Input On Upgrading Trolling Motor

[Busy]

I would like some input on upgrading my trolling motor.  I currently have an old shakespeare wondertroll 606.  I have not been able to find out what the thrust is on it.  The thing I like the most about it is that it uses almost NO battery power throughout a whole day, however, it cannot move the 16' aluminum boat I have in any wind and it is mounted at the back of the boat.

 

I have put together some guidelines for what I want but am having a hard time finding motors that meet them.

 

-12V only (its a light boat and I dont want two batteries in it)

-cable steer (i read it uses less power than electric steer)

-variable speed (again to save power since I'll only have one battery)

-bow mount

 

I have found two motors that fit this

1) Minn Kota Maxxum® 55/BG Freshwater - Bow Mount - Trolling Motor - 12V-55lb-42" - ~$670

2) Watersnake Shadow Bow-Mount Trolling Motor, 44-lb. thrust, 42" shaft - ~$400

 

Do you know of any other motors that would suit my needs? The watersnake looks small and would be easier to mount but I'm having a hard time finding reviews on them.  The price is very agreeable.  The Minn Kota is pretty much out of my price range but $400 is still too much to spend on something that won't hold up.

 

I would like to be able to get around 12 hours of run-time before draining the battery.  If this can be achieved without having variable speed I would like to know that.  The battery only powers the sonar screen and the TM (rope-start engine).

 

Here is a picture of the bow on my boat.  I could probably make a mount but let me know if you think it's a lost cause.

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll249/Busy_J/Boat001.jpg

[Jig Man]

Marine Repair Center takes the Bass Pro return motors and repairs them.  BPS then sells them in their outlet store.  You might get a good deal on one of them.

[vikingbear8]

I know this sounds crazy but there is always this Motor Guide that i see at Wal-Mart that i cannot find anywhere online, its 45 or 55 thrust, definitely 12v and meets all your criteria and i think it goes for $375? Anyway might want to check it out and see if yours carries it

[greyleg33]

Minnkota Edge has a 45 lb bow mount for $400. The only thing is it's a 5 speed but that will make very little difference to your battery. And yes, you can rig your boat for a bow mount but it will be a bit of a chore.

[Wayne P.]

  On 5/9/2013 at 11:35 PM, greyleg33 said:

Minnkota Edge has a 45 lb bow mount for $400. The only thing is it's a 5 speed but that will make very little difference to your battery. And yes, you can rig your boat for a bow mount but it will be a bit of a chore.

A select speed motor will not run as long as a variable speed motor at the same # thrust size.

That is the whole point of using a variable speed motor other than more speed settings--more run time.

 

From the Minnkota web site:

 

 

Digital Maximizer (select models)

Digital Maximizer™ controls and optimizes power to extend battery life and reduce damaging heat. You’ll stay on the water up to five times longer on a single charge. Available on select models.

[brady01]

I had a motorguide 54lb on my 17' bass boat and it pulled it very well. Like said above check the one at walmart, probably the same thing i had. Very good tough trolling motor.