Trolling Motor Abnormally Slow?

[jeepcrazy]

Hey guys,

I recently got a new boat and promptly replaced the trolling motor with a MinnKota Powerdrive 55lb thrust motor.  My boat is a 17' Xpress aluminum boat.

My "problem" is how slow my boat is.  I have a GPS and my max speed is 2.5-2.7MPH on the GPS, which seems really, really slow to me.  The rentals on the lake blow by me like I'm sitting still...but I've invested so much money in my boat that bugs me.  

Is 2.5mph abnormally slow for a 55lb motor on a 17 foot boat?  What would make it so slow?  Can I do anything to talk it into picking up the pace?  

Thanks!

-JC

[burleytog]

Check my friend's Tracker Pro 175 (40 lb. MK Edge) last night with my GPS.  1.9 MPH on high.

The speeds you list seem about right to me.

[SteveFinMD]

I agree w Burley.  Just to be sure you could pull your prop and make sure there is no fishing line wrapped up around shaft.  Also, those rentals are probably a whole lot lighter than your bass boat.  I have a 17' Tracker w a 55# on the front and another transom mount 55# on the back.  Two motors help a lot.  Good luck.

[cart7t]

Hmm.. I've never taken the time to GPS my TM. I'll have to do that this weekend.  

[Jig Man]

I have an 82# tmotor and barely go 3mph.  Are you having trolling motor races?

[jeepcrazy]

No but that sounds like a great idea for the next BassResource.com get-together.  

I guess that's about as good as I can hope for...just thought I might be poking for no good reason.  I bet if I lose 100lbs I'd go faster....

<think the wife would be mad when I threw her overboard?>

hahahahahaha

[Gotta Love It]

No but that sounds like a great idea for the next BassResource.com get-together.

I see it now!!!  Jonboats rigged with five 110lbs of thrust trolling motors racing for the BR cup!!!   ;D