Trolling motor downsize worth it?

[Ashton.r]

Hey guys what do you think about down sizing trolling motors. I have a minn kota 101lb 36v and absolutely love it. However I am considering dropping to a 24v 80lb. My reasoning is I would rather run 2 batteries vs 3. I would think the disadvantages out weight the benefits dropping from 101 to 80. However i rarely ever run the 101 above 70% power. I assumed if majority of my setting is at 50 then I would have longer days with the 101 than the 80 on a 24v system. Would I notice the loss of 20lbs of thrust and will the system not last as long as a 36v on a full day?

[richhat52]

I've had both. It's noticed when you have big winds and need more power. The batteries can take more and the system is stronger longer than an 80 thrust system. It would be hard for me to go back to 80 pound thrust unless I went to a smaller rig which will make a difference as well. If you have a bigger boat stay with the 36 volt system is my opinion.

[ZO6]

Hey guys what do you think about down sizing trolling motors. I have a minn kota 101lb 36v and absolutely love it. However I am considering dropping to a 24v 80lb. My reasoning is I would rather run 2 batteries vs 3. I would think the disadvantages out weight the benefits dropping from 101 to 80. However i rarely ever run the 101 above 70% power. I assumed if majority of my setting is at 50 then I would have longer days with the 101 than the 80 on a 24v system. Would I notice the loss of 20lbs of thrust and will the system not last as long as a 36v on a full day?

You may want to look at 3 smaller batteries before you switch. The Odyssey 1200's last a long time, are a lot lighter than group 31 and will give you, in my opinion, a better option than downsizing your trolling motor. Only caveat, is if you fish in hard current, high wind and long hours. In that case you probably need grp 31's. I'm told a Stealth charger will work great since the Odyssey's charge so quickly. Just went through this except I went with slightly larger and heavier Exide 24's. Wish I had taken my own advice on buying Odyssey. Nothing wrong with the Exide just think the Odyssey would have worked just as well and lighter.

[Fishysam]

My buddy with a 18'8" bass boat has a 36v and when we added 58# of Talon to the back the need to down size to 24v is more of a desire. He doesn't need 4mph on the troller or all the 2 days of juice to do a 8 hour trip, but drafting less and freeing up the weight for the Talon are worth it

[birdman920]

just a little off topic " but I just went from a 112 & grp31 batts to a 101 & grp27 batts !... the 101 has almost the same power as the 112! but is way quieter!...& is 50#s lighter ! troll mtr & batts !...

[Bass AHolic]

I wouldn't know? Still run the 1989 OEM 12/24 v OMC TM on my old 1989 BB. Does the job all these 28 years. and yup still haven't bought a extra prop yet New TM Batterys yea, but get 6 yrs out of the Interstates, So I don't complain I swap them in late fall with ones out of the truck and cars, figure that helps, instead of them just sitting in shed in winter. Keeps them regular lolo..............

[zero_cool]

I would imagine it would depend on the weight and size of your rig. I have a 24V 80 on an 18'8" Ranger that moves around just great. Not sure how that same troller would do on my buddies 521. Also consider the environment you fish in - windy with waves will require more power for longer times.

If it is reduced weight that you want what about looking into replacing the batteries (and possibly charger) with lithium ion? Serious weight reduction there.

[Ashton.r]

I do run fairly windy conditions and i do run river systems often. I currently have 3 everstart group 27 batteries. Had these 3 for probably about 6 years now. They last all day no problem even in the wind. Lithium is something i was considering. I figure its either downsize or get lithium and that $ tag lol. Ive been going through the boat figuring out where i can shed some weight.

The talon set up makes sense. At some point i want to get a talon and i was worried about extra draft, maybe at that point i downsize. My boat does not blow around easily in the wind.

I used the have a 24/36v 72lb mg that i ran 24v 90% of the time. That was adequate i dont remember having struggles in the wind. The only time i noticed anything was when the batteries were low. Based on the performance of the 72lb it made me think about a kota 80. Thanks for input guys.

[PowerFish]

To me it's the difference of having battery all day and possibly losing battery late in the day... I am running 24v now, but it's on 70# on an 18.5ft boat, so I've not had any issues as of yet...

[zrp]

Never heard anyone say "Dang! I wish this trolling motor had less power." Stick with the power. You may hardly ever use it, but when you need it, nothing will replace it.

[djmartin4582]

I downsized from 24 to 36 and haven't regretted it yet. I have a 20ft boat, fish in the wind but not all day, and never fish rivers. The only time I notice a difference is when I turn the TM up to 10 power in order to jump to the next spot, other than that my normal fishing speeds have not had a noticeable change. I went on a practice day and tournament day trip recently without charging and didnt have any issues during the tournament. I am sure it depends on your boat and fishing style though.

[gonnabe]

Some boats run great all day even in the wind with 80lb. It really depends on what boat you are putting it on. My 2200 Gambler came with a 36v 101lb but would have done fine with a 80lb. My 521 Ranger has to have a 36v or it sucks. I've tried it with a 80lb. And went back to a 101lb. Lighter more efficient hulls do fine with 80lb all day with 2 group 31 batteries.

[mactlman]

74lb m/k moves my 20 footer all day no issue any conditions

[Fishysam]

My buddy with a 18'8" bass boat has a 36v and when we added 58# of Talon to the back the need to down size to 24v is more of a desire. He doesn't need 4mph on the troller or all the 2 days of juice to do a 8 hour trip, but drafting less and freeing up the weight for the Talon are worth it

Main event this came back up, if you run power 5 most of they day you will want to stay with 36 volt.,
anyways who dug this up?

[Rangerdeepv]

Size does matter in some areas..............this is definitely one of them! I have a 36V and would not consider any 24V.