Trolling motor question

[linemech]

New to the tinboats and a couple of questions. Picked up a 1436 last weekend, planning on small lake fishing and here's my first of probably many questions. Looking at strictly trolling motor powered, at least for the immediate future. Currently looking at the Minn Kota Endura Max, transom mount. Transoms 16", have read that 12" below bottom of boat is a good depth, which would be better the 36" or 42" shaft or is it just a matter of personal preference? Also is this an instance where more thrust is always a good thing? 40-55 lb thrust available, natural instinct is to go big with the 55.
Anyways, like I said, probably first of many questions, thanks in advance.

Sam

 

[TNtroller]

You want the prop deep enough in the water so it won't come out of the water when in rough water, boat wakes, rollers, etc., The longer the shaft the better in most cases, BUT what you don't extend down into the water will be above the gunnel/bow/transom which may or may not be in your way. You can always cut the shaft down if it does get in the way but you can't add any more shaft to the TM unless you get a new shaft. Just because you have the power/thrust, you don't have to use it, but it's nice to have to fight current, wind, waves, etc., and the load you will be carrying in the boat. More weight (gear/people/coolers, etc) will need more thrust to move along and to control the boat. Variable speed is much much better than the 5 speed.

 

[Captain Ahab]

More power is better

 

[Johnny]

To me, the shaft is a personal preference - it is adjustable, use as much or as little as you need.
Use caution with the power. Are you going to run a 12 or 24 volt system ???
Use the search feature . . . lots of info there

I just got a "like new" second hand Minn-Kota Rip Tide Bow Mount, 55 Lb, 12 volt, 48" shaft.
It is the salt water version. Easily converted from bow to transom mount if you have the transom bracket.
Only used it once but it is awesome.
Even if you never venture into the salt, this machine has totally enclosed electronics and
impervious to weather. But, a bit pricey.
It is used on a pretty hefty 1648 MV.

 

[lugoismad]

I have a 14' boat. I have a $99 30lb thrust trolling motor on it. On top speed, even with the 25hp motor, battery, full tank of gas and 2 fat guys in the boat, it'll push us along faster than I could comfortably walk. My phone's GPS said it was 5 mph.

 

[HeavyHook]

I have a 14' boat. I have a $99 30lb thrust trolling motor on it. On top speed, even with the 25hp motor, battery, full tank of gas and 2 fat guys in the boat, it'll push us along faster than I could comfortably walk. My phone's GPS said it was 5 mph.

I have a 40lb with the exact same set up as mentioned and it works great.

 

[linemech]

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking concerning shaft and thrust. Hadn't thought of the variable vs set number of speeds. As far as the search feature here, believe me I'm using it lol, hours and hours of info while waiting on planes.
Thanks again.