I get the urge to replace my 25+ yr old 36# minn kota every now and then,

got it cheap at Costco, and have had it on several jonboats, and now a Gheenoe,

I'm on my 3rd Deep cycle, the original Delco I bought with the motor lasted 15yrs,

granted, light duty, I was fishing several times a month, now , maybe several times a year,


be sure to grab some of the pins for the prop, they tend to shear when you are on the water,,,
and are easy to replace

Minn-Kota & Motorguide are both good & simple to work on, so they last forever with a little maintenance.

I will always recommend the same guidance we give to those choosing a gun safe.

Get MORE trolling motor than you think you'll need!

You'll appreciate it when the wind kicks up unexpectedly. Especially if it's your only means of propulsion.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: vinnybass,

I have a MotorGuide Tour Edition on my bass boat and have had no issues at all. I have been tournament fishing since 1983 and have had MG on all my boats. As far as batteries I have used AC Delco, Deka and a few others but I will tell you deep cycle is a must for a trolling motor. TM's and batteries are like car makes everyone will have their own preference.

i picked up the minn kota and I was able to buy a marine battery, thx fellas..now on to patch oles in my boats hull lol

quote:

Originally posted by Mcloud:
Your boat will not handle well without an outboard to act as a rudder. It will be like driving an unloaded 2wd pickup on ice.

This caught my attention as I have a light weight rudder on a hinge mounted to the back of my 8' pond boat. The trolling motor is up front.

I see that clamp on rudders are available - seems like this would be helpful:

I started with a Motorguide (over 15 years ago) and then have had two MinnKotas - the latest is a new model (bluetooth) terrova. Wired foot control as well as a hand held remote.

With the weight of that boat you'll be better served by a 24 volt motor - 80lbs of thrust (12v usually max out at 55lbs) and battery life will be greatly improved. Deep cycle batteries are a must - their capacity is much greater than an automotive starting battery (which is designed for short burst at a high discharge). Look for group 29s at least - group 31 will have slightly more capacity. Common brand group 31 lead acid deep cycle batteries will run around $100 each (everstart maxx from walmart are a decent deal).

If this will be your primary propulsion I would look to over sizing it - even on a small lake. Running from from one end of a 100 acre lake to the other at 75% - 100% speed will quickly drain the batteries. A strong wind comes up and you could quickly be in trouble.

If you only plan to fish for a couple hours at a time you could probably get by with a smaller 12v trolling motor, but performance will suffer and shaft length *may* be too short depending on how far the bow sticks out of the water.

A used 24v trolling motor will likely run at least $800 - you may occasionally find one for $600 if you're willing to wait.

I lucked out. I got an Old Town 16’ canoe square stern for $134 at Academy last fall! Traded a buddy a cheap optic and off brand auto knife for a couple things to include a barely used Minn Kota 36lb thrust trolling motor.

I just bought at battery, 24 series, on sale at Rural King. Plan to put her in the water tomorrow with the motor. I have oars so the motor wasn’t necessary but I’m hoping I’ll be happy with it.