Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

[TheChad]

Hey all,

I have a 2006 Lowe Fish & Ski 17' Aluminum Deep Vee hull boat.

The dealer that sold the boat to me, sold it with a Motorguide FW 71 FB trolling motor with a 50" shaft.

I have sold this motor due to the shaft length is too short for a deep vee hull, and I am not overly happy with its performance (Not speed/torque, it had plenty of that).

Now I am looking to purchase a Minn Kota PowerDrive 70PD 60" Shaft with Universal Sonar.

Before I purchase the motor, I wanted to drop a post here and see if anyone knew any place that has them for a good price.

This is what i've found so far:

Bass Pro Shops: $719.00
Cabelas: $699.99
Amazon.com: $599.99

I haven't found anyone selling this motor for less than Amazon.com (of all places). But If any of you know of one, please let me know.

Also any input on this motor is apperciated.

Thanks,

-TheChad

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

Did you try right here on iBoats.com? These motors are heavy so you may be money ahead by buying from a local dealer and avoiding the shipping charges. Wherever you buy the PD, make sure you keep the foot control protected when not in use. The weak element with this motor is the foot control is not very well protected from moisture. Also, check the "MinnKota Hard To Deploy" post and how to correct it if you have that problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

look at the motor guide W75 60 in shaft, wireless before you buy. the key fob control is fabulous. i have a W 45 will never go back to foot control.

 

[Pescadora]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

Crestliner Mirage 2000 (20'). With Minnkota PowerDrive 70lb thrust, Autopilot and copilot.

What's a foot control?? 8)

I can see the need if you're doing bass', but while working off the downriggers, that contraption will stay in the garage for life. Might even sell it.

24v system, with a Dual Pro Extreme charger. Very cool design that taps into the cranking battery from time to time to recharge the trolling motors on the fly. Since I troll with the big motor, the alternator is cranking 20-25 amps. Might as well use it.

 

[TheChad]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

Did you try right here on iBoats.com? These motors are heavy so you may be money ahead by buying from a local dealer and avoiding the shipping charges. Wherever you buy the PD, make sure you keep the foot control protected when not in use. The weak element with this motor is the foot control is not very well protected from moisture. Also, check the "MinnKota Hard To Deploy" post and how to correct it if you have that problem.

I couldn't Find this motor on iboats.com

The cheapest place is Amazon.com, and they offer FREE Shipping... Can't beat that right?


When not on the water, The boat is Garaged. When Not In use, the foot pedel would be put into the cubby in the nose of the bow.

Thanks,

-TheChad

 

[TheChad]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

look at the motor guide W75 60 in shaft, wireless before you buy. the key fob control is fabulous. i have a W 45 will never go back to foot control.

Isn't that thing noisy for you?

I tried one out at Bass Pro Shop when I was there last, and that this is REALLY Loud. The minn Kota is pretty quiet.

I don't really want to hear clunky gears out on the peacefull water. Also I am not overly happy with MotorGuide Quality....


Thanks,

-TheChad

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

i have no complaints. either one wireless is the way to go. i've always hated those cables on the deck.

 

[mikew8541]

Re: Buying New Trolling Motor - Minn Kota PowerDrive

wireless is definitly the way to go. I added the co pilot to my minn 65ap and have never regreted it. As a side note, before going wireless i was replacing the foot pedal every 2 years just from wearing them out. I fish alot, keep my boat in top shelf condition, but those dang foot pedals just wear out with heavy use. the co pilot is awesome.

tight lines screaming reels to all

mike