What is the Thrust of an Electric Trolling Motor?
What is the Thrust of an Electric Trolling Motor?
The most important consideration when choosing the right electric motor for your boat is how much thrust will be needed for your vessel. Thrust, measured in pounds (lbs), is the standard measure commonly used to describe the power of an electric outboard motor. The bigger and heavier your boat is, the more thrust you will need to achieve satisfactory results on the water. One thing you definitely want to avoid is purchasing an electric motor with too little thrust.
A common misconception regarding thrust is that it will provide higher speeds, but this is not necessarily true. If we want to make an analogy, thrust is similar to torque in a car; it concerns your boat's acceleration and not its top speed.
An adequate level of thrust is particularly important if you purchase an electric motor with GPS features such as:
Watersnake Geo-Spot GPS 80lb Bow Mount Motor: A 24-volt powered motor with 80 pounds of thrust.
Watersnake Geo-Spot GPS 65lb Bow Mount Motor: A 12-volt powered motor with 65 pounds of thrust.
Watersnake electric motors are available in two voltage levels: 12v and 24v. Generally speaking, motors with higher voltages have more thrust. Geo Spot motors are designed for bow mounting and include advanced features such as GPS control, which allows you to anchor your boat in a specific position. Always choose the right motor and avoid having an electric motor with insufficient thrust, as it will struggle to keep your boat where you want it if the wind or current picks up.
In addition to poor performance and GPS positioning accuracy, having too little thrust will reduce the motor's running time and put stress on the motor itself because it will be working too hard. When a motor has to run at higher speeds to compensate for insufficient thrust, it produces more friction and heat, which can shorten the motor's lifespan.
An Electric Motor With Adequate Thrust For Your Boat Should Perform As Follows:
- Provide responsive steering and acceleration.
- Cruise at about 3-4 mph for a transom mount motor.
- For a bow mount motor with GPS, your boat should be able to maintain a position or course regardless of strong wind, waves, or current.
- Not require high propeller speeds to maneuver your boat. The motor should not have to work at maximum speed during normal use.
- Offer enough running time for a typical day of fishing.
Before purchasing an electric motor, we highly recommend following the instructions below to determine the appropriate motor voltage and thrust for your boat.
How To Determine The Right Thrust For Your Boat:
- Calculate the total weight of your boat, including passengers, gear, and fuel.
- Consult the recommended thrust charts available in the manufacturer's manual or on our website.
- Consider the water conditions where you will be using the motor; waters with strong currents or wind require more thrust.
- Choose the motor with the right voltage (12v, 24v) based on the needed thrust and your boat's electrical system. If your setup already includes a 12-volt or 24-volt battery, make sure it is a deep-cycle battery designed for use with electric motors.
Follow these steps to ensure you have the right thrust and voltage for your Watersnake electric motor and enjoy hassle-free fishing days.
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