ShermanWalton wrote:talbot wrote:We use a little 12v 30-lb-thrust Minn Kota that a friend gave to us. I installed the battery box under the deck between the center board and mast. I agree that the motor is marginal. At the coast, we are very aware that it would not keep us from being taken over the bar if we got caught in an ebb tide with no wind. (In other words, we have to do what mariners have had to do for most of history--pay attention to tides and currents.)
Interesting to read in this thread that a 55-lb thrust motor (about 1/2 hp) was not a significant improvement. That's what I was thinking of. Naturally, everyone wants a Torqueedo. Actually, I would be happy to just have the $2,000 that th6 motor costs. Plus $600 for an extra battery. And $1,000 for the solar charger.
Your best bet for power at low cost is probably a used 2.5 hp gas engine.
Nice recommendations.. I don't have enough money but I would still love to raise power a bit.. Thinking of following your advice:)
Two comments:
1) if you operate in salt water, get a saltwater trolling motor - e.g. MinnKotas RipTide series (or successor), if you are going the trolling motor route.
2) doing an electric conversion for an old outboard can give you more power, but at a cost comparable to a trolling motor (and the same blissful silence).
I posted a link to a description of how to do that conversion a few posts above.