MK Pro Series 46 vs MK Maxxum 54 w/ 52" shaft variable speed

[BassChump]

 I have recently been fishing Lake Powell a LOT. I have a 1995 Spectrum 17' Pro walleye boat. It's aluminum dual console with a 90 on the back. The trolley that is on there is the MK Pro Series 46 but I also have an MK Maxxum 54 collecting dust in the garage. It's the longer shaft (52 inches) with the variable speed.

 I'm just wondering what your thoughts are between the two? Is the Maxxum better than the Pro Series and if so, why.

 I'm contemplating swapping for the Maxxum because it has more power but I rarely use the one that's on there at full power. What, if any benifit would there be with the Maxxum over the Pro?

[kjfishman]

I would run the Maxxum  54. It has more thrust and variable speed is another plus. You will see longer run time with the Maxxum.

[Team9nine]

Another vote for the Maxxum. Longer shaft is usually a big plus on walleye type boats, plus better battery life with the variable speed, along with infinite speed settings and higher thrust (nice to have when you do finally have to use it).

[Bluebasser86]

I'll never buy another 5 speed trolling motor again. I'd go with the Maxxum if it was the same thrust just to have the variable speed.

[BassChump]

Maxxum it is then. I'll install it next weekend. Thanks for your opinions.

 I'm curious though. How would I get more run time from a more powerful trolley?

[moguy1973]

16 minutes ago, BassChump said:

Maxxum it is then. I'll install it next weekend. Thanks for your opinions.

 I'm curious though. How would I get more run time from a more powerful trolley?

The Maxxum has a Digital Maximizer feature that provides longer run times since you can dial in the precise speed you want instead of being stuck with just 5 preset speeds.

[Team9nine]

Maxxum utilizes ‘pulse width modulation’ to extend run time and battery life if you want to look it up.

[BassChump]

Thank you so much. I never installed this because I though it would limit my run time. Apparently I should have done this year's ago.

[Johnbt]

I have a Maxxum 70. If I run it wide open it will eat the batteries just as fast as a 5-speed 70# motor run wide open. The advantage is gained when you run it at less than full speed - which is most of the time. When run at less than full speed it's powered by pulses of electricity instead of being constantly on. 

[gim]

I also have a Maxxum 70 pound thrust on my boat. I don’t use a lot of thrust because I mostly fish small to medium sized lakes and try to avoid days with a lot of wind. I’ve had it for 5 years now and it has performed as it should every time.

 

I don’t know what kind of pedal the pro series 46 has but the maxxum has a big cable drive foot pedal. Mine is in a recessed tray but if it wasn’t it would be annoying sitting up that high.