Reconditioned trolling motors

[Bdnoble84]

I’m in the market for a 500$ or less bow mount trolling motor to put on my little 14ft alumicraft v-bottom (expecting bOat weight to be under 1000 lbs after mods if not considerably less) i am looking to get as much bang for my buck since i’m going to be building on a deck as well and adding a decent si or di depth finder. I’ll be using it primarily in a medium size river with moderate to heavy current. Im thinking i need atleast 55lbs thrust for holding in the current and am not opposed to stepping up to 70lb/24v if budget allows. I’m also thinking i want something digital due to better battery consumption and ability to control speed? 

Are reconditioned motors really as good of a deal as they appear? Also, am i overthinking this and could i get away with 45lb thrust in moderate to fast current? 

I am not brand consious, seems like mk and mg both have quality units.

Im new to bow mount motors, i ve had my 50lb transom minn kota for 12 yrs. so im really green on some of this.

[Fishing Rhino]

Whatever way you go, I'd recommend you get a digital unit.  Your battery(ies) will thank you. 

[Bdnoble84]

16 minutes ago, Fishing Rhino said:

Whatever way you go, I'd recommend you get a digital unit.  Your battery(ies) will thank you. 

As i said im green when it comes to tm tech. Do the digital motors give you more control over speed?

[Scott F]

In a river with current, a 12 volt 45/55 lb thrust, will not be enough. On lakes, it would be fine but in current, step up to the 70/80 lb, 24 volt motor. Increase your budget if you have to. It would be cheaper to buy the bigger motor now than getting the smaller one, finding out it’s too small, then having to upgrade.  Also, if you are modifying the boat, make sure to set it up with room for two batteries now so you won’t have to change it later.

[Fishing Rhino]

8 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

As i said im green when it comes to tm tech. Do the digital motors give you more control over speed?

Yes, you get infinitely variable speed control.  And, if I understand it correctly the digital unit controls speed by controlling the"pulses" of electricity where the non digital units use a rheostat to control speed.  The rheostat resists the flow of electric current, and in the process some of the current is wasted.

[PECo]

I once bought a factory-reconditioned Minn Kota trolling motor from Cabela’s. I had no issues with it and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another.

[Jig Man]

I don't know what all companies do but Bass Pro sends their trolling motor returns to a couple of guys that I know.  They are the best in the business around here.  They go through them and fix any thing wrong.  Then Bass Pro sends the to the Catalog Outlet store for resale.  One of my fishing partners has been using one for several years.

[Goldstar225]

21 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

As i said im green when it comes to tm tech. Do the digital motors give you more control over speed?

Yes, they do.  I always wondered why a TM wasn't built with a rheostat type control.  With the standard 1-5 settings I could never find the "right" speed.  With the digital controls it's infinitely variable.  Worth it for that alone with the power conservation being icing on the cake.

[looking45]

Minn Kota refurbs are just as good as a new unit. Sometimes there's nothing wrong with them, maybe they were used as a demo at a sports show. You get the same warranty as a new unit. If you placed a refurb next to a new one, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The only sure way you can tell a refurb is by the serial number. Sometimes it takes a while to get a refurb as the popular models get taken real fast. If you have an authorized Minn Kota repairman near you, check with him. He gets a regular list of the refurbs when they become available. Don't hesitate to buy a refurb

[PNW LipRipper]

Try checking out local pawn shops or like others stated out let centers . 24 volt 70lb is the min you would want to have.

[Bdnoble84]

Thanks for all the advice. I clamped my 50lb transom mount on the bow and worked in some moderately strong current. Definitely see what you guys are saying bout going bigger. I was constantly on 3 just to make headway into the current. 4 got me moving good. Struggled with control. Spent about 2hrs slipping the current seam casting for smallies then running back up to the island point. Only used 20% of the battery. Expected it to be more. As i said the current was only moderately strong in that area. Having said that my buddy wants to sell me an mg 55 for 100$. I have to see if the shaft is too long though as it came off a 16ft smokercraft. I’m probably going to go for it and live with the lack of performance for now. Hoping to upgrade boats in next year or 2.