Hi. I’m new to boating. I recently bought a 8ft double skin poly boat and have a few questions concerning about motors. Great little boat, planning to use it on a river for fishing. Just wondering whether 55lb thrust trolling motor would work as a primary motor? Or will need a 86lb motor? As I don’t really want a gas motor. Too expensive. Also, I only plan to use it for short distances, however a bit a speed will be good.
Just spent an entire month fishing Oklahoma lakes and Illinois River with the same little boat. The trolling motor I had was quite a bit smaller than a 55lb and worked out excellent. I would almost say you could water ski behind a 55lb. Kidding of course, but WAY more than adeq. The 55 will use more battery than a smaller one at full speed, but I went all day, every day up to a mile and a half from camp and never ran out of power. (ovenite charge) Most of the time had my son with me also. Just make sure you also get a good “deep cycle” marine battery.
I have a 30lb on my 12 foot jon boat and it has plenty of power.