buying a trolling motor: help!

[musky_tail05]

I am going to buy a bow mount trolling motor this year and I have a few questions. I have a 16 1/2 foot boat and I will be using the motor for trolling, boat positioning, etc. on lakes.
1. I am thinking about getting one that has 55 lbs. of thrust with a 54" shaft. Is this enough pounds of thrust or should I consider buying one with more?

2. I have narrowed it down between the Minn Kota Powerdrive and the All-terrain. I have talked to people who said that the All-terrain is better because it has a direct cable to the motor, so that it has quicker response. Is the Powerdrive worth the 50-some dollars extra?

3. I also need a quick-release bracket so that I can take the motor off and get the boat cover on and off. I know that they make one for the Powerdrive, but do they make one for the All-terrain?

I am willing to spend up to about $450 to $500 for one. Any help is greatly appreciated.
*I posted this on the Open Water forum, just seeing if I can get some different replies on this subject*
Thanks again. musky_tail05

[Corey Bechtold]

I have fished with both the all terrain and the powerdrive. It's my opinion that the powerdrive is more user friendly. If you like to stand all day and cast for whatever there is less fatigue on your legs. I found that my calves would burn for days after using my brother-in-laws all terrain. The all terrain has a quicker response and that's about all.

Say, I have a Minn-kota powerdrive, 12 volt, with auto pilot and cordless pedal that I would sell you for cheap. It works great and I switchted it out for a 24 volt powerdrive without auto pilot. I took my old one off my 1650 fish hawk so I'm sure it would work for you. Shoot me an e-mail if your interested.

Corey Bechtold
[email protected]

[vikes40for60]

If you get the powerdrive in the future you could get the Co-Pilot. I LOVE my co-Pilot.

[klbowe]

Before you buy a Power Drive I would suggest that you find someone who has one and try lowering it into the water and then restowing it.

It ain't easy, in fact it is the reason I sold mine. I liked the motor and I liked the controls but I prefer the older rope style release, it is easy to operate and in very shallow water you can pull the rope and run the motor on the surface of the water in a pinch.

They all have their advantages and everyone has a opinion.

[Doonbuggy]

I can't comment on the All-Terrain, but I have a 55lb powerdrive w/ a 48" shaft and I cannot say enough good things about it. (This model is the most powerdrive power you can get while running off of just one battery).

I have a 16' fiberglass and I used it on Lake Harriet last week (electric only) and it really moved the boat well and went in and out of milfoil like nothing. They claim 40% quicker steering with the '04 model and I noticed it immediately.

I got mine at Fleet Farm at an excellent price, I believe they are going for $420-430 at most places.

The Minnkota product brochures give you a guide as to how long a shaft you should have; depends on the distance between the top of your boat and the bottom of it.

One other thing, if you fish shallow water at times you may have to raise the motor up. When it's up high you're bound to hit the top of the motor with a lure or your rod when casting. I know I have in the past. With the 54" shaft it might be sticking up a bit more.

Finally, make sure you get the right quick release bracket. The one I had for my old autopilot did not work for the new one.

Hope this helps.

DB

[Chev_trucks501]

Musky,

Also consider that the powerdrive has a maximizer on it and the AT models don't. Doesn't seem like a big deal but it will save you battery life. I used to have a 16.5 ft boat with a 50 merc on it and I have a 50# 54" PD and it was plenty of power for it. In fact I usually only ran the motor on setting 4 or 5 (out of 10 settings) in a light wind. The quick release bracket is also very handy. Plus whoever mentioned the Co-Pilot has a very good point. They are very nice. Hope this helps.

Good Luck
Chev

[united jigsticker]

Mr. Bechtold, I have sent you e-mail.

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Good fishing,
UJ
[email protected]