5 Points To Consider Before Obtaining Your Trolling Motor

How on earth do you make a decision on which trolling motor to get for your boat when there is such a huge vartiety to choose from. Whether you need one for your recreational kayack or 20 ft tournament fishing craft, the choices available to you are pretty daunting especially if you have never owned one before.

Today's motors are generally easy to install on almost all types of craft so the only real decision you have to make is which one will suit you best for your particular boating needs.

Listed here are five important points to consider before you end up hugely disapointed with one that does not work for you.

Your Environment,

Ask yourself where you will you will end up using it the most - in salt water or fresh water.You cannot use a fresh water motor in salt water. Because I live near the coast I own a salt water motor that I also use in fresh water lakes and rivers when boating or fishing inland.

The salt water motors are more corrosion resistant because of the harsher condition they work in, and do cost a little more.

Which Mount

The size and type of boat you have will help decide if it is a transom or bow mount trolling motor you require. With small craft under 14 foot in length a transom mount motor works well. On bigger boats or if you want superior manoeuvrability, a bow mount trolling motor should be installed. Make sure that there is enough space up front for fixing a housing bracket.

Thrust

The term "pounds of thrust" describes roughly how much power is required to move your boat through the water. Without the right amount of thrust in rough or weedy conditions, your boat will go nowhere. Because so many factors can influence your boats performance the rule of thumb is to buy one that may seem somewhat overpowered for your boat. A12 volt system is the cheapest to buy but does not have the endurance and thrust that a 24 volt or 36 volt system will provide. Usually a high thrust 12 volt trolling motor for boats less than 18 feet is adequate.

Shaft length

If your shaft is to short, the propellor may not get enough bite in rough conditions. If it is to long, it could be a problem when boating in shallow areas by hitting the bottom. Factors also influensing your decision will be things like hull shape, bow or stern height and how many people on average fish on the boat.

Kinds Of Control

These trolling motors are either hand or foot steered. For a bow mount motor, steering with a foot control is by far the most popular method. Today you can also steer your boat electronically by using cool features like auto pilot, co pilot and GPS pilot.

Electric trolling motors add a new dimension to your boating experience and are great for helping to create pollution free marine environments whether you are doing some serious fishing or just cruising.