This may be a dumb question but can a 12v trolling motor be made into a 24v? Thanks

I don't think so.

There is never a dumb question, except the one you don't ask. And the answer is NOPE as Dayne said.

Ok so next question. Do ya'll think a 40 lb. trolling motor is good enough for my 16 ft. skeeter?

Actually, if you want to spend the money then you can do it. The parts would be more than a new motor but it can be done in some instances. I have a kit to change a 24v motorguide into a 10lb thrust digital 36v that will be installed if my trolling motor ever goes south.

A 40 lb trolling motor is fine for fair weather fishing. I have a 101 but 90 percent of the time I am only using 15 or 20 lbs of thrust. If you care to fish in heavier winds or waves then I would look more into the 56lb thrust motors.

I used a 36# on my 15' boat. And as Allison1 said, it was fine til it got windy. I now have a 70# T/M. Wind is no longer an issue. Always buy the biggest you can afford. You may not use the higher settings very often, but its nice to know they are there if you need them.

Thanks guys I appreciate the advice.