A trolling motor is a small electric engine mounted on the bow or stern of a fishing boat that is used to move the boat through the water quietly to avoid spooking the fish. Trolling motors are available in 12 volt, 12/24 volt, 24 volt, and 36 volt variants. More voltage means a larger electric motor, which translates into more usable power at the propeller. In contrast to an outboard engine, the power output of a trolling motor is measured in pounds of thrust rather than horsepower. The higher the pounds of thrust, the more powerful the trolling motor. As a result, a 36-volt trolling motor with 100 pounds of thrust is far more powerful than a 12-volt trolling motor with 40 pounds of push. Know about 12v vs 24v trolling motor
- When selecting a trolling motor, choose one with the highest output possible. It is far preferable to have additional power and not need it than to need more power and not have it. In general, every 400 pounds of your boat’s weight requires around 5 pounds of torque from the trolling motor to move it.
- Batteries a trolling motor generates power by using electricity, which is supplied by the batteries on your boat. In addition to the battery for starting your boat’s engine, you will need at least one extra deep cycle battery for the trolling motor.
- Do not use the same battery to start the engine and power the trolling motor. Why? After a long day of fishing, the trolling motor will have depleted the majority of the battery.
- When it is time to drive home, you will turn the ignition key only to discover that the engine won’t start since you exhausted the battery. They may be 12v vs 24v trolling motor
- If you are going with a higher voltage trolling motor, or if you will be operating the trolling motor for extended periods of time, you should carefully consider purchasing extra deep-cycle batteries to feed your trolling engine’s electrical hunger.
- A trolling motor can be controlled by hand using a tiller handle, or by foot using a foot pedal or a remote control device. The option is determined by your boat and your personal preferences.
- Tiller steer motors are the simplest to install and remove because they fasten to the boat with a few of thumbscrews. If you choose, you can also install a tiller steer trolling motor on the bow, stern, or both.
- Most foot controllers employ mechanical wires to move the trolling motor so press your toe down to turn the motor one way, push your heel back on the foot pedal to turn the motor the other way.
Many of the newest trolling motors can now be controlled with small remote control devices ranging in size from a garage door opener to a small car remote lock and unlock fob that fits on a key chain. If you rather focus on fishing than directing the boat, you may acquire a trolling motor that guides the boat without your assistance.