How do I convert thrust into horsepower?
Many people think that the more pounds of thrust they are getting, the faster the boat will go. This is not exactly true. With trolling motors and outboard motors, boat speed (and acceleration) depends on horsepower and prop pitch. By changing prop pitch, you can trade acceleration for top speed. Our trolling motors have props designed for maximum acceleration. When you hit the power, the boat responds immediately. This also allows you to hold the boat in high wind conditions. Top speed with our motors and props is about 5 mph. Small boats will reach this speed with most of our motors. Larger boats require our largest motors to approach this speed. Comparing our motors to gasoline outboards is difficult because most outboard props are designed for much higher speed.

How does thrust compare to horsepower?
- Horsepower is a measurement of “work” being performed.
- One horsepower is a unit of measurement equal to 550 foot pounds of “work” per second.
- There is no direct correlation of thrust to horsepower. Contrary to what you may have been told, fifteen pounds of thrust DOES NOT equal one horsepower.
- As noted in the previous definition, thrust is simply a static measurement of force.

How does thrust compare to speed?
“My buddy has a 36-lb thrust motor, we have the same size boat yet his motor moves his boat just as fast as my 42-lb thrust unit. Why is this?”
- Again, thrust is simply a static measurement of pushing or pulling power, and higher thrust does not necessarily mean greater speed.
- Speed is a factor of prop pitch and motor R.P.M.
- Given motor R.P.M. under load, and Minn Kota’s 4″ prop pitch, the approximate speed that a motor will push/pull a small boat can be calculated.

How important is battery selection for electric motor usage?
The battery is a critical element of your electric motor system. A high-quality deep cycle marine battery should always be used. Unlike automobile batteries, deep cycle marine batteries are designed to be run down to a discharged state and then recharged. (To extend the life of your battery, always recharge after use. Most trolling motor batteries fail due to lack of proper charging.)

source: MinnKotaMotors.com