Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

[sousaf21]

Hey guys,
I wasnt sure where to post this so I apologize if it was not in the right area. Anyways, I have a 19 ft Slyvan ALuminum v-hull with a 90 hp merc. I am looking for a bow mount trolling motor. I am debating between the Powerdrive v2 and the Maxuum. I like the idea of the co pilot with the powerdive, but I've heard the Maxuum steering is more fluid. Also I was wondering if you think 70lbs thrust will do? I know there are a ton of variables, but just in general. All advice is appreciated. I am going to buy one or the other in the next couple days.
Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

Moving to the Electrical, Electronics, Audio and Trolling Motors forum.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

The power you need is determined by the type of fishing you do. If you are constantly fighting wind and/or currents, then more is better. But "generally" on that size boat 70# would be fine. As for the V2 - Maxuum that is going to be a very personal decision.

 

[sousaf21]

Re: Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

I guess I was more hoping for testimonials/ reviews comparing the v2 and the maxxum. Does the electrical steering of the v2 have much of a lag or is it pretty responsive?
thanks

 

[sutor623]

Re: Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

I guess I was more hoping for testimonials/ reviews comparing the v2 and the maxxum. Does the electrical steering of the v2 have much of a lag or is it pretty responsive?
thanks

I am in the market for an Ipilot. You should check them out. Minnkota makes it and you can set a GPS course. The motor will automatically follow it. Now I can spend time untangling my wifes line and actually fishing. : )

 

[bassman284]

Re: Which MinnKota Trolling Motor

I've had both on my boat, a 17 ft Lund Explorer.

I originally bought my boat with the Maxxum 47 lb because the cable steer is a little quicker. You can go from straight forward to straight reverse as fast as you can push your foot down. The V2 will take about 2 seconds to accomplish that. Generally doesn't matter that much, although you might occasionally want to stop your forward progress a little quicker to avoid running into something.

I used the Maxxum for 7 years and was generally pretty satisfied with it except for one thing. I'm 6'5" with size 14 feet and the space around the front casting seat (where I spend most of my time) is a bit limited. The position I had to be in to operate the rocker pedal was doing a number on my back, and I felt the flatter pedal on the Powerdrive would be better. Confirmed this with a friend's boat.

I got a 55lb PD V2 with Copilot in summer 2008. I decided I really didn't have much use for autopilot and ipilot (if it was even available then). Turns out, I really don't use the Copilot very much either, mostly just for making longer full speed runs between spots. Very nice for that. I would need a 3rd hand to use it while casting for bass, which is what I do most.

Biggest differences I see is that the Maxxum was noticeably faster at full speed, for whatever reason, and the Powerdrive foot pedal is a lot more delicate than the cable steer. I had to replace the original in less than a year. Getting ready to start the 3rd year on the replacement, so we'll see how that goes. What I've been doing to preserve it is make sure it doesn't get really wet (like sitting out in the rain) and DO NOT use your foot to adjust the speed control. That's the part that went bad on the original.