Trolling motor recommendation for hog island skiff SW16

• Mar 20, 2018

• #1

BeefMaster

Senior Member

I have a question for those who are much wiser than I. I am about to pull the trigger on a Hog Island sw16 skiff. It's a 16x54 rotomolded hull that weighs 480lbs. With the 50/35 jet Tohatsu motor, polling platform, battery, fuel, and 2 occupants I figure weight will come in around around 1200 lbs (over estimating). I am looking at a Minn Kota power drive and they come in two thrust power levels: 55 (12v) and 70 lbs (24v). I like the idea of only adding the weight of one battery for weight but I am not sure that 55lbs is enough thrust. My fishing will be split between rivers such as Etowah and Coosa, lakes, and when time allows, some salt flats. I would love to hear any personal experience that would help me make the best purchase.

Thanks.

 

• Mar 20, 2018

• #2

Dustin Pate

Administrator

Staff member

Get the 70.

 

• Mar 21, 2018

• #3

J

jr123

Senior Member

What are you paying for this setup with the 50/35?

 

• Mar 21, 2018

• #4

BeefMaster

Senior Member

jr123 said:

What are you paying for this setup with the 50/35?

Click to expand...

Check PM

 

• Mar 22, 2018

• #5

R

ribber

Senior Member

It's according to what kind of fishing you'll be doing and how much thrust you expect from your trolling motor, but I would say the 55lb would be plenty on a skiff that size. I have a MK 55lb Powerdrive on my 17ft Javelin bass boat and it has plenty of power and I can longline troll almost all day. Just my hull weighs 1000 lbs, not including a 90hp engine, fuel, gear, etc.
On a calm day it will pull my boat 2.5-3 mph.

Bigger is always more efficient, but if you're worried about the extra battery just go with the 55

 

• Mar 25, 2018

• #6

BeefMaster

Senior Member

Thanks guys.

 

• Apr 5, 2018

• #7

K

KEOGON

New Member

BeefMaster said:

Thanks guys.

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Curious as to if you went with the 55 or 70? I have the same boat on order and ended up getting a 55 to save on battery weight/space. Should have mine in another 1-2 weeks.

 

• Apr 13, 2018

• #8

BeefMaster

Senior Member

Keogon,
I am heading to FL this weekend to test drive/buy a lightly used one. It already has a 55lb Rodan GPS trolling motor so IF I get the boat I suppose for a while at least I'll run that one.
Congrats on your new ride, would love to see some pics of it when she's kitted out.

 

• Apr 21, 2018

• #9

K

KEOGON

New Member

BeefMaster said:

Keogon,
I am heading to FL this weekend to test drive/buy a lightly used one. It already has a 55lb Rodan GPS trolling motor so IF I get the boat I suppose for a while at least I'll run that one.
Congrats on your new ride, would love to see some pics of it when she's kitted out.

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I'll post some pics once I get it (hopefully by the end of this week). Did you end up getting the one you looked at in FL?

 

• Apr 22, 2018

• #10

BeefMaster

Senior Member

Yes I did actually. I drove through the night and got in the water for a test run a little after 8am. Everything seems to be sorted out properly so some greenback exchanged hands and, after a lunch of fresh oysters at the FishCamp in Titusville we skedaddled back north. Now I just need time to put it in the water, there are fish that need my flies.

I attached a photo from the ad, pre trolling motor, and push pole mounts.

Originally I had my mind set on a jet outboard, but, I am going to see how well i can get around with the prop.

Did you end up getting yours??

 

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Last edited: Apr 23, 2018

• Apr 30, 2018

• #11

craig88

Senior Member

Be careful on the etowah with that prop. Lower units are not cheap!

 

• May 1, 2018

• #12

BeefMaster

Senior Member

craig88 said:

Be careful on the etowah with that prop. Lower units are not cheap!

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Figure I will stick deeper waters and prowl the Etowah in the kayak. I'd rather not have to buy a lower.