I'm going to install a bow-mounted trolling motor on my 18.5-ft. Bayliner 185 bowrider, but I'm not sure what thrust is needed to operate the boat under moderate wind conditions (inshore lakes). Most often there will be three adults fishing.
Since the factory options for this boat are 46lb and 55lb motors, and the available battery space is somewhat limited, my current inclination is to use 55lb with a Group 31 deep discharge battery.
Does anybody has experience using 55lb motor on 185 or a similar boat? Is it enough thrust? If not, what thrust would you recommend?
Also, in a practical sense, what batteries do you use? I perfectly realize that "the bigger is better" and AGM is better than the regular ones, but would like to know what you use for your particular motor (along with it's voltage and max. amp draw). How many hours do you get from your setup, in average?
Since the factory options for this boat are 46lb and 55lb motors, and the available battery space is somewhat limited, my current inclination is to use 55lb with a Group 31 deep discharge battery.
Does anybody has experience using 55lb motor on 185 or a similar boat? Is it enough thrust? If not, what thrust would you recommend?
Also, in a practical sense, what batteries do you use? I perfectly realize that "the bigger is better" and AGM is better than the regular ones, but would like to know what you use for your particular motor (along with it's voltage and max. amp draw). How many hours do you get from your setup, in average?