Trolling Motor For Emergencies?

[Mosnowman]

I am considering purchasing a trolling motor for emergency use if my motor ever has problems. I realize most of the time I could probably flag down a tow, but being a Boy Scout...you know...be prepared. So "if" you were purchasing a trolling motor to get you back to the dock what do I need to know? Keep in mind I know nothing about trolling motors, thrust, etc. It does seem like most people recommend Minkota? I am looking at the most economical motor I could get that would have enough power to pull a 24 foot Harris Flotebote Tritoon home. Thanks for any advice!

[killerkernrich]

I have a 22ft toon and a 24 volt 70lb thrust I would not count on it getting back to shore on a windy day, I have clocked it with a gps with the bimmi down and no wind at 3mph. a small gas motor would be my choice.

[San Pan Man]

You have a brand new boat and motor, unless you plan to use the motor to fish with in my opinion you will be
wasting the $300-$400 to buy motor and battery, plus unless you have it mounted where will you store the thing!
keep a charged cell phone handy and enjoy your new boat
my .2

[rancherlee]

A fully charged deep cycle and a 55# thrust 12v troller will move you 2-3 miles with a conservative 90 minutes of run time. A 30-40# 2-2.5hp light wieght kicker will run about an hour on its built in tank and is refillable so the range unlimited. Also the little gas kickers put out roughly 100-120lb. of thrust and will move you quicker. I fish alot of lakes where I am the only boat out on the water, and cell coverage is sketchy so secondary propulsion is a must.

[jrolin1]

You would need to get another battery also. If Sea-tow is available in your area you could do that if you are worried about a breaking down. An annual membership is not expensive.

[haganjeff]

I love the feeling of having the trolling motor for emergencies. I have a 2 Stroke Bigfoot so it can be finicky sometimes. The first trip out this season I was saved by the trolling motor. I hit a submerged sandbar and the motor wouldn't pee. I used the Motorguide 55lb trolling motor to carry me back 3 miles. Worked like a charm. I have a marine deep cycle 12v that has a reserve capacity of 160 or 180 minutes, one of the two. If that ran out I would use the starting battery as well. I bet I could go 6 to 8 miles using both. Enjoy having the peace of mind.