Does anyone use a Electric Trolling Motor

poopdeckpappy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

Thinking of a elec. trolling motor for the ( 8'6" Avon) dingy

Does anybody have one and if so, what size & how does it do??

I'm thinking maybe one around 40-55 LB/FT thrust might work, but would like to hear from you guys first

Tanks

uspirate · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

my bud used elect on his dink. dont remember what size motor, boat was about 9 feet. i actually was very impressed with it. lots of torque and silent. we used to cruise all through channel islands harbor and always had sufficient power.

ChicagoNewport27 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

I started out with a Minn Kota trolling motor with 17lbs of thrust on my 8' Walker Bay knockoff dinghy. This worked great for me when I was alone (even with gear), but it was a bit pokey when I was shuttling myself, the Admiral and our gear (beer) out to the boat. I found a Motor Guide 28lb thrust electric trolling motor for $50 on eBay, which works perfectly. It'll even power us at a decent clip through choppy harbor waters on a windy day. Low weight, quiet, plenty of maneuverability, and very portable.

In my opinion, if your dinghy is mostly used in getting from dinghy dock to mooring field, all you need for locomotion is an Armstrong Engine (a pair of oars and your two arms) or an electric trolling motor. Harbors are no-wake zones anyway. You dont need to get your dinghy up on a plane or pull water skiers, you just need to shuttle goods and personnel to and from your boat.

USCGRET1990 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

I have a 30 lbs. thrust I've used on seveal different boats including a 14' Al jon boat. It had plenty of power, so I would say go with a cheaper 28-30 pounder.

Bermuda30 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

I've got a Minn Kota 30# I've used on my dinghy (7'10") several times. I like it, has enough power, and is silent.

Freesail99 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

How do you deal with the battery to power the motor ? Solar ?

poopdeckpappy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

thanks guys, ya saved me some money, I'll look for something around 30lbs/ft

CN27, that is all I want it for, back and forth from dock to boat, or boat to boat, thanks for your input

Freesail, I was thinking a couple batteries to alternate, maybe something like Optima with a small battery tender like I used on the dirtbikes, have one charged or charging all the time.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

In some larger anchorages, the trolling motor may not have the range you need. Also, if the battery dies you wil be at the mercy of the current unless you have the oars aboard. Finally, the weight of the trolling motor and battery may be more than that of a small four-stroke outboard motor. Gasoline provides much higher energy density at much lower weight than do batteries—a third-of-a-gallon in my 3.5 HP four-stroke Tohatsu will power it for almost hour of run time... carrying a two-gallon jerry can will give me seven hours run-time in a 45 lb. package.

yotphix · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007

If you want to do this, and you have any concern about running out of power, install a volt meter so you can keep track of your reserves and stay out of trouble.

Bermuda30 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

In some larger anchorages, the trolling motor may not have the range you need. Also, if the battery dies you wil be at the mercy of the current unless you have the oars aboard.

I should have mentioned this, I generally row my dinghy, just experimented with this a few times for running around. Oars should ALWAYS be carried, whether its outboard, sail, or trolling motor powered, IMHO. Btw, I powered mine from an old Optima Blue top, mainly just from boat to boat.