Trolling motors have been efficient fishing tools for fishermen for a long while. However, selecting an efficient trolling motor often poses a challenge for most fishermen. As most experienced fisherman have realized, a big trolling motor does not automatically translate to a good motor.
What exactly should you look for in a trolling motor? The easiest and fastest way of selecting a trolling motor is by evaluating its specifications and comparing them with your boat’s needs.
This article will look at the unique trolling motor specifications to look out for, and also help you evaluate them against the requirements of your boat.
Power Output
The power output of a trolling motor is usually measured at the rotating axle in terms of torque. Torque is the amount of force that a running motor produces to turn the propeller blades.
But how is torque important in a trolling motor?
Insufficient torque means that the boat’s weight will overload the internal parts of the motor and may even cause the boat to burn. Maintaining motion with a trolling motor that has insufficient torque is close to impossible. On the other hand, a motor with excess torque will overturn the boat upon setting it in motion.
You should calculate the amount of weight your boat can handle when empty and also when fully loaded. The ratio of power output to the weight of a fully loaded boat should be at least 1: 50. This ration is interpreted as one pound of force from the motor for every fifty pounds of load.
A proper power to weight ratio ensures that you get a balance between weight and torque.
Serviceability
A trolling motor should be easy and cost effective to maintain. You do not want to invest in a trolling motor that has expensive spare parts, which are also very difficult to find.
Serviceability of a Minn Kota trolling motor also depends on the availability of spare parts, as well as easy access to a service station. Minn Kota parts are easily accessible online. Maintaining your Minn Kota trolling motor is easy if you have the right trolling motor parts schematics.
Speed to Power Ratio
When selecting a trolling motor, ensure that there is a perfect balance between the power output and the speed. The overall speed of the boat is determined by the rotor speed, while the amount of load that the boat can carry is determined by the power output.
A trolling motor built with thin coils is easy to magnetize. As such, achieving high speeds with such a motor requires little current. However, a faster motor drops the voltage of the battery pack quickly. Thicker coils, on the other hand, require much more current to magnetize although their powering effect is quite high.
The trolling motor you invest in should have sufficient power and speed. If you intend to carry heavy loads, select a powerful motor and add another battery pack of the same kind in order to double the speed and the power output.
Length of the Shaft
Trolling motors induce motion in the boat by converting centrifugal force into kinetic energy using a propeller blades. The propellers should be submerged a few inches below the base of the boat in order to allow the trolling motors transfer thrust to the boat.
A short motor shaft will result to energy loss as much of the thrust produced by the propeller blades will be lost while transferring it to the boat.
Position of the Motor and Shape of the Boat
A bow trolling motor propelling the boat from the front requires significant amount of thrust to start and run the boat. More streamlined boats are built for speed, while those with a flatter base are built for heavier loads.
Conclusion
The market has variety of trolling motors to choose from. However, understanding exactly what to look for in a Minn Kota trolling motor will help you make an informed decision. Always ensure that the outlet you buy purchase the trolling motor from is reputable.
