Power Drive or Maxxum

[ND Jig Head]

I am looking to up grade my trolling motor. I have a Minnkota 50PD 12v with co-pilot on a Lund 1700 Fisherman. I like it fine but it doesn't have enough power in heavy current or high winds. I think a 74# 24v would be better. My question is - which do you prefer - the power drive or the maxxum - and why?

[delmuts]

i have the max, but i also stand/sit on the front platform when fishing. the power drive allows you to be almost any where in the boat and run the trolling motor. the max would keep you in the front.

[loebs93]

I posted the same question a few weeks ago when I was shopping around for a new trolling motor. Both models have their benefits. The folowing is a list of the few factors that I weighed which ultimately influenced me to buy a Power Drive.

Power Drive positives: Auto-pilot, significantly longer cord running from the motor to the foot pad, smooth operation

Power Drive negatives: drains battery faster than Maxxum, is slower to turn the motor than the Maxxum.

Maxxum positives: doesnt drain battery as fast as PD, fast and responsive foot pad

Maxxum negatives: short cord from the foot pad to the motor-which limits it to bow use only, no auto pilot feature

The kicker here was the Auto-pilot. We have a 14 ft boat that gets pushed around by the wind pretty easy. I've been in bigger boats where that isn't a factor as much.

So far, I have the boat out with the new motor and absolutely love it.

In my opinion, the bottom line here is that MinnKota makes a nice trolling motor. I know a lot of guys that like the Maxxum, I also know a lot of guys that love the Power Drive.

[Satchmo]

It truly depends on your style of fishing. For the Bass/Muskie guys, the Maxxums have pin point control and instant response, which comes in handy when manuvering around docks and weedlines. The Powerdrives are probably used by more Walleye anglers than anything else. They offer more flexibility for positioning and in my opinion are far easier to use for the average angler. The powerdrives are also A LOT LESS WORK in heavy seas than the Maxxums. Being a big water walleye guy myself, the Powerdrive with universal sonar was the logical choice. It is also available with Auto-Pilot if you choose. Good Luck

[Kab Dreamin]

I have a 74# powerdrive autopilot and have been very pleased with it. With the long cord, it allows me to run the motor from the back, which is a plus when I have the kids in the boat fishing with me or when it is raining and we get underneath the cover. It's true that it doesn't turn as fast as a Maxxum, but since I don't primarily bass fish, I have never found this to be an issue. As for battery life, I have been up on Kabetogama, Namakan and LOW and have been able to go 2-3 full days of fishing before needing to recharge the batteries. That was running it usually at no more than a 4 or 5 power setting. If you had to run it hard all day, I'm sure you would drain them in a single day pretty easily.

[NELS-BELLS]

I know this is a little off topic but I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Pin Point trolling motors? You set the depth at which you want to fish at and the trolling motor supposedly keeps you moving along at that depth. I believe motor guide now owns them.

I have an Auto pilot by Minnkota and its alright but this sounds like it would be much better.

Nels

[f1sh1nfool]

I too have a power drive with auto pilot and the co pilot. I can say that i really don't care for the foot control, its just a little bit tough for me to use sometimes. but the wireless co pilot works great. I too concentrate on trying to pull those eyes in the boat and spend a lot of time towards the back of the boat.

[kslipsinker]

74# Minnkota's are 80# this model year. A new prop and redesigned motor add up to more thrust. Unfortunatly you can't retrofit an old motor with the new prop.