Choosing the Right Trolling Motor Thrust for Your Boat

When selecting a trolling motor, one of the most important considerations is thrust. Thrust determines how much pushing power the motor has to move your boat effectively under different conditions. Choosing adequate thrust ensures your trolling motor can handle the size and weight of your boat properly.

What Thrust Level Do You Need?

A general rule of thumb is you need around 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of total boat weight. For example, a 1500 lb boat would need at least a 30 lb thrust trolling motor. This is the minimum recommended, especially if you frequently fish in windy conditions, heavy currents, or with larger loads. Go with a higher thrust up to 3-5 lbs per 100 lbs of boat weight if you want extra power and torque.

Thrust Options Available

Trolling motor thrust ratings typically range from about 30 to 120 lbs maximum. Light duty motors designed for small boats and kayaks often max out at 30-55 lbs thrust. Medium sized motors offer thrust levels from 45 to 70 lbs, while heavy duty models meant for larger bass, bay, or pontoon boats have 70 to 120 lbs thrust.

Within each thrust class, you’ll see options separated by 10-15 lb increments such as 45, 55, 70 lb motors. This lets you fine tune the thrust depending on your boat’s needs. Advanced motors also allow you to electronically control and limit max thrust if needed.

Consider Your Fishing Conditions

Think about the water and conditions you typically fish in. Do you need to power through currents, high winds, or heavy vegetation? Will you have multiple people aboard or be trolling heavy gear? Factor in the worst potential boating scenario when selecting your trolling motor thrust. It’s better to have more power than you need rather than not enough.

Follow the general thrust rating guidelines and choose the right thrust level for the weight and size of your fishing boat. This will ensure optimal trolling motor performance and the control you need on the water. Check your boat’s manual for any specific trolling motor recommendations as well.