FishingBanter - View Single Post

**RichZ** · August 29th, 2006, 12:34 AM posted to rec.outdoors.fishing.bass

wrote:
I have a 17.5 Duracraft all weld boat that came with a 12v MinnKota
44/AT trolling motor. It is a five speed motor and I use it on "4" all
the time because "3" is about like watching paint dry and "5" is too
fast generally. The boat and 50 hp Yamaha and all equipment weighs
less than 1000 lbs I imagine.

I would like to get to "3" being my most of the time speed. I am
trying to decide between a MinnKota Maxxum 55 12v and a MinnKota Maxxum
70 24v. The difference in price is about $100, plus $300 for a two
bank charger and two new batteries at around $100 each.

So, it will cost me an extra $500 on top of the $569 for the 55# thrust
motor.

I hate to go up to a 24v motor, but don't want to end up with a 55 that
is not noticeable better than the 44 I already have.

Anybody out there using the Minn Kota 55 edge or maxxum? If so, what
kind of boat and are you satisfied with it?

Any other thoughts?

I run a 17.5 foot G3, that I'm sure is not much different from your
duracraft. I run a 50 pound variable speed with maximizer MK on it, and
have more than enough power. Further, I run a group 30 battery, and even
though I fish a lot of 200 to 500 acre lakes with horsepower
restrictions where I must fish 'electric only' and use it as my primary
motive force as well as a positioning tool, I have never gotten more
than half way deep into a charge with it. If I ever have to replace this
motor, I'll replace it with a 55 on general principals, I would never
consider going 24 on this boat.