If you are taking two batteries you can use a bigger trolling motor. Ask your self this question. If a storm was brewing and you needed to get to safety quick, what size trolling motor would you like on that boat. A minimum of 55 -65# trust. If you are using a 14'-16' boat consider getting at least a 9.9hp motor. Good luck on your search.
Thanks for your post, Mickey, and you do make some excellent points. I've been out on the lake when many a storm came up!
However, regardless of the number of batteries (i.e. 1 or 2) , the more the thrust - the more the current draw - the quicker those batteries are discharged/depleted.
Having to get off the lake quickly probably has more to do with nautical speed than anything else. A person might realize more nautical speed with an 5hp outboard than with a 65lb thrust trolling motor, I don't know.
I did say a 5hp or so. The
un-funny thing about that is the price. Considering a 9.9hp as a minimum is fine and good for practical purposes, and even specification purposes, but it's going to cost more than a 5hp motor. Additionally, a 55-65# trolling motor is considerably more costly than a 30-35#.
However, being the poor-boy that I am... both of those more powerful options may be beyond the considerations of my bank account.
In this area, like many others, storms can come up pretty quickly. But this is the plains and you can see for a hundred miles (so-to-speak). And unless one just pops up right on top of you, if you don't see it coming then it's because you're not watching what's going on around you.
Regardless, I'm going to get the best compromise of price vs. performance... or performance vs. price... or whatever my bank account will allow... or whatever best describes it!
