Variable speed motors~just how much longer does the battery last?

[keninaz]

Re: Variable speed motors~just how much longer does the battery last?

Yes, from what I have found I can buy the 45# Endura for $193 while the same thrust in the Traxxis is $293.
While at lower speeds I might see the battery last longer what I am hearing is that it might be 2x as long. For the price difference I can buy another battery but I don't think I will need it at this point.
At this point I am considering the 40# Endura @ $167 as my 12' aluminum is all I have and 40# should be enough for that.
I am not into trolling in fresh water, at least at this point. The only thing I ever trolled for was stipers in salt water. The motor simply serves as power on no gas motor lakes in my area. I cannot row very long due to my back condition from an injury. So I am not sure at this point that the variable will suit my needs all that well.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Variable speed motors~just how much longer does the battery last?

Was your MK Endura and MG Varimax the same thrust and on the same boat/load? What was your general trolling speed?

No/yes, same boat, different thrust trolling motors, MK Endura 40, MG Varimax 45, MK Traxxis 45(? don't remember). I've had the 40 Endura for a long time and decded to get a Varimax. The Varimax had a bunch of problems so I returned it for the Traxxis. The Traxxis was great, but had an annoying growling noise (like the Varimax) that from what I determined was caused by the electronic controller. I returned the Traxxis too as it was noise on my 14' jon boat, too noisy for the spooky fish I go after. For battery run time, the Traxxis and Varimax were far better than the Endura.

I've also had 42# MG and 36# MK on a couple other small boats with similar run times, 4 hours +- of constant run time on 1 battery.

Almost all of this trolling was done at speed 2-3, short bursts of 4-5.

The odd thing, running the 70# Vector on my jon boat does not cause noise like the Traxxis and Varimax. Running the motor slower? Controller at a different frequency? I don't really know, but the Vector is as quite (probably quieter) than my ol' Endura.