***Im giving better details on this
I want to put a trolling motor on a 12ft aluminum V-hull boat, that has foam in it for flotation I want to move at least 500lbs (which is below the maximum weight)It has a top rating of 10 h psize motor rating on it. I wonder what size trolling motor should i get or should i save money and get a larger hp outerboard size? Also if im over the age of 16 do i need to take boaters safety to operate or can i just “go”. I only fish on inland lakes with lots of wind breakage like trees on the shores. The winds do get breezy but not terribly bad. All info is greatly appreciated, as much as possible. Ive posted this before but the answer on the safety didn’t help much and i was kinda vague before.
Its just used for recreational fishing with family and friends. im not going out on any big lakes or in rough waters. I live in MI.
i know how to work a boat, ive done so before on someone else’s. I just need to know if im gonna get in trouble for operating on my OWN!!
all it takes to operate a boat is common sense on small inland lakes…
As to should you take a boaters safety course, I think everyone should reguardless age I am telling from a bad boat accident that accured with me I was badly injured, do to non safety.
Comment by sweet4 you — November 11, 2009 @ 2:08 am
Minn Kota makes a good motor but (in my opinion) they “fudge” a little on how many Lb thrusts their motor’s push.
On the other hand, Motorguide motors are slightly “stronger” than what the company advertises.
(Example- A 40LB Minn Kota isn’t nearly as “strong” or put out as much thrust as a 40LB Motorguide.)
If you get anything over a 50-54LB thrust motor you would need to go to a 24 volt system and that is a hassle to wire, heavier weight and requires 2 battery’s.
Here’s a couple good, solid, motors that can be used as your “main” outboard AND as a “trolling” motor:
Motorguide freshwater trolling motor- model “Thruster 46HT” $200. (46Lb thrust)
Minn Kota- model Endura 50 $224 (roughly 46LB thrust)
Go to for further info
As to whether you need to take boater safety, that is something you can look up on either your States DNR (Dept Natural Resources) website or their Game And Freshwater Fish Commission site.
I know for a fact that if you abide the rules & regs you can use a canoe or “human-powered” boat at 16. Go check your States site.
Comment by Fisher_King — November 12, 2009 @ 1:36 am
Both answers above merit a thumbs up. It looks like Fisher King did his (and your ) homework with his answer. And as for a boating safety class, remember, as a skipper of a vessel, no matter how big (or small) the water is that you are boating in, you are responsible for every soul on board your vessel. Just for the good info they teach (I took one when I got my boat even though I had been on others boats plenty of times) It is worth every penny it costs for the class.
Nowadays, a lot of states are requiring new boaters to take a boater safety course. As stated earlier, check with the Division of Watercraft.
Comment by ? — November 14, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Personally I would get a setup that runs off of a 24v system. MinnKota or Motorguide are the top two manufacturers, but both have their drawbacks. Just research the two and figure out which one you would be happy with. I just like the 24v because you get that extra thrust when you need it, which you will on a windy day. I have noticed the batteries tend to last longer on the new systems.
You are right, half of boating is common sense, but it does not hurt to take the safety course. You have to remember that there are allot of people out there with no common sense. Especially if you are going to be out on the water when pleasure boaters are out. Whether or not its required, you would have to check with your local agencies.
Comment by Eric — November 16, 2009 @ 7:57 am