if i want to put a trolling motor on my little 8 ft jon boat, how much thrust would the motor need to have to be able to take it in the tidal creeks and not get washed away? i’ve been told 45-50 foot pounds, but the people who say these things never really seem to have a reason for why they say that…
If you can’t be good, be careful.
I have a 50# MK Endura (12v) on my 12’ jon and it does just fine in current, in fact it about planes out. My reason is experience. I have experienced a 24# thrust on same boat and it was fine but more thrust is good. Get at least 50# Shouldnt need anymore than 101# 
Mike
12’ Jon boat twin 300 Verados
thanks, Mike. I noticed they sell models specifically for saltwater. Is this something I should go ahead and invest the extra money in, or would a freshwater model be okay as long as i kept it well maintained? Does the mounting location matter? Transom mount vs. bow mount?
If you can’t be good, be careful.
You should get the saltwater model. I have a fresh water verion on a small bass boat that lasted a few years but now the salt water has ruined it.
yeah get the saltwater if you are going to be anywhere NEAR saltwater. In most cases mounting it on the bow will give you better overall control of your boat IMO but you are putting it on an 8’ jon so it wont really matter where you put it. Where ever you can be comfy, fish and control the boat from the best…bow or transom? I have mine on transom
Mike
12’ Jon boat twin 300 Verados
Saltwater without a doubt.
sweet, saltwater it is. I guess the next logical step is to put out the call for one of those MK Riptides I’ve seen…who’s got one for sale? haha!
If you can’t be good, be careful.
I’ve got a 40# on my 14’ alum boat and i can almost ski behind it…
26’ Twinvee Cat
Twin Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com
I have a 55# minn kota riptide on my 13 whaler and its real good. Got it from Charleston Marine
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
glad to hear Capt Ed…as it happens I’m a much better wakeboarder than I am angler, so I’m glad to know I’d have options with big enough motor…haha! Flounder gigging on a kneeboard anyone?
If you can’t be good, be careful.
Better to buy too much than not enough. Also keep in mind if you go over 55lbs you will more than likely have a 24 volt motor meaning you will need two batteries in the boat to run the motor. Just something to keep in mind as you are searching. I would think the 55 would be enough to get you a ticket in a no wake zone behind a small jon boat. Good luck. I have a 55 on a 17’ war eagle and it is okay in a tidal current. Not great but enough to get you there so it should make the 8’ sing!!
Rog
“Double Trouble”
2001 Sea Fox 230
2001 Merc 200