Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

[OscarNav]

Hi, i was wanting to upgrade my trolling motor. I would like to get more time out in the water and more thrust as well.

I mainly do resorvoir and lake fishing. I have a 95 17' Starcraft 1709 fish/ski boat with a outboard Merc 125. I have no clue what this boat weighs and will be fishing with about 550 Lbs.of body weight, give or take 50 lbs. (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids).

Currently i have a Motorguide Magnum with 41 lbs. of thrust. I was looking into a 55 lbs. model, thats more than i have now. I definately want it to have Autopilot. I like MANY others am very confused on wich model to get, a Terrova or a Powerdrive V2. Is the couple hundred price difference really worth it...?

By now im sure many have done this comparison and have more feedback on this subject. Any and all comments or suggestions welcomed....This will greatly help me choose, Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

The Terrova and PD V2 have the same motor so the differences are in the stow and deploy mechanisms. I've used PD motors on my last three boats and my pontoon has a 55# V2 which drags it around very nicely so it would work well on your boat. Unless you have some physical limitations that makes the V2 hard to operate, I would go that route. I don't think the price difference is worth the Terrova's supposed advantage.

 

[OscarNav]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

The Terrova and PD V2 have the same motor so the differences are in the stow and deploy mechanisms. I've used PD motors on my last three boats and my pontoon has a 55# V2 which drags it around very nicely so it would work well on your boat. Unless you have some physical limitations that makes the V2 hard to operate, I would go that route. I don't think the price difference is worth the Terrova's supposed advantage.

No physical limitations, cant be worse than the one i have now to stow and deploy.

Just out of curiosity, how much does your pontoon boat weigh..? with and without people weight if you know...?

How much time can you get off one charge on your pontoon boat with your MK V2... with said weight...?

 

[ebry710]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

My 18' whaler has a 120hp. My Power drive 55# runs on day on a deep cell. I do have a separate battery for ignition/back-up. I am not sure of your plans, but I use my Minn Kota only for shore fishing and am going to add a kicker for trolling. I wish I had an Autopilot.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

Pontoon is 1100 bare, Suzy 4-stroke adds about 300# batteries, 20 gallons of fuel, and gear adds another 250 or so. It is therefore tugging about 1700# without people. The V2 is powered by a group 27 deep cycle. We fish early morning 'til noon. The charger goes on at the dock during lunch and we go out again until dark. It has never left me without power on this boat, nor does the PD 50 on my Alumacraft Navigator 165CS. We are priimarily crappie and walleye hunters so speed control is essential.

 

[OscarNav]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

I mainly troll with pop gear for trout or whatever i can land in lakes and res. that are pretty calm. I use my Merc 125 to position the boat and the TM will be to move around as i fish.

The Nada (Boat Blue book) has my fiberglass boat weight listed at 1350 lbs., but this is including the trailer. I have a Wallyworld Deep cell battey that is listed with 675 cranking and 140 min. reserve power. I also have a separate battery that runs the engine and fish/depth finder. So the TM is isolated with it's own 12V battery.

I must say. Right now with the rebates MK is offering i have greatly considered a 24V system..... $879.88 for a 70# MK V2, a 55# for $749.88 with $50 dollars back in rebate on both. A Terrova 80# for $1189.88 minus a $100 rebate. I just dont have enough experience to know if a 24V system is a waist of money in my part. I would have to also buy 1 more $62 battery.

Thats $130 difference for the 55# and 70# models V2, plus $62 battery, around $200 or so to go up to a 24V system.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Trolling Motor Dilema (s) Minn Kota model

IMHO, the realized difference between a 70# and 55# motor is not all that significant until/unless you're running flat out in windy conditions. The BIG advantage of teh 24V system is longevity of battery charge/run time. This of course can be somewhat negated by splitting the difference by adding a 2nd battery in parallel to your 12V system.