endo
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i just boat a 17 foot grumman bass boat and was wondering if i could get some opinions on a trolling motor. i was looking at a minnkota just didn't know what thrust or voltage to get. any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. i plan on using this boat to crappie and bass fish.
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Dan Tessmann
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I would go 24 volt and get the most thrust you can afford. You will be kicking yourselve if you dont go big enough. The 24 volt will let you run longer and you use less juice. Minn Kota makes a model that will fit your needs. If you fish alot of current I cant express enough about having ample thrust. If you will fish lakes you can get away with a smaller thrust motor. Hopefully this helps, Dan
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northstar
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24 volt systems also get longer use before batteries are dead.
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Northstar - Even as you have done it unto the least of my children, you have done it unto me.
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shaley
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Get the biggest 24 you can afford, you can always turn it down but when you need 80# you have it. I'm partial to the Terrova AP/US series I can't stand the cable drives. But I don't bass fish and I hate having my foot on the pedal at all times.
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Hillbiehle
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What they said...and in addition stay away from Power Drive Minkotas. I have spent over $200 in pedals in the past 4 years. I would receommend a cable drive.
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Jason Halfen
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As others have recommended, an 80 lb 24V system would be perfect for that boat. My recommendation is to get a Terrova without the autopilot feature, and then add an i-Pilot as soon as they are released.
To learn more about i-Pilot, check out this link:
i-Pilot field test information
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Jason Halfen ~ IDO Pro Staff
Guided walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in western Wisconsin:
JasonHalfenOutdoors.com
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shaley
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Problem with the cable drives is you cant set a course and forget it, always have to keep adjusting it and for us casters thats a pain. Auto Pilot set it and fish. I have ran my PD since 05 and had to replace pedals untill I replaced the power board, been fine now for over 3 years.
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Francisco de la Rosa IV
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Some great advice posted already. But don't overlook getting the biggest possible batteries for your 24 volt system! They should be matched as well. Meaning same condition, age, size, ect...
I have had a problem free PD 70 with the US for 6 years now. Before that I had a 65 pd that only lasted 18 months. My next one will be a terrova for many, many good reasons.
Good Luck,
FDR
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Francisco de la Rosa IV
Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity!
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endo
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thanks for the feedback. the trolling motor that came with boat is under sized and i was wondering if i sould go with a 12v/55# or step up to a 24v/70#.
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duckilr
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If you're a sun up to sun down fisherman a 24v is a must, but you have to make sure your boat has enough room for a 3rd battery. Not to mention the added weight of another battery. Also, if you don't already have 2 batteries of the same type, age, etc...make room in the budget for those because batteries of different type/age hooked up in a series won't last long.
As for thrust, I would think depending on weight of your boat, a 70# thrust would be enough. If you fish the river the more the better, especially in the spring/high flow.
I would suggest a Minnkota with cable steering like the edge, maxxum or fortrex. Lastly, congrats on the new boat 
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-Kyle
www.kyleschauf.com
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Chuck Nordahl
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I'm going out on a limb and saying for a guy that wants to fish crappies and bass, unless you are think you are going to fight lots of wind and waves all day I don't think a 24V is necessary. The cost between a 12V motor and 24V can be substantial, not to mention batteries.
I used to run a 12V MK 50lb Powerdrive on an Alumacraft 170CS Tournament Pro 115hp/15 kicker. Pretty heavy boat for 12V in my mind. It wouldn't hold very long fishing walleyes in rough waters, but one good battery usually lasted all day long fishing multi-species tournaments back in the day.
You can always connect 2 deep cycles in parallel with a 12V motor and have a lot of hours of use.
However, I do agree with these guys on 24V. It will give the most power and longevity. I fish walleyes in open water and 24V is mandatory for my glass boat, and the MK Terrova 80AP/US2 is sweet. 
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iacanoeguy
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I am with CDN there. IF you are just going to fish lakes for bass, crappies I don't think you need the 24V. I have a 12V 45Lb with my 16' Alumacraft and I can fish a LOOONNNGGG time with that. As stated, IF you are doing current, wind etc then you will want the more power. When I fish lakes, I have gone many days, all day with mine. Twice per year I fish a river and have to recharge at the end of the day.
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AllenW
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I ran the 50# minnkota with AP on my 16' Fisher SV-3 and it did ok 90% of the time, I also went 24V for battery life.
I now have a 185 Alumacraft TS and have the 80# Terrova AP and thinking back I'd have gone with a 80# even with the 16' boat.
Do you have to have that much for a 16 or 17' boat, probably not, but its sure nice when you need it.
I'm debating on the I Pilot now, just not sure if it offers enough for the extra cost with the fishing I do, like Jason says, read up on it and see if it fits.
Also the only problem I've had with my AP was it'd take the board out every so often, but apparently there is a new updated board now.
Much easier to be over powered and not need it, than wish you had more. imho
Al
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trolling motor?
