Minnkota 55AT questions, power issue

[kuks24]

I have a Minnkota 55AT all terrain bow mount on my 16 ft. flat bottom. The motor does not have as much power as it used to have. I even bought a new optima blue top for it. I have the dual blue top case. It is a 12 volt motor. Is this common for trolling motors to lose power over time?

Should I buy another 12 volt 55 lbs. thrust motor, any suggestions.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota 55AT questions, power issue

Electric motors don't lose power unless the bearings tighten up or the brushes wear out, or water gets into the housing. With the motor turned off, pull the prop and check for fish line wrapped around the shaft. That can cut the seal and allow water intrusion. If that seems ok, install the prop and turn it by hand. You will feel some jerkiness as the motor turns but it should turn relatively freely. If binding is apparent, you need to open it up and see what's wrong.

 

[kuks24]

Re: Minnkota 55AT questions, power issue

It seems like it has some good power but only for about 10 minutes, but I will check in the housing, on speed 5 it moves pretty good but I used to coast pretty good at 3, but now it is not even close to what it was, and between 3 and 4 there is not very much difference at all.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota 55AT questions, power issue

Sounds like you have a battery issue and yes -- I understand it is new. New batteries (Optima or not) can be bad just like anything else. Have it load tested.