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I've been thinking about setting up a trolling motor on my kayak as an option and have gotten various comments when it comes to how many pound thrust a trolling motor should be when used on a kayak.
I've heard some say that the pro for a higher thrust is that kayak can go faster at the higher speeds. I'm trying to stick with a 12V trolling motor and I think 50 or 55 lb thrust is the maxiumum before you have to go to 24V. The cons I see with this is that they are more expensive, weigh more, usually have a longer shaft, and maybe runs the battery out faster (of course, depends on how you often and what speed is used).
I've heard others say, the above pro is not really correct as the thrust is just for initial propulsion from a stand still but once it gets going, it doesn't make the kayak go any faster (sounds like a torque vs horsepower discussion). So if you have heavy loaded kayak or a tandem, then a higher thrust might make more sense because it will get the kayak moving from a standstill faster but it won't make the kayak go any faster once it's moving than say a 30 lb thrust trolling motor. Other pros for lower thrust trolling motors is that they are usually less in weight, come with shorter shaft options, and may last longer because they don't draw as much juice from the battery.
Most of the discussions above have been theoretical and not from people who have actual experience. What are your thoughts and experiences.? I'm especially interested to hear from those who've experimented with different thrust trolling motors and their experiences.
For a point in reference, I'm looking to a trolling motor as an option for my Revo 13 when I'm solo and Oasis when I may have another angler with me.
As always, many thanks in advance for your helpful input/advice.
FG
I've heard some say that the pro for a higher thrust is that kayak can go faster at the higher speeds. I'm trying to stick with a 12V trolling motor and I think 50 or 55 lb thrust is the maxiumum before you have to go to 24V. The cons I see with this is that they are more expensive, weigh more, usually have a longer shaft, and maybe runs the battery out faster (of course, depends on how you often and what speed is used).
I've heard others say, the above pro is not really correct as the thrust is just for initial propulsion from a stand still but once it gets going, it doesn't make the kayak go any faster (sounds like a torque vs horsepower discussion). So if you have heavy loaded kayak or a tandem, then a higher thrust might make more sense because it will get the kayak moving from a standstill faster but it won't make the kayak go any faster once it's moving than say a 30 lb thrust trolling motor. Other pros for lower thrust trolling motors is that they are usually less in weight, come with shorter shaft options, and may last longer because they don't draw as much juice from the battery.
Most of the discussions above have been theoretical and not from people who have actual experience. What are your thoughts and experiences.? I'm especially interested to hear from those who've experimented with different thrust trolling motors and their experiences.
For a point in reference, I'm looking to a trolling motor as an option for my Revo 13 when I'm solo and Oasis when I may have another angler with me.
As always, many thanks in advance for your helpful input/advice.
FG
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