Minn Kota Power Drive

[kap1492]

Hey guys, I am in the market for a new trolling motor. I have decide to go with the Minn Kota Power Drive. I have a couple questions before I decide on which model is best for me. I currently have a 14' MirrowCraft Deep-V aluminum boat. I want to get a shaft size that is not going to come up short in choppy or windy conditions, nor do I want to have too much shaft and not be able to get into those shallow areas. Thrust is also very important, I want enough where I won't regret not having enough. I figured that the PD w/ universal sonar with 55# and a 54" shaft was the best pick. I was wondering if any one had any feedback on my decision. Critics are welcome and suggestions would be appriciated.

 

[Mr. Pike]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive

Kap,<br />I spent considerable hours this past week researching TM's as I am switching out my 50PD for something larger. The 55 you are considering is a good size for your boat. I have a 50PD 48" (six inches to spare) on my older Pro 17 Tracker. With dual fuel tanks, 3 batteries and two people fishing it pulls a little hard. When by myself it pulls just fine. Look for the post on this site that addresses shaft length. The shaft length is adjustable so there is no need to worry about it being too long when considering a 54". Also, if the head on the new 55's is like the head on my 50, it can be easily removed and the shaft shortened. Keep in mind there are wires in the shaft. Anything bigger than a 55 will require 2 batteries.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive

Do you want to water ski behind this boat? I had a 15.5 ft MirroCraft side console that had a 36# Evinrude troller and it worked just fine in any condition. A 40PD would be adequate for a 14 footer as would a 48 inch shaft. I run a 55PD on my current 17 footer and it's more than adequate.

 

[kap1492]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive

Thanks for the quick reply, on of the main reasons I was cosidering this is that I want the universal sonar and this is the only model they have it in cosidering the thrust. I beleive they also have the same model in a 48" shaft for only a couple dollars less. So why not go with the extra couple of bucks and get the bigger one, just my opinion. Do you think that this will be too much thrust?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive

Like with engines -- you can't have too much power, just too little. Happiness is somewhere in between. Go for it.