Electric trolling motors have been available for decades, and as their technology continues to improve, the more you can depend on them for your fishing trips. The best product can let you use your boat safely every fishing season, but how do you choose the right one? When in doubt, consider a 36V trolling motor.
Thrust is the basis for rating trolling motors in thrust, where 72 to 75lbs of thrust approximately make 746W of electrical power or one horsepower. A 12V motor drawing 60A uses up around 720W. When it comes to power, a higher voltage would mean a higher thrust. Trolling motors come in different voltages, usually ranging from 12V to 36V. The most powerful motors can deliver over 100 lbs of thrust, which is powerful enough for moving pontoon boats and other heavy vessels. Different voltages of maximum thrusts are around 12V/55lbs and 24v/80lbs.
Motors are usually better if they are bigger, but that would mean extra weight on your trolling boat. A 36V trolling motor being powered by a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery will make sure that the system won’t weigh down your boat. That way, you can still go fast and ensure your safety.
The 36V trolling motor also makes sense to a boat that is over 20 feet in size. It may cost more, but it will be worth the investment in the long run, especially when it comes to your water safety. On a typical set-up, more batteries will be needed with a motor with more voltage levels. So, 36V would need three batteries, where 24V would need two. However, you will also need one for your 36V motor with a LiFePO4 battery designed specifically for trolling motors. That’s because it has more power than three AGM or lead-acid batteries, and their lifespan can be beyond five times the lifetime of their regular counterparts.
