Minnkota Trolling Motors

[LoveToFish]

Does anyone have any experience with electric (not cable driven) bow mount Minnkota trolling motors? I fish in heavy current on the river and have heard that sometimes these motors slip (change directions) when a heavy cross current hits them. Any other good or bad experiences would be a lot of help. Thanks

[Surface Tension]

I don't think you'd have a problem. It'll have to be a heck of a current, more then your motors thrust could handle.

[LoveToFish]

More specifically I am looking at the power drive models.
Thanks Guys

[PerchJerker]

I've had 2 minnkota powerdrives and 1 minnkota autopilot. Currently have a 65lb powerdrive. I've never had one of these motors slip, either in current or at full power into the wind and waves.

[smallies24]

None of the minnkota motors should ever slip...what (whom ever you spoke with) might have been trying to explain is that that cable driven motors can rotate much faster giving you better control in current.

Where with a powerdrive model you might get caught in a strong current on the motor maybe not rotate as quick to keep you right where you want to be.

There is also a ridge on the plastic collar on the shaft of the powerdrive motors. If the ridge doesn't match up with the ridge on the mount the motor may not turn in a strong current, but once the motor is rotated far enough the collar will fall into place.

[LoveToFish]

So, everyone agrees that these motors are pretty good and worth the money?

[smallies24]

Definitely, I've used most of the minnkota models and have only heard of a few problem with the older auto pilot models....All the new stuff is great and you'll have no trouble with the powerdrive models...they're worth the $!!!!

[Muskieguy]

I too have a powerdrive, and I think where the powerdrive shines is in open water. This style makes it easier to make small corrections to follow a shoreline, breakline, weedline etc. Also, becuase small corrections can be made, you don't have to have your foot on the pedal at all times, make your adjustment and sit back and fish. Where the cable driven models work nicely is in heavy cover when navigating around stumps, docks, etc. It is easier to make big changes in direction, you don't have to wait for the powerdrive motor to spin the prop all the way around.

Muskieguy.......

[andy j]

I would get a cable driven motor, you will get more precise control, if not get the autopilot, the regular powerdrives are a pain in the wind and current.