Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

[johnjsa]

Been thinking about getting a Minnkota powerdrive trolling motor for my boat & wondered what any users thought about it, especially the way the foot control works & holds up. Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

I used a PD for a couple of years, John, and found it excellent once I was experienced with it. No problems. I would buy another. I particularly liked it on the quick removal mount.<br /><br />I later used an AP for a few years. Hard to master but once mastered an excellent machine (darned expensive, though, and heavy).<br /><br />(217)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

I have a PD on my boat and it works ok. It's very battery friendly. Mount it using a quick release plate. Allows you to remove it if the boat needs to be stored outside and placed inside the boat for trailering so it doesn't cause problems with the cover. If you intend to use a trolling motor mounted sonar, be aware that some special transducer cable routing is required. You can't just tie-wrap the cable to the shaft as the shaft needs to slide. PD's are available with a universal transducer mounted in them.

 

[NBE]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

I have had both on my boat, a trolling motor with a cable operated foot pedal and now a Minn Kota 40PD. I love the electronic foot pedal compared to a cable operated one. It has a lower profile than the other kind and I find it much easier to use. <br /><br />Whenever I have to replace this trolling motor in the future, it definitely will be with another Minn Kota powerdrive.

 

[richet]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

I have used both 24 and 12 volt PD/AP and the foot control works fine. I found myself using the control on my knee and steering with my hand. I added the co-pilot and would not go back.<br />Be sure you get a long enough shaft to keep from the motor leaving the water on the choppy days

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

Cons, I have one.<br /><br />I have a 2001 Minn Kota 55 PowerDrive-AutoPilot with foot pedal and CoPilot, mounted transducer and quick release mount. I bought the motor new and would surely buy the same motor again. I knew of the draw back but the other advantages prevailed for the boat I'm using it on.<br /><br />I use it on a small 14' aluminum utility boat. I fish the upper Mississippi river and much of it with current. When in obstructed waters (rocks, wood, weeds, etc.) or shallow waters (just enough to float the boat) it is more of a hassle to quickly get the motor up and over the obstructions under power than with a manual style trolling motor.<br /><br />You don't want to avoid these areas because your motor is more difficult to operate in!<br /><br />With a manual cord pull up, pedal push-pull cable steering motor, you pull on the cord to release and lift the motor with one hand, while still powering and steering with the foot pedal. Holding the prop surfaced just biting the water to get through these areas. It's fast and easy to do.<br /><br />I see the remote PowerDrive on bass boats. For me, it's ok out in open water but for the river my preference is the manual motor on these boats. I have a lot of experience with these. Also with a manual you know the motor direction. With a remote you may have to also look.<br /><br />Boats and motors are compromises.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Minnkota Powerdrive - Pros/Cons

Also wish you could turn on and off the AutoPilot by remote, rather that just on the motor head.