Minnkota Question

[jackpine]

Hi All,<br /><br />I am new to the forum and I have a question that I was hoping to get some feedback on. I am wondering if a Minnkota trolling motor would be powerful enough to push a 14ft aluminum for a days worth of fishing on a lake roughly 2km x 2km. If the wind came up would I have problems? I own a camp on a secluded lake and have to take a motor back and forth so I am considering buying an electric motor. Any info would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks All<br />Take Care

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Minnkota Question

You should be fine, with trolling motor that has at least 30-40 lbs of thrust variable speed...<br /><br />You can always have two batteries also...

 

[JB]

Re: Minnkota Question

Howdy, Jackpine.<br /><br />A sweet little JohnnyRude 3 to 6hp outboard and a 3 gallon tank (or a gallon jug if it has an integral tank) are a lot less trouble than an electric troller plus big enough battery for an all-day trip plus charger. The 8 to 12 hour recharge time on the deep cycle battery can also be a pain in the butt.<br /><br />I had a similar situation many years ago with a SportYak II. Tried both and found my little Johnny 3 with integral tank a far superior arrangement for all-day trips. . . and ready to go at a minute's notice. Extensive trolling plus relocating never used a whole gallon of premix.<br /><br />Of course, there are lakes where gas power is banned.<br /><br />If you do go with an electric don't scrimp. The more sophisticated motors with pulse width modulated speed control use far less energy than the cheapies, even at full speed. Use only deep cycle batteries (I recommend that you get 2) with double the capacity you think you need, and an automatic charger designed for deep cycle, automatic charging.<br /><br />I will move this to Electronics and Trolling Motors where it will get more suitable answers.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Minnkota Question

I've used both the 28lb thrust Minnkota and the Evinrude 4 hp. The gas engine is far superior, especially in windy conditions. The electric motor can last easily a day with the proper large deep cycle battery on lower power settings. However, if you run the electric full out all the time, you will be out of juice in roughly 2 hours...and you do need to run the electric on high in rough, windy conditions.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Minnkota Question

I like the trolling motors for a lake that size because they're quiet and smoke free. I don't think you can get a minn kota pulse modulated model under 55# though. They used to have a 42# model but discontinued it . They do however make a very nice 30# endura with a 30" shaft. It's got all the nice features like unbreakable shaft, large efficient motor windings. Will run about 3 to 3.5 hours wide open on a group 27 batt. Wind should not be an issue too often on a 1 sq. mile lake. Good luck.

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Minnkota Question

It would be more of a hassel to lug the motor and batterys then it would be to simply buy a 2-3 hp outboard engine and a gallon of gas, much easier and you will have plenty of power for sure, just my thoughts.<br /><br />The battery (s) alone will weigh more than a 2 hp outboard by the way