Speed Test For Trolling Motors

[mav6759]

I have a Motorguide 70b 24v it an older model about 5 years old...I don't believe it's working correctly although it is working...I guess the question I want to ask is, is there away to measure the speeds on a trolling motor....example....on 1 the speed is this... on 5 the speed is this...When I watch my prop spinning on 5,,,it seems to be spinning slower then what I think it should...especially with a 24v and brand new batteries... Is there a speed test for trolling motor's?????

Thanks Mav

 

[Silvertip]

Speed on any boat with any trolling motor is so variable it is not worth the time and effort to chart this. Besides, trolling motors and the props they have are a compromise between current draw and what it takes to achieve a 3 - 5 mph speed (max) while keeping current draw as low as possible. One could install a high pitch prop and probably get 6 - 8 mph but it would suck the battery dry in a very short time. So back to your situation. Whether running a 12v or a 24V motor, it's rpm will be the same or very close. As for power with a 24 volt system, make sure you have the two batteries wired in "series" not "parallel". Looking at the prop is not a valid test. Put the boat in the water and track it's speed with GPS. If it can get to 3-5 mph on the fastest speed it is probably working fine. But those speeds depend on the size, type of boat and the load it is carrying.