Recommend a Bow mount Trolling Motor:

[vikingmeatwad]

Motor Clinic called and my minnkota autopilot is Dead but what do you guys recommend for a used or new(value) Motor. I really don't want to drop 500 on a motor so autopilot is not required.

16.5 alumacraft classic

-It was a 36lb so I want to step up to a 55

-12v system now which I want to stay with since I may buy a new boat next year.

Mainly just looking for input for which motors/models people prefer.

[RiverBassGuy]

A 55lb Minn Kota Powerdrive V2 with a 54" shaft will sell new for $499.99, and that's without auto pilot or universal sonar. If you can find one used that's your best bet. Cabela's sells many "reconditioned motors" on their HSOforum. That might be a good place to check.

[jwhjr]

I picked up a 55lb Minn Kota Powerdrive V2 with a 54" shaft on Amazon for $489 with free shipping. As RiverBassGuy stated, that was without AP or US on it. The lower thrust motors can be gotten for under $400, but for the 55# that's about the cheapest I've seen (new). Good Luck!

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Most of your good sporting goods stores will match internet sales as long as you print off the shipping charges. Then you have someone to talk to when/if you have trouble. I'm sure a trolling motor would be easy to send back to Amazon. I'm sure they would cover shipping as well. LOL

55v2 24Volt 54" you will benefit from the 24Volt down the road.

[jwhjr]

Actually it is easy to send back. A return shipping label is included, all you have to do is attach it to the box and have UPS come pick it up. If you have "warranty" issues, I believe you have to find a Minn Kota service center anyway.

[Moe Szyslak]

There was a nice one on hsolist yesterday but now I cant find it. It was a PD 55 AP/US/CP for $400.

[vikingmeatwad]

Thanks guys, Kind of what I thought.

Hard to find a used one so I may just buy a new one as I want to get fishing :-)

2 more questions though.

Would universal sonar work with my Marcum LX3?

Would I need to rewire if I switched to 24v? Or just wire it differently?

[vikingmeatwad]

Those motorguide ones with the manual steering seem kind of nice and responsive but why doesn't anyone like them around these parts?

[vikingmeatwad]

dang, no replies yet

I'm pretty sure the marcum won't work with the US2 but I would appreciate help on the other questions.

Thanks!

[Northlander]

Vikingmeatwad I would stay 55# and 12 volt, especially if your going to sell it. Depending on what whiring they used in your boat you could have to re wire.

The LX-3 more than likely wont work on the U.S. I believe you have to mount a Marcum Ducer to the bowmount.

Find out what gauge wiring you have on your boat from the trolling motor to your batteries.

[vikingmeatwad]

tnx north. I think the older wiring is 6 gauge and will test it tomorrow nite.

Got a reman Powerdrive 55# (non v2) w/ autopilot/ap. Says it works with the vex so I will see if they have marcum adapter for the US.

[vikingmeatwad]

Marcum will not work with the US Minn-Kota motors and that is not cool.

[solbes]

I ended up buying a lightly used 50lb Powerdrive Minnkota from the "for sale" area on this HSOforum. It was probably 4 years ago and I paid $300. Came with older bow mount electronics as well where I can at least get the depth up front.

Autopilot will be on my next troller, when and if I get a new rig. But this one was a great buy for me and it's worked flawlessly. Don't give up on the used motors just yet.

*** Nevermind, looks like you already got one, guess I need glasses ***

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Look at factory reconditioned models from MinnKota. I picked up one at a metro shop. It had never seen water, only had minor cosmetic damage from shipping, which was repaired by the factory. Four years later, no problems and working great. Saved around $200 over new, and came with a one year warranty.