Minn Kota Trolling motor variable speed vs 5/3 speed?

[fishingdan]

To us humans, is there a real measurable difference between a Minn Kota 24v SM series motor with variable speed vs the same model with 5/3 speed? The difference seems to be an extra 10lbs of thrust and an extra $200 for the variable speed model.

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Trolling motor variable speed vs 5/3 speed?

It depends on whether or not the variable speed unit has the Maximizer circuitry. There are lots of variations on these motors to built-in transducers and auto pilot raises the bar significantly. SM series means nothing to me. What specific models are we talking about?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Minn Kota Trolling motor variable speed vs 5/3 speed?

Yes, the variable speed unit includes this Maximizer circuitry.

Lots of stuff works great in labs. I'm just looking to see what the difference is in real world use. For example, does this add an extra 30 minutes of usable battery time or does it increase it by something like 40%?

5/3 model - RT70/SC/H
variable speed model - RT80/B/H

Thanks