Please help me choose between 46lb thrust and 55lb thrust trolling motor?

I want to install a trolling motor for my 10' fishing boat weight at about 70lb. My choices are Minn Kota Endura 46 ($230-$50 rebate) and 55 ($250-$60 rebate). The price gap is so small that the 55 model is very attractive. But it may drain battery power a lot faster than the 46 model. Does it worth to buy a 55 model? And if I use low speed setting, can I extend the running time? Thanks!Please help me choose between 46lb thrust and 55lb thrust trolling motor?
The 46 lb. will be more then you will ever need on the boat I'm using a 41 lb thrust trolling motor on my 16 foot boat with a 60 horse power motor on it and it is more then enough for it. Be sure that if you get the 55 lb thrust it is not a 24 volt model or you will need to buy two batteries for it . to answer the last question the battery drain will be minimum on the low setting.
To figure out how long a battery will last,do the following.



First you want a marine deep cycle battery. Marine deep cycle batteries are rated by AmpHours. Find the Amps of the two motors you mentioned, then by dividing the Amp Hours of the battery by the Amps of the motor, you will find how long the battery should last.IE: 200 Amp Hour Battery/ 34 Amp Motor = 5.88 Hours



You may find that the 55 uses the same Amperage or you may need just a slightly bigger battery for the 55 to get the same hours.



Remember use of things like power trim and lift and steering, all effect the life of the battery too. And yes slower speeds will extend the battery some. The amp rating on the motor is amps at full power under normal running conditions.Please help me choose between 46lb thrust and 55lb thrust trolling motor?
For $10 go for the bigger one. You never know what boat you might put it on in the future.



Yes it will draw more power, but turned down and used intelligently it will last a long time. With no noticeable difference to the other one.
you don't need the extra power for just a 10' boat. The 46 will be more than enough and yes the larger one will draw more juice.Please help me choose between 46lb thrust and 55lb thrust trolling motor?
well a 46 lb thrust is plenty for your weight of boat, but the 55 is a better deal
You don't need the extra power, and yes it draws more current.