Recommend me a Transom Mount Trolling Motor

[FastVette]

I REALLY want to purchase a boat.  My wife isn't having it (yet) and I'm knee deep in some costly upgrades to my fast toy.  But........two places I'm likely to fish the most have john boat rentals and will allow a personally owned electric motor to be put on them at rental.  Figure it's a good compromise.  

I have a gander mountain local to me and I'm looking at this particular minn kota model, the endura max 55 model (advice I've seen was to get the most thrust you can afford, and getting a 55 isn't a problem for me).  http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Minn-Kota-Endura-Max-55-Freshwater-Transom-Mount-Trolling-Motor-42-Shaft&i=716255&r=view&from=grid

Thoughts, suggestions?  

[Allen Der]

that's a solid choice without spending big bucks on a traxxis or the electric outboards.  heck, we used to do just fine with a 30lb minn kota as primary propulsion

[Evan K]

I spent the extra money and got a Traxxis. I think if I was buying again I'd still get it. The rotate and horizontal stow feature is very useful to me with a small boat and frequently pulling up to shore in small ponds.

[gim]

My folks have a Vantage mounted on the stern of their deep V tournament boat that works well when the wind isn't blowing real hard.  When its rough and windy, it doesn't have enough power though.  I should mention that they primarily use it to back troll and not as forward moving propulsion.

[Basspro3106]

55lbs will get you to the moon! In a 12-14ft boat. I'm fat as hell and I would fly in a 12ft Jon with a 38lbs trolling motor with two people! 

[Fishes in trees]

A cautionary tale.   Don't depend on the trolling motor - have an alternative source of power.   The few places I fish where there are rental boats, the oars that they lend you are of modest quality at best.  Buy your own set of oars.   7' oars work - 7 1/2' are better, 8' are better yet.

It might seem like an unnecessary expense but the first time that you shear a pin on your trolling motor and you're half a mile or more from where you put in, a quality set of oars is a good thing.    Turns a genuine hassle into a nuisance.

[Evan K]

Good idea- I always keep an oar in my boat just in case.

[Wayne P.]

On ‎6‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 7:42 PM, FastVette said:

I REALLY want to purchase a boat.  My wife isn't having it (yet) and I'm knee deep in some costly upgrades to my fast toy.  But........two places I'm likely to fish the most have john boat rentals and will allow a personally owned electric motor to be put on them at rental.  Figure it's a good compromise.  

I have a gander mountain local to me and I'm looking at this particular minn kota model, the endura max 55 model (advice I've seen was to get the most thrust you can afford, and getting a 55 isn't a problem for me).  http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Minn-Kota-Endura-Max-55-Freshwater-Transom-Mount-Trolling-Motor-42-Shaft&i=716255&r=view&from=grid

Thoughts, suggestions?  

Good choice, the variable speed circuitry will give you more run time than the 5 speed models.

Next choice is a deep cycle battery that will handle the run time you need so you won't need paddles if the battery dies.

 

[FastVette]

That was going to be my next question, a good deep cycle.  What type of CCA should I look for, if any?  I am NOT doing an optima, I've lost faith in them over the past few years.

 

[BassOnKlinger]

On 6/12/2016 at 8:13 PM, FastVette said:

That was going to be my next question, a good deep cycle.  What type of CCA should I look for, if any?  I am NOT doing an optima, I've lost faith in them over the past few years.

 

Looking for an answer to this as well.  

Outboard on the jon boat took a crap and I'm over the hassle of lifting it on and off each trip. Would much rather use a trolling motor eventhough it may cut my fishing area in half. Going with the Minn Kota 55 like you said. Just need a battery now. 

[jerzeeD]

Along with the oars, I reccomend carrying common replacement parts on the boat. I always have shear pins, an extra prop, and extra speed control switch with me. It is easier to swap out easy stuff on the water than it is to row.

Check out the group 29 interstates. Plenty of reserve capacity. I run a 55 traxxis along with a fishfinder off of mine with no issues at all. I have enough juice to be out for 6-8 hours as long as I am not continually trolling.