Trolling Motor Question

I want to get a used foot controlled trolling motor in good condition though. I have an 18.5 foot Skeeter. I'm set up for 24v. My question is, is 45 to 55# enough? I know bigger is better but also come with bigger price tags. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

I have a 15' bass boat with a 55lb 12v. On full speed it will pull it 2mph. I had a 40lb before and it was noticeably slower and used much more juice on the same boat. Can you even get a 45-55 in 24v? I believe the minn kota chart showed 55 as being enough for an 18 footer but I think you would be at the minimum depending on the waves and wind on the lake. You should find charts on the manufacturers sites that will give you recommendations by size or weight.

I've got a comparably sized boat (a 188 Champion) with a MK Foretrex 80, and feel that it's under powered . I can't imagine using anything less.

Thanks y'all, I didn't even know they made charts. I'll check that out.

For an 18' bass boat I would recommend nothing less than an 80lb

not enough, my 18.5 came with 74# it was fine and went bad after lots of years and now I went to 82# more is better

Back in "the day" 16' boats were the norm and trolling motors did good to break 45# of thrust and worked well. Then bigger boats and "bigger is better" came about and the thinking is if you can haul enough battereis, get the biggest you can. Truth is, you can't have too much trolling motor. I ran a 45#, a 54#, a 65#, and a 80# on an older Basscat Caracal (17' boat) for years and with each change, I could see the difference. That being said, I have a buddy with a 70# on a 19' ProGator that moves the boat plenty good, even in the wind. On your boat, I would look for at least a 24V, 70 or 80#, variable speed trollingmotor. Hope this helps.
John

Thank you everyone for the response. I ended up with a 24v 75# motorguide.

A 55# MinnKota struggled on my 18' Seaark.

I think you'll be much happier with your choice.