I have a Trolling Motor Question

[Jdub176]

My grandma has a MinnKota 65 trolling motor for probably late 80's or early 90's. I was trying to find out how many thrust pounds it is, but it doesn't say. I know it is a 12 volt transom mount trolling motor. Does anyone know how many thrust pounds it is? I am thinking about taking it and making a bracket for my canoe to put it on. I think it is between 20 and 30 pounds of thrust. I just need to know how strong my bracket will need to be. Also I am trying to figure out the best way to counter balance the weight of the trolling motor as it will hang off the one side. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Josh

[BP in ME]

I'm not gonna get into the thrust thing--whatever it is is gonna be better than paddling. You don't need to counter balance the TM unless you're using a tiny little canoe. Just slide the battery over to the other side a little. I've used 4hp 2-strokes on 18' canoes for years and it's easy to counter the weight with the gas can and the way you sit.

If you're set on building a bracket, enjoy! It's a fair amount of work. I'd recommend using white ash if it's easily available but by the time you figure parts and your labor, you might be better off with one from the store.

[Jdub176]

Yeah I was thinking that I can get a alluminum bracket from bass pro for like 30 buck's which is what I will probably do. Thanks for the help.
Josh

[BP in ME]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Jdub176 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Yeah I was thinking that I can get a alluminum bracket from bass pro for like 30 buck's which is what I will probably do. Thanks for the help.
Josh</td></tr></table>

For $30 it's a no-brainer. The parts alone could probably run you $20 pretty easy.

One last thought about balancing the canoe. If you're going to fish alone, you'll want some weight in the bow. If you have flat seats, see if you can't sit on the bow seat facing backwards. You might not be able to do this if the bracket isn't wide enough. Otherwise maybe get longer leads so you can move the battery to the bow. Last resort is to put ballast in the bow.

[Jdub176]

I have a Mad river Passage 14 that has built in seats that make it so you can sit in front backwards. I am thinking I will put the battery up front as far as I can, as well as a a cooler full of water to help balance the weight out. If it work's great if not then I will continue paddling. I need the exercise anyway.

[Hardhead1]

Ask Mr. Jones on the Trolling Motor boards, see if there's a serial # on the motor and that will help in getting your answer.

[Bub]

Would something like this work?


http://www.basspro.com/Jon-Boa...ebase

[kensafishin]

I had the same motor.It is a 28lb thrust