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Both these terms / features simply mean that you're getting a variable speed motor that has been engineered to run as long as possible on a single charge. These technologies are built-in to EVERY variable speed motor from Minn Kota and MotorGuide. So if you're buying a variable speed Minn Kota motor, it's guaranteed to have Digital Maximizer technology. more
Universal Sonar 2 (US2) is the transducer built-in to the bottom of Minn Kota trolling motors and is a must-have feature for anyone serious about seeing what's going on below. Compatible with all major fishfinder brands, US2 features a transducer built-in to the underside of the motor, eliminating unsightly and troublesome wires.
Now standard accessory with all i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link motors, Minn Kota's Heading Sensor is a bluetooth enabled digital compass that allows your boat position to be factored into motor operation. This in turn enables the "jog" feature that allows your motor to move your boat five feet at a time in any direction from your spot lock position. here
As discussed above, variable speed motors are more efficient - and can run longer on a charge - than fixed speed motors. Both Minn Kota and MotorGuide add technology to their variable speed motors to help them run as long as possible. Minn Kota calls their technology 'Digital Maximizer' while MotorGuide simply refers to their variable speed motors as 'digital motors'. more
I have read a LOT of terrible reviews of Motorguide VariMax motors having "fried boards" (assumming the PWM controller in it is going shot). [links]
I know I'd get better battery life from the variable speed, and better speed control, but again I'm most concerned with durability. I take my 4 year old son fishing and the trolling motor is our "whoops the outboard just quit" back up plan. I can't afford to get him out for a summer morning fishing only to get stuck in the heat on a dropping tide. here
I am also looking mostly at saltwater models, although I know freshwater models will work fine if I put a zinc anode on it and wash it well after each trip. The 50lb 5-speed Minn Kota Riptide is $320 shipped from Amazon, but the 55lb variable speed is $500+ shipped. [links]
I am not overly concerned about battery life, but I am most concerned with reliability. I can always toss another battery in the boat if I really need. [links]
How do you mount a trolling motor on transom?
For example, if your boat weighs 4000 lbs, fully loaded, then you want 4000/100 * 2 lbs = 80 lbs of thrust for your trolling motor. [links]
WHAT WE LIKE more
We love most of the Riptide range, and this is Minn Kota’s best model designed to be mounted on your boat’s transom. more
True, it doesn’t quite have the same brand power as Minn Kota or MotorGuide, but it delivers performance and features.
My advice is to get the most powerful motor you can. For a large boat, you will be much better off with a 100+ lb trolling motor that runs at 36V. [links]
Why buy from Bass Pro or Cabelas when you can buy from these guys? From start to finish this was one of the best, if not the best, online shopping experiences I’ve ever had. The owner answered all my questions, the prices were great, and the motor arrived in two days. Don’t buy anywhere else. [links]
Tell us about your boat and we'll filter the results to motors with ideal thrust.
Jason in Lake Charles, TX
Phil in Arcadia, FL here
i-Pilot is like magic. Like a magician in a black cape standing next to me in my boat sprinkling pixie dust and saying, “Abracadabra! More fish!” Thanks TrollingMotors.net for making this magical purchase so easy and fun. You guys are the best.
"The personal service provided was fantastic. They responded very quickly to my emails and phone calls. The order was delivered faster than expected. I will definitely (and already have) told others that this is the only place to go for trolling motors.”