I'm looking for a trolling motor for a 16' canoe and would like to hear from people with experience using them.

I have a MinnKota maxxium 44lb thrust. Works fine on my 14' square stern canoe. I see most canoes use a mount to the side as most are not square stern type. I also have a 4.5hp Evinrude gas engine too , but that is not for trolling , too fast.

My boys got me an electric 55 pound thrust Minn Kota for Father’s Day…and I bought the wooden motor Mount kit…But life got in the way and didn’t use it this past season. But will be in it come May. 16 footer also

Any of them will work, it doesn’t take much to push a canoe. Just depends how fast you want to go. A 55 will have you scooting, but if you have to cover some water thats a good thing.

Minn Kota used to make a 17# thrust motor that was perfect for a canoe but they quit making them. The smallest now is I think a 35# and has a long shaft. I don't know of a perfect canoe motor anymore.

When I bought my MinnKota one of the things I looked at in the different levels from the cheaper lines all the way up to the premium lines like the maxxium series was the battery life or shall we say 'gas mileage'

Believe it or not , some of the low priced lines have crappy battery life. I would bet my maxxium would last 3-4 times longer than an entry model 17lb or similar low thrust one. The premium lines like the maxxium series has a much more efficient motor.

Something to consider when buying one. My 44lb thrust motor doesn't go any faster than a cheaper grade 44lb thrust one , but it does it for much longer , more time on the water.

Mike, I have a fifty something thrust, used on a canoe a couple seasons. I’m too old for this beaver trapping, and too clumsy, so maybe we can make a deal! 785-313-1905

I have a Coleman 16 square back with a 3.5 hp 4 stroke Merc.
Tried the trolling motor (55 lbs) and 2 hp mud motor and neither aren't up to pushing why loaded.
Only issue is when empty you need some ballast up front to trim out.
I use sandbags or river rock

Best ballast for yah canoe …right here ..Swiss water bags…won’t EF up the floor and conforms to any surface..45-50 lbs when full. You can also use them as a camp shower…or when the power goes out, you can flush the toilet….many uses.

That would work for sure, but sand bags are for drowning sets and hopefully a different ballast coming home.
I forgot to add that I'm on a river with a pretty good current .
During the White bass run in the spring and high water another person upfront with all the gear the Merc is the best option for me.
Also tried a 5 hp Briggs & Stratton air cooled that is way to heavy and will vibrate/deafen you

I have a 55lbs minn-kota that I shortened the shaft on. Its about a 30" shaft which puts it at perfect arm level sitting down and not sticking beneath the canoe a mile snagging logs. I also ran heavy jumper cables in conduit to the front to keep the batteries weight distributed well.

My mount is a couple of C-clamps welded to a chunk of angle iron. Cheap and incredibly strong.

I have a motor mount that clamps to the gunnels, and allows you to sit up straight and face forward when using the motor.