Choosing the Best Trolling Motor for a Gheenoe

A trolling motor is almost an essential accessory on any fishing boat. Trolling motors get us places quietly and hold us there. A Gheenoe is a nice platform for a trolling motor setup. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best Gheenoe trolling motor. We’re going to talk about what to look for in a trolling motor and what makes the best trolling motor for a Gheenoe,

In case you’re impatient… We recommend a 12 volt 55lb thrust trolling motor mounted on the bow for a Gheenoe read on to find out why…

What size trolling motor do I need for a Gheenoe?

Generally, when talking about the size of a trolling motor, what you’re actually asking for is how much thrust you need. Trolling motor size could mean the length of the trolling motor shaft, but more often than not, it’s probably thrust.

How to choose the right size trolling motor – Trolling motor thrust 

A higher thrust equates to more speed. In general, you want at least 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of weight that you will have on your Gheenoe. Make sure you take into account the weight of any people who will be joining you on the boat! Then you can calculate the amount of thrust you will need for your boat.

So what size trolling motor do I need for a Gheenoe?

For this article, we’re just talking about a Gheenoe around 700 pounds, so the standard 30 lb thrust will work fine. However, our recommendation is to go with a 55-pound thrust trolling motor. 55 pounds of thrust is the most you can get out of one 12-volt battery trolling motor setup and would be more than enough to power a Gheenoe, even if it’s loaded down. The extra thrust will also be handy in rough water or against a strong headwind. 

What trolling motor battery do I need?

For a Gheenoe go with a 12 volt trolling motor battery. We chose the 12 volt battery setup because any higher voltage will also require adding another battery. You will sacrifice some speed with a 12 volt battery but will save weight and deck space over a 24 volt or 36 volt option.

Lead acid vs lithium ion trolling motor battery

Then, you’ll need to decide on the type of battery you want to use. The most common options are lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the more affordable cheaper trolling motor battery option, but they don’t last as long, while lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but will last longer over the life time of the battery. The lead acid batteries are heavier and bulkier while the lithium batteries can store just as much energy in a lightweight compact design.

Gheenoe trolling motor mount

If you’re a passionate angler who enjoys the peace and tranquility of trolling through the water, a Gheenoe trolling motor mount is a must-have accessory for your boat. The mount is specifically designed to fit the Gheenoe hull perfectly, ensuring a stable and secure hold for your motor. With this mount, you can easily attach and detach your trolling motor, making it a breeze to switch between trolling and other fishing techniques.

Plus, the mount is made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of heavy use, making it a reliable investment for years to come. Don’t miss out on the convenience and ease of using a Gheenoe trolling motor mount for your fishing adventures.

We’ve highlighted two options below:

Clamp on trolling motor mount

Gheenoe flat nose cap trolling motor mount

How to mount a trolling motor on a Gheenoe?

The Gheenoe trolling motor mounting situation is a bit different. You can’t just use a standard bow mount or transom mount trolling motor because of the unique shape of a Gheenoe hull. You will have to get a custom Gheenoe trolling motor mount like the one pictured above. Depending on your model you may need a Gheenoe nose cap. The Gheenoe nose cap mount replaces the stock nose cap with a nose cap strong enough to mount a trolling motor on. Gheenoe also makes a trolling motor bow mount quick release plate.

Types of trolling motors for a Gheenoe

In general, remote-controlled trolling motors are considered to be the best option as they offer the most control and flexibility.

Remote-controlled trolling motor

A remote-controlled trolling motor is a type of trolling motor that can be operated using a wireless remote control. The remote allows you to control the speed and direction of the motor without having to be in close proximity to it. This type of trolling motor offers several advantages over traditional hand or foot-controlled motors, including:

1. Convenience: With a remote control, you can operate the motor from anywhere on your boat, without having to move around to adjust the speed or direction.
2. Precision: A remote-controlled trolling motor allows for more precise control of your boat’s speed and direction, which can be especially useful when fishing in areas with strong currents or wind.
3. Safety: Using a remote control can help keep you safe on the water by allowing you to steer your boat from a safe distance in case of emergency.
4. Reduced noise: With a remote-controlled trolling motor, you can adjust the speed and direction of the motor without making any noise, which can be important when fishing in calm or shallow waters where noise can spook fish.
5. Comfort: With a remote control, you can operate your trolling motor without having to stand or sit in an awkward position for extended periods of time, which can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.

Foot pedal trolling motor

Foot pedal trolling motors are also a good choice, particularly for those who want to be able to move around the boat. The pedal allows you to control the speed and direction of the motor without having to use your hands. This type of trolling motor offers several advantages over traditional hand-controlled motors, including:

1. Hands-free operation: With a foot pedal, you can control the motor without having to use your hands, which can be useful when fishing, especially when you need both hands to hold your rod or handle your catch.
2. Precision: A foot pedal allows for more precise control of your boat’s speed and direction, which can be especially useful when fishing in areas with strong currents or wind.
3. Reduced noise: With a foot pedal trolling motor, you can adjust the speed and direction of the motor without making any noise, which can be important when fishing in calm or shallow waters where noise can spook fish.
4. Comfort: Using a foot pedal trolling motor can help reduce fatigue and discomfort by allowing you to operate the motor in a more natural and comfortable position.
5. Safety: With your hands free, you can maintain better balance and stability on your boat, reducing the risk of accidents or falls.

Hand controlled tiller trolling motors

Tiller trolling motors are less expensive but still get the job done, however they are not hands free. It really depends on how you’ll be using the gheenoe as to whether a remote controlled, foot pedal, or tiller handle motor would be best.

A hand-controlled trolling motor is a type of trolling motor that can be operated using a hand tiller. The tiller allows you to control the speed and direction of the motor with your hand. This type of trolling motor offers several advantages over other types of trolling motors, including:

1. Simplicity: Hand-controlled trolling motors are simple to operate, with no complicated controls or pedals to worry about. This makes them a good choice for beginners or anglers who prefer a more straightforward approach to fishing.
2. Affordability: Hand-controlled trolling motors are often less expensive than foot pedal or remote-controlled motors, making them a good choice for anglers on a budget.
3. Lightweight: Hand-controlled trolling motors are typically lightweight and easy to carry, making them a good choice for smaller boats or anglers who need to move their motor around frequently.
4. Quiet operation: With a hand-controlled trolling motor, you can adjust the speed and direction of the motor without making any noise, which can be important when fishing in calm or shallow waters where noise can spook fish.
5. Versatility: Hand-controlled trolling motors can be used in a variety of fishing situations and environments, from small lakes and ponds to larger bodies of water.

How much does a trolling motor cost?

Trolling motors have a very wide range of prices. A saltwater wireless gps enabled trolling motor is expensive and can set you back over $2,000. But unless you are a serious fisherman with very specific needs, a regular $200-$300 good cheap trolling motor will be fine for a Gheenoe. You can even look online like Facebook marketplace or craigslist to find a good deal on a used trolling motor.

Fresh vs salt water trolling motor?

If you are strictly using the Gheenoe in saltwater by all means go with a saltwater trolling motor. However, for any other application, a freshwater trolling motor is fine with a little maintenance and cleaning it should be fine for almost anything you would be doing in a Gheenoe.

Best Gheenoe trolling motors

Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor: This motor is designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a composite shaft that won’t corrode in saltwater. It also features a telescoping handle and a lever lock bracket that allows for easy installation and removal. The motor has 55 pounds of thrust and offers five forward speeds and three reverse speeds.

Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Trolling Motor: This motor is built for use in saltwater environments, with a stainless steel shaft and a fiberglass composite head. It has 55 pounds of thrust and offers five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. The motor also features a 30-inch adjustable shaft and a durable nylon propeller.

Motorguide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Control Trolling Motor: This motor is designed to be easy to use, with a foot pedal that allows for precise control of the boat’s speed and direction. It comes in two sizes, with 45 or 55 pounds of thrust, and features a stainless steel shaft and a composite head. The motor also has a digital power management system that helps to prolong battery life.

Watersnake T24S ASP Saltwater Trolling Motor: This motor is small and lightweight, with 24 pounds of thrust. It is designed for use in saltwater environments and features a stainless steel shaft and a composite head. The motor also has a telescoping handle and a two-blade propeller that provides good performance and efficiency.

Haswing Cayman B 55 GPS Trolling Motor: This motor is designed to be easy to use and offers GPS navigation capabilities. It has 55 pounds of thrust and features a durable composite shaft and a wireless remote control. The motor also has variable speed control and can be used in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

Conclusion

Again, after all this talking, we recommend a tiller 12 volt 55lb thrust trolling motor mounted on the bow for a Gheenoe. It’s cheap, powerful and easy to use.

So what do you think is the best option for a trolling motor on a Gheenoe? Did we make a good pick? Tell us in the comments. 

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