MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

[rodster]

Hello<br />I just replaced my 12/24 OMC trolling motor with used Minnkota 74 maxxum series. I installed it properlly by at the red wire to the positve end and black to the negative end of a 2-12 batteries(in series. My doubt is the speed/power? <br />On my 18 foot fish and ski (2400lbs+-) i could only get 2.5mph(gps) on 100% power??<br />Is this adequate for this boat. the omce was never clocked so i have no reference.<br />Please give me some suggestions or references.<br />thanks in adnvanced

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

Minn Kota states that there motors no matter what thrust will only do 5mph.(prop pitch)<br />You said that you bought it used? A good friend of mine swears that after a few years they loose some of their oomph! I have only had mine for 2 seasons and no change yet.<br />I would say if you can do the same speed in to a good wind then it is probably fine.

 

[rodster]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

Thanks BG<br />what model do you have? and what load are your pushing?<br />thanks

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

I have a pd40. I first had it on a 12' boat and would get about 4mph on full. I now have a 17' Alum.. fish and ski(dont know the weight) that seems a bit slower but I have never looked at the speed. When I get out this weekend I will take a look.

 

[rodster]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

thanks man

 

[PAkev]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

I've got the MK Power Drive 74 in the Riptide Series on a 20 Center Console and find it adequate for my needs. I would guess the entire loaded rig with motor and fuel to be close to 3000 lbs. With the shaft all the way down I can burn across the water at about 3mph.<br /><br />I changed the prop this year after 2yrs of use and found less vibration and a little better speed.

 

[rodster]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

Thanks PAkev<br />Are you getting a reading from Lowrance GPS?<br />IS that 3mph on a calm day or average speed?

 

[PAkev]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

Yes, <br />3mph per my Lowrance x-18 GPS. This was while sitting at the console watching the GPS while operating the TM with my co pilot remote. I would describe conditions as calm with small chop from other boating activity on the lake. <br />I also seem to get a little more thrust when using the foot pedal wide open rather than running my co pilot on the highest setting but don't have a GPS on my bow fishfinder to verify.<br /><br />My F150 outboard trolls down to about 2.5 quite nicely so the MK 74 seems to fit the bill for anything slower and to get around structure.

 

[cbcrawford]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

The real question is, is it fast enough for you. Obviously if you need to troll faster you need a larger trolling motor, but if 2-3mph does it for you then keep it! You're certainly moving fast enough for inland trolling, but if you're using it for fast mobility . . . .<br /><br />PS - you'll get far more efficiency and life from your batteries if you'll run that motor in 24V instead of 12V.<br /><br />CC

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

Ok, on 10 I got 2.4mph

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

are you trying to pull a water skier?i always look at thrust thats more important to me live in kansas wind blows a lot need thrust more than speed.thats way most trolling motors have up to 100# of thrust.

 

[rodster]

Re: MinnKota 74 - what power to expect???

thank you so much guys...I found that against the wind and with the wind have .2mhp difference. which all makes sense now...torque is key when it comes to trolling motor power. I was just expecting too much increase in speed when i swithced from the evinrude 12/24v 42lbs thrust.<br />My thinking is going from 42-74 means 80% more speed???<br />thanks again for all the great information