It pays to conduct your research before buying a model that won’t meet your needs or fit your boat, whether you’re new to trolling motors or a seasoned user. By providing a thorough guide on choosing the best 55 lb thrust trolling motor, some valuable suggestions, and reviews of some of our favorite models, we hope to be of assistance.
What We Consider When Choosing a best 55 lb thrust trolling motor
The torque outputs, shaft lengths, and mounting/control options for trolling motors vary. Knowing what to look for and matching it to your fishing circumstances and boat specifications can help you make the best decision.
Power
It would help if you matched your best 55 lb thrust trolling motor output to the weight of your boat to get the most out of it. Of course, you may be generous and give yourself a little additional energy, but using your trolling motor too much won’t make you a speed demon. However, if you frequently fish in currents, tides, or strong winds, all of which can tax an otherwise fine motor, a little extra thrust can assist.
The rule is 2 pounds per 100 pounds of laden weight. The thrust of a trolling motor is measured in pounds rather than horsepower, unlike outboard motors.
Batteries
Electric engines, known as trolling motors, use multiples of 12 volts for power, including 12 volts, 12/24 volts, 24 volts, and 36 volts. More powerful trolling motors need more power; therefore, a 24v system needs two 12v batteries, whereas a 36v system needs three. According to Minn Kota’s specialists, motors rated for 55 pounds or less likely only require one 12-volt battery, while those rated for 68 to 80 pounds of thrust require two. Three are needed for the most potent trolling motors, producing 101–112 pounds of thrust.
Most significantly, you’ll want a motor that consumes little to no power, prolonging the life of your battery. When your batteries run out just as the fish start biting, as many fishermen will agree, it will be a miserable day!
Mounting System
Although it lacks as many features as the Terrova, we appreciate its simplicity and quality. Most best 55 lb thrust trolling motor designs feature sliding hinges to enable the rapid raising and lowering into the water. Trolling motors are generally intended for bow attachment. Other options include transom mounts at the stern and a few that directly attach to your outboard’s cavitation plate.
Every mounting method has positives and negatives:
Bow mounting: Because it offers the most flexibility and hands-free control, bow mounting a trolling motor is the most common choice. Even a large boat may be easily turned on a dime when the point of propulsion is at the bow, enabling precise maneuverability. Additionally, bow-mounted devices enable you to fish while directing your boat because they are made to be operated with a foot pedal. Trolling motors on the bow typically have a big, movable hinge that takes up some deck space. They are also a relatively affordable choice.
Comparison Table:
Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor
One of the best trolling motors available is this covert Minn Kota model. For individuals seeking adequate power that is given covertly and quietly, the Endura C2 series is perfect. Although it is offered with several thrust levels, we believe that a level of 55 is a fantastic option for a wide range of freshwater boaters.
The 12-volt transom-mounted motor is only for freshwater; therefore, pay attention to the freshwater label. It has a 36-inch shaft, a power prop for a little extra strength when pushing through barriers, a convenient and simple-to-use telescoping handle, and a tiller. With 5 forward and 3 backward speeds available, the tilt-twist tiller makes speed control and steering simple.
It performs well on the energy-efficiency scale, with some boaters reporting continuous use for up to 8 hours before the battery started to run out. The marketing slogan for this product is astonishing quiet power. The mount is the final element. An easy-to-use bracket mounted to the Minn Kota trolling motor in various locations makes installation simple. Additionally, it has a raise and rotates level lock bracket that enables quick back trolling.
Pros
- Multiple thrust ratings are available for 12-volt freshwater trolling motors.
- The Resilient composite shaft that won’t rust or corrode
- A power prop called a Weedless Wedge 2
- extremely quiet and effective
Minn Kota Fortrex 80/112
The leading brand of trolling motors is Minn Kota, and you’ll find a number of their items on our list of the best. The Fortrex exemplifies why, as its calm performance gets the job done in the most challenging circumstances, all day, every day. Although it lacks as many features as the Terrova, we appreciate its simplicity and quality. It also doesn’t have any technological issues. There are two thrust options for the Fortrex: 80 pounds and 112 pounds, which require a 24 and 36-volt system, respectively. That pretty much sums up what Minn Kota trolling motors are all about.
The 80 has a more progressive “ramp-up” than the mighty 112 and provides enough thrust for a boat and load of a suitable size. Although the larger of the two is preferable if you are fishing in strong winds, you should be warned that it packs a punch. As you turn on the motor, pay attention to your step! Two different lengths of a composite shaft are used to transmit that power. The Weedless Wedge 2, a well-known weedless prop from Minn Kota, performs admirably and lives up to its name.
As you can see, both Fortrex options have a lot to offer. You won’t have to struggle with your motor while you fish because a precision foot pedal controls it. Additionally, Minn Kota’s Digital Maximizer technology assures that you’ll have a battery left over at the end of the day while it operates quietly and coolly. You won’t be able to outfish this motor at low throttle settings, but if you run these motors continually at 50% or more, you won’t have much time.
Pros:
- Both options offer a lot of power.
- excellent mounting system
- exact pedal
- Exceptional battery life
- absolute simplicity
Cons:
- A poor option for tiny boats
Minn Kota Endura Max
The Endura Max is Minn Kota’s gesture toward these fishermen’s requirements because they know that many people use a trolling motor as their only engine on a small boat. This is a popular option for everything from canoes to Jon Boats because it comes in a range of shaft lengths and thrust ratings and is guaranteed by the Minn Kota name.
The Endura Max comes with a 36- or 42-inch shaft and comes in variants with 40, 45, 50, and 55-pound thrust. This makes adapting to a wide range of boats and the transom mounting method exceedingly simple.
No matter where you sit on the deck or how the tiller is configured, you won’t have trouble maintaining your hand on the throttle. Additionally, it has an accurate variable speed throttle, which avoids issues like accidentally leaving the throttle on low and discharging the battery.
Pros:
- sufficient power for small boats, with many fitting possibilities
- Simple to install
- Exceptional battery life
- fantastic throttle
- Reliable
Cons:
- For some deck layouts, the power cable may be inadequate.
Motor Guide R5
The R5 might be the ideal option if you operate a larger aluminum boat without a foredeck capable of bow attachment or require significantly more power than most transom-mounted motors offer. It only comes in one shaft length, 42 inches, but its power is alluring if your boat can accommodate that.
Three thrust ratings for the R5 transom trolling motor are available: 70 pounds, 80 pounds, and a whopping 105 pounds. You’ll need to consider deck space if you decide to use a 24-volt system for the two “lower” ratings or a 36-volt system for the 105. However, if you require that amount of power, the R5 is a wise investment. This model is almost perfect for the fisherman who uses a trolling motor instead of a small outboard.
The R5 has a strong reputation for dependability and runs smoothly and coolly. Regardless of the power source, you select, that thrust is delivered through a composite shaft that ends in a three-blade propeller.
Pros:
- powerful engines for small boats
- Simple to install
- Exceptional battery life
- fantastic throttle
- Reliable
Cons:
- one shaft length alone
Minn Kota EM
We’ve included an engine-mounted model in our reviews to give you a comprehensive rundown. After considering it, we’d be hesitant to suggest this motor or mounting system. Even the finest of the lot cannot compete with the alternative mounting choices due to short battery life, limited agility, and durability difficulties.
Despite this warning, there aren’t many manufacturers to choose from if you want to use an engine-mounted trolling motor, and Minn Kota is the only one we’d recommend. We searched a lot, but as far as we know, MotorGuide doesn’t make engine-mounted motors, and the businesses that don’t compete well against Minn Kota.
Unlike other choices, this motor is bolted firmly into place and fastened to the outboard’s cavitation plate. Due to its location, it is reasonably protected from dings and bruising by the outboard itself, unlike alternatives.
Pros:
- powerful options
- Quiet
- fully adjustable throttle control
Cons:
- plugged-in remote
- inadequate durability and sealing
- shortened battery life
- minimal manoeuvrability
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
What trolling motor has the highest power?
The Minn Kota Fortrex 80/112 trolling motor is the most potent and dependable.
How much force per pound does my trolling motor need?
Rule of thumb: For every 100 lbs. of fully loaded boat weight, you need at least 2 lbs. of thrust (people and gear included). You’ll need extra thrust if environmental factors like wind or current are essential where you fish.
How much of a trolling motor do I require?
A 55 to 70-pound thrust trolling motor is required for 12 to 16-foot boats. Longer boats (16 to 21 feet) require a 70 to 100-pound thrust trolling motor.
Conclusions
There are essentially no losers or winners in this situation, with the possible exception of Minn Kota’s engine-mounted EM series. With that crucial qualification in mind, we can wholeheartedly endorse any of the other motors we analyzed. You should choose the best one that meets your demands without regard to its quality, durability, or performance. Regardless of what you decide, we are confident you will be satisfied. We would be delighted to hear from you if this advice was helpful in your decision-making.
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