Transom Trolling Motor suggestions

[Mookie]

Looking for suggestions or advice on selecting a Transom Mount trolling motor to purchase. Don't own the boat, that's why I have to go transom mount. Motor to be affixed to a 16' Lund Deluxe Stalker. How much thrust do I need? What shaft length do I need. Do I need to spend the extra money and buy motor specifically designed for backtrolling? Any suggestions on a battery and charger set-up would be great also. I know I need alot of info but after 6yrs of breathing in Mercury fumes I'm ready for a change. Thanks alot to anyone willing to do alittle mentoring.

[Snickers]

65lb Minn Kota would work, I have a 19' boat and use a 74lb.
The 74 is a 24v system but I think you can get the 65 in a 12 volt so you would only need to stow one batt. I also have a three bank on board charger but you wouldn't need to or want to if it's not your boat. Make a deal with you buddy - you buy the motor and he buys the two bank charger that will charge both batteries and if he bites on that go for the 24v system for all day trolling.
I don't think transom mounts come in different lengths, you adjust as needed.

Good luck!

[Mookie]

Thanks Snickers for the advice. Transom Mounts do come in different shaft lengths. The most common ones I've seen are 36" or 42". Thanks again for the reply, I wish I'd receive more replies from folks.

[FlyBoy]

I'm guessing you didn't get many replies because there are so few options for transom mount trolling motors. Brand name aside (you can pick that), you shouldn't have to buy one specifically for back trolling. You can 'reverse" the motor on the shaft, so the handle is pointing the correct direction while you are back trolling in 'forward'... Hope that makes sense, without reversing the motor you would either have to run in reverse all the time or turn the handle out of the boat. As far as shaft length, on bow mounts you will see everyone talk about the shaft can never be long enough. This is somewhat true with transom mounts, but much less important. A 36" shaft will reach a long way into the water on most boats, as the transom won't come out of the water in the waves like the bow will.

Thanks,

-John