How much thrust do I need for a canoe trolling motor? in-depth guidelines for 2023

Thrust is the standard measurement that describes the propulsion capability of trolling motors, fishing boats, and other watercraft. Thrust also refers to the power of the motor. It is measured with lbs. The canoe paddler often asks how much thrust I need for a canoe trolling motor.

As per the general rules, 2-4 lbs. of thrust are required for every 100 lbs. canoe trolling motor, passenger, and smaller boats. Since the canoe is a smaller, narrower, lightweight watercraft, it doesn’t need much thrust. Therefore 20-25 lbs. thrust is enough for a medium canoe.

This guide will discuss the amount of thrust for a canoe trolling motor. Also, you will know the impact of thrust on a canoe trolling motor. So, let’s dive into the next paragraph.

How much thrust do I need for a canoe trolling motor?

How many pounds of thrust do I need for a trolling motor? The amount of thrust you need for a canoe trolling motor depends on a few factors. Here we are discussing those factors in short so that it would be easier for you to understand.

Canoe size:

How much thrust you need is mostly depending on the canoe size. A smaller canoe needs less thrust, and a larger canoe needs more thrust. Commonly, a smaller canoe can perform great on water with 10-15 lbs. thrust. Hence, a medium canoe needs at least 20-25 lbs. thrust for better performance.

Speed:

Thrust affects how fast you want to move through the water. Remember, the more speed you want, the more thrust you need. But it is required to use a canoe with a minimum of 20-25 lbs. thrust for ideal speed.

Canoe weight:

Weight is another important factor between canoe and thrust. Heavier weighted canoe always needs more thrust. Otherwise, it can’t perform well when you paddle.

Trolling motor size:

The larger the size of the trolling motor, the larger the battery required. When you use a large canoe, you will require more thrust. Usually, larger trolling motors need 30-40 lbs. thrust.

Shaft length:

The performance of a thrust is also related to shaft length. With proper shaft length, you will get ideal propulsion from the canoe. It is recommended to submerge the motor section at least 12 inches.

Trolling motor thrust guide for canoe

Here is a chart with ideal thrust measurements according to several weights and boat lengths. Let’s get a details idea from the below chart-

Canoe weight including gear and people	Length of the canoe	Minimum thrust	Recommended thrust
Less or equal to 1500 pounds	14-16 ft	30 pounds	55 pounds
2000 pounds	16-18 ft	40 pounds	60 pounds
2500 pounds	18-20 pounds	50 pounds	70 pounds
3000 pounds	20-22 pounds	60 pounds	80 pounds
3500 pounds	22-24	70 pounds	90 pounds
4000 pounds	24-26	80 pounds	100 pounds
4500 pounds	26-28	90 pounds	110 pounds
5000 pounds	28-30	100 pounds	120 pounds
5500 pounds	30 plus	110 pounds	120 plus

How to Calculate the Amount of Thrust you Need?

You can calculate the amount of thrust you need depending on two factors. One is canoe weight, and another is water condition.

Boat weight:

It is the easiest way to calculate your required thrust for the canoe. First, remember that you will need a minimum of 2 pounds thrust for every 100 pounds. If your canoe weight is 400 pounds, the thrust formula would be 4000/100 * 2 lbs. = 80 pounds. With this formula, you can find the ideal thrust for any weighted canoe.

Water condition:

If you’re paddling and fishing location is full of current and wind, you will need a powerful thrust for the canoe. You might require much or less thrust depending on the water condition. As a result, your canoe will perform best against all adverse situations.

FAQ:

Final word:

We hope you already know how much thrust you need for a canoe trolling motor from our above discussion. It usually depends on the canoe’s size, weight, speed, and shaft length. You can calculate your required thrust for a canoe with 4000/100 * 2 lbs. = 80 formulae. But remember that the average thrust is 2 pounds for every 100 pounds canoe load. If you have a further query about this guide, let us know to update this content.