bow mount trolling motors

[Troy]

I am looking at a new trolling motor and have been spending most of my time looking at Minn Kota. I am interested in getting opinions on the 12 volt with 50lbs of thrust and the length of battery life. Is this a waste of time? Would it be best to invest a little more money to get the 24 volt 48lbs of thrust. I think this might mean a little rewiring. Any information would be appreciated.

[FJH1]

It would help a lot if you could give an indication of the boat size and expected use (are you going to be on the water usually for a few hours at a time, or all day? Any weekend trips with out ability to charge batteries...). If you can provide a little more info I think you will get some good recommendations.

Best Regards,

FJH

[EricCO]

I have a MinnKota 50 powerdrive on my 16' fiberglass boat. I have been using a 24 series battery and never had to worry about not having enough juice to last me 12+ hours on the water. I have kicker so I don't "troll" with it though. I am going with a 27 series battery this year because I am planning to run a makeshift livewell off of the battery.

I understand that some people use two batteries in line to get twice the life even on twelve volt motors.

Make sure to use 6 gage wire with a 40 amp inline fuse. Melty, gooey plastic in the boat is nasty.

Note: My motor has just come back from the factory for the 2nd time because of serious malfunctions. Customer service was average.

[The Great Guide]

Buy a MotorGuide instead. I've owned MnKota's for the last 18 years, 6 or 7 of them, and eventually had problems with everyone of them. Parts falling off, electronic boards going bad, etc. I've got the 765 AutoPilot bow mount that I purchased last year and I've alreaty got a switch problem. Take a look a the MotorGuides and MnKota's side by side and you will see the difference. I'm looking to get a refund for the MnKota bow mount and buy the something in the MotorGuide line. I might even try the Pinpoint. TGG

[Troy]

The boat I am going to put the motor on is 17ft Sylvan. I will be using it the majority of the time by itself for pulling live bait rigs and maintaining straight line while moving in heavy wind while backtrolling. It will be an extended use motor. Hopefully this additional information will help.

What MotorGuide or Minn Kota would you suggest for this size boat and these applications?

Thanks for the suggestions

Troy

[FJH1]

Troy, I ran a MinnKota 48AT (24v) on a 16' Sylvan Pro Select and it was marginal. For your boat and application I would strongly recommend 24v. I am currently running the MinnKota Maxxum 74# (24v) with 62" shaft on a Lund 1800 Pro V Se. It seems that with a trolling motor you can never have enough power. If you can swing the 74# go for it. Also, don't skimp on shaft length. There are times when I have used all 62" of mine and wished I had more.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Richard]

Troy
I've got to agree with FJH. You should have 65-74# and the 24V system will not only serve your needs but will hold it's value in this ever changing electronic world. Also, buy all the shaft you can afford. Enjoy!!!

[Terry?JNR]

Go with the 48PD/AP/C. You won't be sorry. I've got 4 years on the one on my old 95 Alumacraft and it still works as good as the day I bought it. This is the 7th Minn Kota I've bought over the years and I've yet to have a problem that I didn't cause. Even the circut boards going bad can usally be traced back to a wiring or battery problem.
Be sure you use 6 gage wire and the proper terminal ends. I've fixed electric motor problems for guys just by putting the proper terminal ends on at the battery. Another problem is when one of the batteries is bad. Check both batteries regularly to be sure they maintain a fairly equal charge. Keep the terminals free of any corrossion at all and keep the electrolite level where it should be. All of these can cause prblems at the motor. be sure to unplug the motor before hooking a charger to the batteries, too.