A trolling motor is used to slowly and quietly hold position, troll along weed beds, or slow the drift against wind and currents. They come in bow and transom mount.

There are several things to consider when shopping for a trolling motor. Do you want bow or stern mount? Generally speaking, a boat is easier to pull than push through the water. It is also easier to move the bow than the stern due to the difference in size and weight. These factors make a bow mounted trolling motor the most popular type. A bow mounted unit gives greater control, faster response, and easier positioning.

The next item to research is the type of controller you would like to use. You can select a hand tiller, foot switch, or laser wireless. The foot switch controller is the most popular. It connects through an electrical cord and leaves both hands free for fishing

A trolling motor is rated by the amount of thrust it exerts. Thrust is what counts the most. While motor output in terms of horsepower will have an impact on trust, propeller shape, pitch and dimensions, and the motor speed in RPM work together to create the thrust rating. The propeller is especially important and is designed to achieve maximum acceleration and immediate response.

Next up for consideration is the battery. You don’t want to skimp in this area. It’s very frustrating to have a trolling motor stop due to a dead battery. For example, a trolling motor that takes 40 amps is purchased. You will be using the motor for an average of six hours at about half load, so that would be 20 amps continuous drain over the six hour period. This motor will need a battery pack of 120 Ah just to keep operating over the full six hour period.

To keep the above trolling motor operating without damaging the batteries, a battery pack rated at 240 Ah should be used. This keeps deep cycling at about 50%. Ideally, you should select a battery pack for this scenario that is rated at 20 amps for 10 hours. This would cover you in case the motor is used at greater than 50% power for an extended period.

Shaft length must be correct to ensure optimum control. If the shaft is too short, the prop will not stay in the water during rough conditions. A shaft that’s too long will cause problems in shallow water due to prop strikes and also will kick up material from the bottom.

Keep your trolling motor clean and dry when it is not being used. Never leave it outside on a boat that’s not covered. Be sure to disconnect the batteries. If the trolling motor has been heavily used, have it checked and cleaned of excess carbon dust. This dust will wreck motor brushes.

Camping can be a fun and rewarding activity for the entire family. Getting away from stress and setting your own schedule brings a feeling of relaxation and accomplishment. But you can’t just jump into an RV and take off. A successful camping trip requires a lot of planning.

First you have to purchase or rent camping gear. You need shelter such as a tent, cabin, or RV, and you need something to sleep on. This could be a bed, sleeping bag, pad, cot, air mattress, etc. Next up would be food, cooking appliances, and utensils. You also need emergency first aid supplies.

First time campers should take a trip with someone that’s experienced and knows the type of camping gear you will need. This is the fastest way to learn. People that camp a lot already have all the necessary camping gear and can show you how to use it.

There is no need to buy the most expensive camping equipment on the market. Mid-priced camping gear will work just fine for most trips. One area that must be addressed is the type of sleeping equipment you will use. If going to cold areas and using sleeping bags, make sure the ones you purchase are rated for the expected temperature range where you will be staying.

Your first tent should provide adequate weather protection. It needs to be large enough to hold all occupants with gear and still be comfortable. A lot of people use popup campers instead of tents. These work very well and also get you up off the ground. The only issue is setup and takedown time, but this is not really much of a problem if you are going to be staying for a week or more.

Making a bed at the campground is not difficult. You need padding to cushion you from the ground or hard surface in an RV or trailer. Inflatable and closed-cell pads work well. Your sleeping bag goes on top of the pad. Again, make sure your bag is rated for the temperature range. If it gets too warm, you can sleep on top of the bag with a sheet or blanket. Don’t forget to bring a pillow!

Cooking can be one of the more pleasant activities when camping. There are a lot of recipes on the Internet that you can try. If you are good at backyard grilling, you most likely have a lot of different ideas to use. Don’t forget to pack everything you need. Most campgrounds have grills available for use. You can also purchase a propane stove and cook anywhere you like. And there is always campfire cooking. Just be sure to use good safety precautions with a campfire.

Camping gear can be purchased new or used from a lot of resources. There is nothing wrong with buying used equipment and you can save a lot of money this way. Check the gear closely and make sure it works as expected before you buy. If you are looking at something that uses propane or other gas, be sure to check for leaks and worn parts (like hoses) that could be dangerous.