[mtnwrkr]

I was wondering if there would be much noticeable difference going from a 30# thrust to a 40 or 46# thrust trolling motor. I have a 30# on a 12' smoker craft, moves it fine but could use some better top end for crossing large lakes.

 

[Trout Master]

Uh Yes you would notice a diiference. Plus you will drain the battery faster.

 

[kvannice]

yes!

 

[stealth tooner]

Dude, years back I put a 50lb Minn Kota Maxxum on my 10.5ft Cardiac Canyon pontoon boat and it still wasn't fast enough for me. :rofl:

 

[Michael Nelson]

If you are going to get one of the higher thrust motors, consider something like the Battery Maximizer feature Minn-Kota has on some of their pricier motors. Otherwise, a bigger motor is going to have higher power consumption and you'll flatten your battery quicker.

 

[jeff bandy]

If you really want to go, get a 24 volt and two gel battery's. Can you say" Bat out of hell"
Plus you can run all day.

 

[eimaj]

2 Things to consider, 12V normal sized electric motors will get you to hull speed and that's it. If the 30lb is getting you there the 40 or 46 will not get you any real amount faster. It will drain the batteris faster though. I've played with motors from 18lbs to 50lbs thrust.

Also the minnkota maximizer option only makes a difference on 90% and lower speeds. Once you are at full speed or close to it there is no real world advantage it will drain as the battery as fast.

 

[mtnwrkr]

I picked up a Minn Kota riptide #40 motor used for cheap. It was a noticeable difference and now I have the ability to use it in the salt as well. The owner threw in a nice battery so I now have a spare for long days out. Thanks for all your replies. -Josh