24v or 36v on 17’ boat

[Ryno 615]

I’m looking to upgrade the factory 12v 43lb thrust trolling motor on my 17’1 fiberglass boat. Looking at local prices as well as the sections here, I’m finding 36v 100+ for the same price or cheaper as some 24v 80+. I believe I could make room for the extra battery if need be for the 36v. My boat is no speed demon, tops out around 50ish, so I don’t believe the added weight would be a huge factor. I just can’t help but think the 36v would be overkill for my boat, but I’d have more than enough thrust haha. Any thoughts or experiences? I’m aware that I’d be after a new onboard charger as well. I’d go ultrex but don’t want to spend that much at this time.

[basscat tyler]

I’d go with a 24 volt

[jdwo2212]

Id say an 80lb fortrex would be a major upgrade. Wouldnt need a new battery or charger, and will be able to pull you around all day. I had one on my 17.5ft fish and ski, and never had an issue.

[ZethKinnettFishing]

i have an 80 on my pt20 and it cruises so definitely not 36

[ksubasser24]

Throw in another two batteries compared to what you have and you will notice a differce in speed and how it sits in the water. I would go to a 24v and you will be amazed at the difference.

[Ryno 615]

Im in agreement with everyone here, as 24v had been my plan, until some 36v trolling motors prices had caught my attention. I appreciate the feedback and reassurance. Thanks again fellas!

[Casslaw]

I agree with what has been said. I have a 12v on my 18.5’ tin since that’s what came on it but I desperately want to upgrade! I’ve been in plenty of ‘glass boats with 80# thrust motors and they pull them around really well! I think if you went to a good 24v you would be super happy!

[Transom]

80 pound model will be plenty.

[jimsch]

Had an 80 on my 17-6 and never had a problem with power even on river tournaments.

[11pounder]

I got a great deal on a used 36V Motorguide and put it in my 17 foot Ranger, overkill hell yes but it's nice to have all the power I'll ever need in the wind and the batteries not be going dead halfway through the day.

[LewStulePH.D.]

I have a 36v/112 on a 18'8 and I can actually 'troll' if needed, a 36v on a 17'er? You'll be able to tow folks on inflatables

I put dual NinjaGrassBlades and I cut & dice the pads, like nobody's bee's wax. I also noticed that it isn't oft that I'll need to go above mid 20s and charging back up is PDQ to boot..

[mactlman]

24v ultrex

[redxdu]

Maybe it's because I live where it blows all the time, but I will always buy the highest thrust TM I can afford. I'd put a 200 lb thrust on your boat if it was an option.

[croix-man]

Keep in mind while the TM prices might be the same, you have the extra cost of a battery and bigger charger. Plus if you are going from a 12v system you might want to run heavier wiring. I had a 36v system on a 17’10” boat before. Never came close to running the batteries down in a day. Boat came with it as I bought it used. A few years later I swapped boats and picked up a 17’6” boat upgraded the TM to an 80 lb 24v and new batteries. Again never had any shortage of juice. Use good quality batteries, onboard charger, and maintain it all and you’ll never have an issue .

[Lape0019]

No reason to put a 36v system on a 17 foot boat.

80lb will do for a 17-18 footer.
A 19 footer can get by with an 80 but a 36v 112 would be better
Anything over 20 should have a 36.

That’s a general way I look. There are exceptions like Bullets since all of the guys seem to run 80’s.

[Bkt1]

Went from 24-36 on my 18 tin boat, now went to a 24 ultrex. If i fished really heavy current the 36 would be the way to go. There are/will be times i wish i had a 36

[catch5]

24volt will be more than enough on that boat. Save yourself on the cost of adding another and the weight of it. You’d be surprised how much difference that extra back there makes. 24 volt will be more than enough for your boat.

Btw I fish every weekend, 40 tournaments a year. I run a 24 volt on a 20 foot skeeter. You’ll be good with that for sure.

One other major thing is check your current wiring. You really want 6 gauge wire for a 24 or 36 volt motor. Yours may not have that. You may have to end up pulling new trolling motors wires. Little bit of a pain, but not a big deal. Just tie off to the ones you ave now and use them to pull the new ones threw.

[Whitaker201]

24v will be plenty for the 17'er.

[bqtoot]

You could get up on plane with a 36v on a 17 footer!

[mrc]

Depends on where you want to put the trolling motor. If you plan to put it on the back transom then sure go ahead with a 36V and 3 batteries. Otherwise, stick to a 24V at the bow and 2 12v batteries in the bilge, can even share one of the 12v batteries for cranking if you keep them charged. :)