minn kota for Tracker

[Deerkiller]

I have a 91 V17 tracker i want to get a foot controlled bow mount trolling motor for.  I have been looking at the Powerdrive V2 55lb.  I saw on the Minn Kota website that it has "electric steering", how is the speed when it comes to turning on these models?  Also do you think 55lb will be enough thrust for this boat?  I will be fising the columbia river so i am thinking i may need to go with a 24V but i dont know im new to this?

[TopDog]

If you can afford the a 24V setup (dual batteries, Charger, TM and wiring, I say go for it.

The 55 will work, but like they say............too much is never enough.

[Sam]

I upgraded my Motor Guide to a 24-volt, 67 thrust and my 18.5' Tracker flys over the water.

Go for it.

You will not be disappointed with the extra power and longer battery life.  

[burleytog]

Stay away from the Powerdrive unless you like punishment.

[Deerkiller]

Burley,

what problems have you had with the powerdrive? what model would you suggest then?

[burleytog]

I've never owned a Powerdrive and don't see a need for them on the market.

If you're set on MK, take a look at the Maxxum.

[Wayne P.]

The powerdrive motors are suitable for trolling where quick direction adjustments are not needed, but for precise boat positioning and control in wind or current the cable steer motors are WAY better.

[cart7t]

As a previous owner of a power drive I can list these as the many disadvantages.

1. Despite the maximizer circuitry for the actual TM saving battery voltage, that advantage is lost when you consider the head is also drawing power from the TM battery just to turn it.

2. Number one wouldn't be such a big deal if the head turning speed was sufficient for all the scenario's you will be faced with in a day on the lake but it's not. The speed is too slow. Increase the TM speed and the head turning speed drops proportionally. Not ideal in situations where precise turning is needed in a hurry.

3. Even though the stow and deploy has finally been improved, it still leaves a lot to be desired.

4. Unless you spend the extra money for the built in transducer, running a 'ducer cable on one of these motors is a pain due to the stow and deploy system.

It's a great idea that was never refined for real bass fishing by Minn Kota. It's a good motor for TM only lakes when you need to make a run up the lake and want to fix tackle or rig rods from another part of the boat using either the long cable foot control or the remote control. It's also a useful motor if you do a lot of off shore fishing, trolling or drifting.

It's not a motor I would suggest otherwise.

[bassnleo]

I owned a MK Powerdrive, never again. It didn't last on my boat 2 months and I replaced it. Definately NOT a motor suited for windy conditions, current, constant use.

For bassin, go with a cable steer!

[CFFF 1.5]

I am going to have to disagree with everyone about the powerdrive motors. I just got my new used powerdrive put on my boat today and took it out on the lake and did some fishing with it today. I thought it was great. I even have to navigate a fairly skinny canal lined with lily pads to get to the lake and I found the control was adequate. Yeah a cable drive probably would have been a little easier to control, but for my first time using a powerdrive I found it to be very easy to use. I like not having a cable on the deck to deal. There are no wires to get caught in. The stow and deploy system does kind of suck but I think I'll be able to get used to it. With my motor the longer you hold down to turn in either direction it gets up to like a high speed turn for faster turning. I would defenitely buy another powerdrive unless this one takes a crap on me really fast. I only paid $60 for the motor so I won't be out too much money anyway.

[TommyBass]

I have owned both MG and MK both digital and not.  Cable steer are going to be a little faster turning but not enough to matter for me.  I can't think of a scenario where lightning fast turning is going to help you that much unless your driving a sailboat around.  Digital is easier on your feet, the pedals are about half as thick, although I havnt liked the powerdrive pedals. I dont like the push buttons for turning and they have had problems with the slide speed adjust.  I recently got a new terrova with the traditional rocker foot pedal that is digital and like it alot (also more than half as thick as a cable steer style pedal). Another thing about the digital MKs is that you have almost unlimited degrees of movement (great for reversing).  Cable steers are limited to like 360-400 degrees and your standing like a capt. morgan ballarina to reverse your boat.  Not so on digital.  Prior to the terrova I owned a MG digital steer and it worked amazingly well too.  I would have kept it except for a deer whiped it out of service.  As said, steering was a bit slower but who cares...  if you let it get to that point, the first time is shame on the trolling motor, the second time is shame on you  

Digital also offers much greater advantages with abilities such as remote steering and autopilot.  

You do have more things to go wrong on digital and you'll probably have your lemons, but thats what a warranty is for.  Just my 0.02