hand control trolling motor - is the extra lbs of thrust worth the $

[rlb8s]

I am rigging a tracker pro angler 16 for electric only and am researching transom mounted trolling motors. I am trying to decide between a 12v 55 lb thrust motor or a 24v 70 or 80. For my purposes I think the 55 will suffice since I bought the tracker for short trips to the local electric only lakes with the kid as an alternative to the all day trips on the river in my Cat. BUT, I wonder if I will end up wanting the extra thrust in the end. So my question is whether the extra thrust is worth the money. Here are the models I am looking at:

12v models -

Minn Kota Endura Maxx 55 - https://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...73fbce89131428h

Minn Kota Traxxis 55 - https://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn...7.uts?slotId=4

24v Models -

Minn Kota Traxxis 80 - https://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn...4.uts?slotId=5

Minn Kota Traxxis 70 -https://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn-Kota-Traxxis-Transom-Mount-Trolling-Motors/701485.uts?slotI

I have room in the bilge for the batteries and plan on keeping the 12v 45 lb bow mounted motor on the front and running two batteries in parallel to ensure I have enough juice. Having the extra lbs of thrust in the back would be nice to get from spot to spot, but I am not sure it is worth the extra money. Any insight on the above motors is appreciated. Thanks.

[Bradrodfish]

You can't go wrong with 24V 80#. the Traxxis is a good fit for you type of usage. Just try to get the right Shaft. give John a call. I am sure he can hook you up.

[rlb8s]

right shaft?

[billnorman1]

I think if you buy the biggest thrust motor you can afford and mount it on the stern, then use a smaller motor on the bow with foot control, you will be happy. Use a "Hot Foot" switch to turn the stern motor on and off from the front as desired.
Steer the boat with the bow motor. Adding a plastic "rudder" to the stern motor and keeping it locked straight ahead helps.

[Bradrodfish]

Length

right shaft?

[rlb8s]

Bradrodfish - I think the 24v models only come in the 42" length, but I may be wrong. A 36 inch would work if they offered it.

I am leaning towards the 80 lb thrust model, but am still struggling with whether the extra 10 lbs of thrust is worth the $100 difference between the 70 lb and 80 lb models.

[billnorman1]

You'll probably be disappointed with all the thrust on the bow of the boat especially if it's a tin boat. If you don't invest in a stern motor, add a rudder so the back of the boat doesn't swing around.

[rlb8s]

I went with the MK Traxxis 80.

[Bradrodfish]

I went with the MK Traxxis 80.

That is a good choice. If there is an ASC close by you can get him to cut the shaft to length you want. You can give it a shot if you like, but be sure you don't cut the wires. Even when drilling new hole.