Digital or regular?

[STIguy]

Hey folks!

Trying to decide on a bow mount trolling motor. Something in the 45-55 # thrust range.

How much more efficient are the digital models? Will I see enough of a difference in energy savings to justify the more expensive price tag? How much longer will the battery last?

Anyone have a wireless model? If so how do you like it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Digital or regular?

How long a battery lasts depends on a number of factors. 1) size (capacity) of the battery. 2) Size of the motor. 3) How fast you are running the motor. 4) Size of the boat the motor must push or pull. 5) Whether you are running the motor constantly or intermittently. If you run wide open most of the time it doesn't matter whether you have a digital or regular motor. Either draws the same amount of current. It is at speeds under wide open that the digitals (pulsed) motors are more efficient. I have used MinnKota Power Drives on my last three boats and find them to be excellent motors. Mine have all been the corded remote-foot pedal but they are available in RF (key fob style wireless versions as well).

 

[STIguy]

Re: Digital or regular?

I realize every battery/boat combination are different.

Assuming all things are equal (same battery, same boat) is it worth it to dish out the extra cash for a digital model? Anyone have any numbers or info to back this up?

Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Digital or regular?

The theoretical difference at half of full speed is that the digital will use about 25% less power to provide the same thrust. At 1/4 full speed the difference is more like 50%.

As Silvertip says, at full speed there is no difference inpower usage.

I really like the Power Drive and Auto Pilot features of Minn Kota, and though I have never actually used one with the Co-Pilot wireless remote I think I would like that a lot, too.

Those features are only available on digital motors and their convenience is worth the extra price to me whether they use less power or not.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Digital or regular?

You didn't answer the "how you will use it" question which is key. If you slow troll with the constant on feature activated, yes -- the digital will run longer than the standard motor. As you approach the fastest speed the closer those tiimes come together. If you are an On/Off type of user, it's hard to predict the outcome but speaking in general terms, the digital will run longer on a charge so long as you are not running anywhere near full speed. Full speed is full DC power to the motor so both use the same power at that setting.