One of the best ways to up your fishing game is with a boat trolling motor. These motors not only enhance your maneuverability out on the water, but they also provide the quietness and preciseness you need to not disturb your next catch! Here are the details you need to update your angling game to legendary status with a boat trolling motor.
Choosing The Right Trolling Motor for Your Boat
Trolling motors were traditionally used on small boats but with advancements in the sizes of the shafts and thrusts on trolling motors, they have become more popular on larger saltwater center console boats. To find the correct trolling motor for your boat, you need to consider three factors: motor thrust, power source, and mounting location.
Motor Thrust
The motor thrust on your trolling motor refers to the amount of force your motor will need to generate to move your boat through the water. The larger the boat, the more thrust it will need. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight. Make sure you calculate your boat’s weight fully loaded to get a better idea of how much thrust you’ll need!
Power Source
A trolling motor is quiet, in part, because it doesn’t run on a noisy gas or diesel engine. Instead, trolling motors are run on deep-cycle marine batteries. These marine batteries can be lead-acid or lithium. Lithium is new technology and its both lighter than lead-acid and these batteries are known to have a longer lifespan, though they generally cost more. For a larger boat, you’ll likely need multiple 12-volt, deep-cycle marine batteries. For 55-80 pounds of thrust, you are likely looking at two 12-volt batteries (24v). For even higher thrust, you’ll want three (36v).
Mounting Location
A larger boat will likely need the bow-mounted trolling motor. A transom mount usually won’t cut it for control and maneuverability on a larger boat. However, keep in mind that bow mounts generally require longer shafts than transom mounts because they are in a higher position (the bow being higher than the stern). A longer shaft also ensures the propeller remains submerged in the water even if you hit significant waves while out fishing. Fish Tale Boats generally recommends measuring the distance from the mounting spot to the waterline and then adding 20 inches.
The Latest Technological Advances for Trolling Motors
Now that you have a general idea of what size trolling motor you need and where to place it, consider what tech you’d like your trolling motor to have. GPS spot locks, brushless motors, and auto deploy are three technological advancements Fish Tale Boats recommends having on your trolling motor.
GPS Spot-Lock
When you’ve found the perfect fishing hole, the last thing you want to do is take your eyes off the water to ensure your boat stays put right where you need it. The GPS Spot Lock on top-of-the-line trolling motors, like the Garmin Force® Kraken Trolling Motor and Minn Kota’s Riptide Instinct QUEST, will keep you in a fixed position so you can keep your focus on the water. The GPS Spot-Lock technology uses GPS coordinates to automatically counteract drift due to winds and currents and make real-time adjustments to your motor’s speed and direction.
Brushless Motors
Be aware of whether the trolling motors you are looking at have brushed motors or brushless motors. While this may seem like a small difference, it can affect the reliability, precision, and noise levels of your motor. Brushless motors use magnets to turn your rotor rather than brushes. This provides more torque, less noise, and higher accuracy than you’ll find in a brush motor.
Auto Deploy
Lowering your trolling motor into the water or stowing it away after a long day of fishing can be more effort than you want to put in! Auto deploy allows you to complete both tasks with the push of a button. This technology isn’t just about saving time either, it’s particularly useful if you are fishing alone, in rough waters, or just want to spend more time fishing and less time on motor management.
These motors are ideal for effortlessly maneuvering your boat at low speeds and smoothly steering it in any direction you desire.
Buying and installing a trolling motor
Trolling motors, especially on a larger boat, aren’t something you’ll want to install yourself. They involve drilling, wiring, and careful placement. Instead, bring your boat into Fish Tale Boats. If you haven’t already chosen the trolling motor you’d like to add to your boat, we can help you pick one that meets all your needs. After you’ve bought your trolling motor, we can have it seamlessly installed in no time.
Ready to Elevate Your Boating Experience? Contact us today for expert solutions tailored to your needs. From premium trolling motors to personalized advice, we’re here to make your time on the water exceptional. Reach out now and let’s make your boating dreams a reality!
