Life Span of a Trolling Motor

[fishfordollars]

I have broken the last foot cable on any TM. I run a Rip Tide straight 24V hand operated on the bow of my boat with a big foot button. Stops all problems.

[Micro]

The Power Drive is awesome with either the remote or corded-remote hand controller.  You have way more versatility than with a manual foot-steered model.  Yes, it steers slower, but you don't have to steer as quickly because you can have better and much more constant control of the motor.  

My PD came with a foot controller, and I've never used it.  The corded-hand controller is much better.  

[The Next KVD]

The only use a Powerdrive or simular trolling motor is good for is for walleye fisherman who use it to save gas.  When I bought my Nitro the previous owner had a Powerdrive on it and I imediatly replaced it with an All Terrian cable trolling motor.  I've recently replaced the 55lb All Terrian with an 70lb Edge and have no regrets.  I'm having trouble selling the Powerdrive because nobody wants it.  So unless your a walleye fisherman get a cable steer trolling motor.  Another thing to consider is that it takes alot more time and effort to get the Powerdrive out of the water.

[Micro]

The only use a Powerdrive or simular trolling motor is good for is for walleye fisherman who use it to save gas. When I bought my Nitro the previous owner had a Powerdrive on it and I imediatly replaced it with an All Terrian cable trolling motor. I've recently replaced the 55lb All Terrian with an 70lb Edge and have no regrets. I'm having trouble selling the Powerdrive because nobody wants it. So unless your a walleye fisherman get a cable steer trolling motor. Another thing to consider is that it takes alot more time and effort to get the Powerdrive out of the water.

Nonsense.  The PD has many advantages over a cable controlled motor.  I've listed some above.  

The simply fact is, it comes down to personal preference.  But saying the PD is not fit a bass boat is inane.

[fourbizz]

neither the powerdrive, nor MG's remote steer are suitable on a bass boat.

[Micro]

I'm sure a lot of people who have them on their bass boats will go ahead and remove them, as soon as they see this thread.   :

[Guest muddy]

"I currently have cable steer, but as soon as I take my foot of the pedal I'm doing circles."

How does that happen? Are you running that thing in some kind of constant on?

I only take my foot off the pedal to get another rod or change a bait. I do move it on and off the power switch but not off the foot control pedal. That way I am always in control of the boat with a 1-2" movement of my guiding foot.

OH OH I THINK HE CAME PON MY TROLLING MOTOR TUTORIAL

[bassboy1]

I'm sure a lot of people who have them on their bass boats will go ahead and remove them, as soon as they see this thread.   :

I just wish I had listened to threads like this, before I bought mine.  Now, I have something that I haven't put more than about 8 hours of use on, that I can't sell for jack diddley squat.  I will probably get more by waiting until spring, but I need the money now. >

[James Heddon]

I own four trolling motors. Two MinnKota, One Shakespeare, One Motorguide.  They are:

1. Transom Mounted

2. Yard Sale Purchases

3. Old

4. Working Perfectly

Any prop I ever replaced (2) came from www.youngprops.com

[cart7t]

Time for another strike like on the powerdrive.  Cart tried to talk me out of it when I first bought it, but I didn't listen.  The main reason was, and the only reason I looked at it was, because I needed the small mount, and would later need the 18 foot cord, on a boat we were restoring.  Well, my needs have changed, and since I now have other options open, it makes me realize it could be better.  When I first started, I didn't have any other options, so I could suck it up and live with it.  

It steers way to slow.  The foot pedal is designed ALL WRONG.  Not made to be practical on a foot, and the speed control is impossible to work, if the pedal isn't bolted down.  The momentary on is nice though.  The deploy method leaves a lot to be desired as well.  

Cart mentioned that it might be nice in elec only.  When I started fishing those lakes, was when I decided I hated it.  A bow mount, on a jon, without an outboard skeg as a rudder, going long distances is going to drift side to side.  The stern will just start turning a little bit, using the TM as a turning point.  You have to remain in constant control, and start to fix it before it gets out of control.  You can't do that in a powerdrive.  It is to unresponsive, and jerky.  

The only way I can see it used, is for slow trolling, with a big boat, that is going to "drift" for no real reason.  Other than that, it isn't really a bass fishing trolling motor.  

But, on a plus side, everything functions properly, and it is 5 1/2 years old.  Great quality in terms of workmanship, but just a bad design.

I am trying to get rid of it, in favor of an Edge, or All Terrain, on my smaller boat, and a Maxxum on my larger one.

In terms of how long does the average TM last, I just picked up a 1988 Evinrude 43 pound 12/24v hand control to keep as a spare.  It shows plenty of signs of use, but still works.  And, I got it for $13.75.

Don't get me wrong.  I think the power drive trolling motor is a good idea but the end result needs many more changes before it would ever be taken seriously as a bass fishing trolling motor.

1. Head turning speed needs to be increased substantially and it shouldn't be effected significantly if the motor is on high speed or not (currently, the higher speed the TM is running on the slower the head turns.)

2. A reliable, easy stow and deploy system. Currently, having to bend over, unlatch that thing, slide it thru the power head while tilting down is cumbersome.  

The MK Genesis motor with the automatic stow and deploy was a great idea but apparently was full of gremlins.  To think about shutting off the big motor, hitting a button on the dash and the TM in the water, ready to go when I got up to the front deck is a dream.  I'm sure we'll see something again that works right next time.

3. The flat foot pedal was great on the back but got fouled up easily with the weather and dust and grit.  The long cable was also nice.  I could easily forsee a voice operated trolling motor in the future.

4. The power drive design itself has a real major flaw.  Where do you route your transducer cable for your TM mounted graph?  Due to the shaft having to slide through the head unit you can't wire tie the cable onto the TM shaft.  You could purchase a internal transducer model but then you're stuck with that brand graph for the life of you owning the TM.

It's a good idea in theory and has some real applications in fishing right now but not a TM I would ever recommend for anyone that bass fishes.

[Matt Fly]

I'm in this dilemia right now also.     Looking to upgrade and was thinking about a remote unit.

 I have used a bunch of TM's,   don't have nothing bad to say about most TM's.

A lot of good things posted.    Most units have been upgraded, and existing wiring was left in place and in-adequate for new motor.   Thus the heat build ups and melting wires.   Poor maintenance on batteries is also another factor that leads to problems.    Waiting to charge batteries after usage is hard on them, not checking battery fluid leves, not using distilled water as directied, tap water has too many impurities in the water that damage the cells.

Never upgrade the circuit braker with out doing the math first.

I have MG hand controlled unit with 2 zerk stomps on deck.      Looking to upgrade.       I have gotten used to hand control and buttons on deck, I can say that not having foot control has been nice on the fact that the deck looks clean at all times.

If I do get another TM with foot/cable control, I will have boat put in shop and have deck recessed for installation.    I have had BassCats with the ergonomical trolling motors, and also love the way they keep the boat looking neat.

Good thread.

Matt