Trolling motor thrust question on a 14' 75lb canoe

[Bird_Watcher]

I have read that a lot of people who put trolling motors on canoes usually stick with a 30# thrust motor and say that is fine. I have seen a lot of YouTube videos with a 30# Minn Kota and it seems to move a canoe around fairly quickly but that is usually in a lake. I am wondering how a trolling motor would stand up to the tail waters at a dam. Just an average flow whatever that may be.

One of the places I definitely want to check out is the tail waters at Nolin Lake. I go every year to see the eagles that migrate there in the winter and I have always wanted to float down the river there but have never really enjoyed the thought of paddling back up! How does a 30# thrust trolling motor compares to an "arm-strong" motor? Will it be able to handle any current that I am able to paddle against with just an oar?

I know that a larger trolling motor will drain a battery faster but I am not opposed to loading 2 deep cycles if need be. I'm sure a small outboard would push the canoe better but wildlife photography is my hobby and the whole reason for doing this so I would like to stick with the trolling option since it is quiet. Fishing is just an added bonus. In any case, I am not concerned with top speed, only being able to push back upstream once I am down.

What do you guys think?

[Jtmeador21]

I had a 15# motor on 14ft Jon boat it would throw u out. I used it all over in barren river. If u can paddle against the current I'm gonna say a 30# would be more than enough. Good luck. U will need a registration though don't forget That talked to ppl that has gotten tickets for that .

[Bird_Watcher]

Thanks for the help, jt. Sounds like the 30 is good enough and im glad because at 100 bucks I dont have to worry too much about buyers remorse lol. I did go the other day and get it registered btw so I am anxious to try it out.

[Colbyt]

Never had one on a canoe. My son and I fished several times this summer in a fully loaded 12' tinny with only a 30 pound thrust Minn Kota. It got us everywhere we wanted to go including into some decent breezes and we were near capacity for the boat (both of us are vertically challenged). So my uninformed canoe opinion is that a c-30 and at least a class 27 battery will make you happy.