volt Minn Kota Terrova 80 gives you up to 80 pounds of thrust versus 55 pounds of thrust for the 12-volt Terrova 55. The 12-volt Terrova trolling motor would work well on smaller vessels, like a fishing kayak or a light Jon boat, while the 24-volt would be ideal for bigger Jon boats and fishing boats. If a 36-volt model existed, it would work well with an even larger vessel and would produce about 100 pounds of thrust.

Factors that Affect Thrust

When it comes to electric trolling motors, several factors affect thrust, starting with the battery. Smaller vessels can use a simple 12-volt battery to power the trolling motor and get good results. that same motor and battery would struggle with a larger boat, though, and the trolling motor would have to work harder to maintain a good trolling speed. The harder it works, to faster the trolling motor wears out, so you might be better off with a 24-volt battery for some trolling motors.

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The gross weight of your vessel likewise affects thrust. A general rule of thumb says that you need 5 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of weight to move your vessel. That weight includes the vessel, any passengers, and any gear that you have on board. Other factors that affect thrust include how long you will be trolling, any current that you might encounter, and the weather. It’s important to choose the correct motor that produces sufficient thrust so that you can enjoy a successful fishing trip with plenty of electric power for trolling.

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