So I have joined the local sportsman club and am buying a jon boat.
I will be getting something used in the 14' range.
There is one in town that I will be getting today if he got the title and it's still available. It has a gas motor but I need an electric trolling motor.
I am buying new since I never see any good deals on used trolling motors, either cost as much as new or are so old that I wouldn't trust them.
I am leaning towards Minn Kota (Endura maybe) just because I've never heard to much bad about them and hope that they have good resale value if I need to move up (this is just a starter boat, I want something wider in the future).
I want to stay as cheap as possible, but I still want enough motor for it to be the primary motivation for the boat (so I can fish electric only lakes).
How much thrust should I be looking for?

Any great features I can't live without?

BPS has a Minn Kota Endura 30lb motor for $109, it's $159 for a 36lb and $179 for a 40lb.

Will I be really unhappy with a 30lb motor?

Thanks,

Matt

I have a 14' vee hull with a 55lb minn kota and swivel seats. It's a handy little boat. 55lb thrust is just about right with two people and fishing gear. The telescoping handles are handy on tiller models. I think a jon would be a bit harder to push than a vee hull but if you're going to be by yourself 40lb would be sufficient.

Matt, if you have not bought one yet, I have a 14" with a trolling motor I would let go real cheap. Includes the trailer too. I'll send my # in a PM.

I just went thru this decision last year. Bass Pro had their brand name trolling motor on sale for $110 at 45#/thrust. My pal donated an old 12' beater jon boat. When I wanna go out on the pond, I swipe the 12 volt sump pump back-up battery in the basement.
The power is plenty mucho. We have pulled up to 3 water skiers with this set up. Here's a pic of Chip performing solo.
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Dale was taking pics from the dock...
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Next weekend, Geoffrey is gonna give it a shot...
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(...might need a bigger motor)

Thanks Brettski.Ive been having a kinda bad day,but after those pics its all better now.

Ok I've looked some more and Farm and Fleet has the Minn Kota Endura 50lb for $199.
They don't list what shaft length it is.
BPS lists the same motor with either a 36" or a 42" shaft.
I guess I should measure the back of the boat and decide which I want.
I'm leaning towards the 42" since I may get a bigger boat (the reason for just getting the 50lb in the first place).
But I may just take whatever Farm and Fleet has in stock.

Any comments?

I'm fairly certain that this is the unit we purchased last year. The 12' alum jon boat is pretty danged light, but this motor really makes it move....a small wake.

Brettski do you have a part #?
The link you provided doesn't work, like lots of search results.
Which is silly if your trying to sell something and people can't show it to some one else.

Thanks,

Matt

Well I have the boat sitting out back.
Now I need to get my permit and key for the launching ramp.
Oh yeah and a hitch. I ordered one yesterday it should be in by the end of the week.
I found a Garmin 240 fish finder listed for $50 or best offer which I hope to go later tonight.
I may make a BPS run today also.
Plan on another thread on electrical for boats soon.

Matt

Prowler T45/36

I'm not entirely sure that the above link is the exact same model, so I emailed Dski at home to try and find some ID on the unit. In the meantime, I dragged up this old trolling motor thread from when I purchased it.

...just got email from Dski

Well I just got back from Farm and Fleet with a 50lb Minn Kota Endura.
Boy this $500 boat sure is costing a lot, $200 for hitch/wiring/balls, $200 for trolling motor, $30 for charger, still need batteries, life jackets, rod holders, lights, spot light, anchor, new starting rope for motor and more.
Someday I will actually get this thing in the water (I need my hitch and to get a key for the launching ramp at the lake).
Hopefuly when I get back from NY next week I can get out and play.

I just hope my 2yr old like the boat.

Matt