Electric vs Gas Trolling Motor?

Question

I have a 1985 Glastron 18 ft (docs say 17' 1"). With a 1979 Mercury 200HP motor. The boat has a mount for a trolling motor and the former owner used the 5 HP Briggs.

I wish to contionously troll on a lake (2-3 hrs at a time), not just from spot to spot. Can an electric trolling motor handle this challenge or should I stick with a gas powered trolling motor?

Answer 1

Electric. Quiet, efficient, remote control, more pleasant during the cocktail cruise.

Answer 2

Both varities have pros and cons.

Electric is clean,quiet and reliable. You need to match the pounds of thrust to weight of your boat and waterline draft. The electric is also capable of dialing down the speed to a more variable (slow) speed. If you choose this option I would reccomend you use a seperate battery to draw from, so that you don't end up out somewhere unable to start your main engine. There are also switch/relay kits that you can install to only allow your battery to be run down to a certain point and then will shut down the electrical motor if you trust that. You are limited to a lower High speed from them. And the higher the setting you are using the faster you will drain down the battery.

The gas version, you will want to go with a 4-stroke not a 2-stroke. They are noisier, smellier, and cost much more and require more maintainence. They are sometimes not allowed on certain bodies of water and some waterways have a 10hp maximum. They also can be hard to adjust speed and hold consistant. They are able to offset winds and loads in your boat ie: number of people, amount of fuel/payload etc. they do need to be winterized and fuel stabilized for storage. You are not limited to any length of time as long as you are packing enough fuel.

In the end you will need to weigh out the issues as well as your own usage. Both are great for the intended purpose. Just decide what you are really going to do with it and just weigh out your options. Happy Boating!

Answer 3

in windy conditions the electric will not do the job. you would need two batteries and maybe a 24 volt size for 2-3 hours. the weight of the boat and load ,especially if its a deep v hull puts a heavy strain on the motor. go with the gas. to confirm check one of the websites such as Motorguide to get a suggestion on capacities for loads.

Answer 4

My step dad has an electric motor on his 29 foot bayliner, and it works fine, and they are super quiet, great for sneaking upon the fishy's!!

Answer 5

Electric is quiter, but you will need several batteries to push this boat in a breeze.

If you don't mind the noise, gas is lighter and easier.

I would go with a 10 to 15 hp as it can bring you home if the big motor has troubles.