Minn Kota PD55 issues---opinions sought

[M R Dux]

I recently started pulling Bandits with my MK PD55 trolling motor. The first day or 2 out I was able to get good speed (1.5-1.8 mph) without having to run the motor wide open. I did have it kick out my 40 amp circuit breaker a couple of times after long runs on continuous speed. I replaced the 40 amp breaker with a 50 amp and it seems something happened. Sunday I couldn't keep my 1.7 mph speed even going with a slight wind. I felt I might have a battery issue even though they were fresh charged full (2 brand new Interstate series 27 deep cycles wired in parallel) so I moved the batteries up to the front of the boat and replaced all wiring from the batteries to the TM plug. Today I couldn't keep any kind of constant speed and the autopilot was acting funny. The speed would fall off then the auto pilot would start the motor head swinging back and forth up to 90 degrees each way. Finally, before I could get it shut off, the motor head did 2 complete revolutions to the left and broke my transducer wire. I just shut it off and used the big motor for the rest of the afternoon. It appears that the co-pilot is still working and the motor will respond to commands from it. Any ideas before I head to the service shop or get on my knees to beg my wife for a new , larger motor?

[Crappie Reaper]

I've had the same issues with my 55. Seems it one of those that Minn Kota will not discuss as I've sent two emails back in early March and have never heard back. I don't have time to call during the day. It's a known problem, but Minn Kota has never had a fix for it. I did speak with them over a year ago about the auto pilot and was told it was from low battery. NOT

[M R Dux]

I guess the old saying "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission" would apply here. I ended up beating a path to Grizzly Jig this afternoon and left with a new Terrova 80/I-Pilot/US2. I'll probably try to fix my PD55 and sell it later.

[skeetbum]

Hope the bruises heal fast, have fun with the new motor. It's a nice one.

[gabowman]

Sounds like you were a little under powered. I think you'll find that out with this new motor. Congrats on the new toy. Just wear a football helmet around the house for the next few days.Rofl

[kschupp]

Do you have a PDV2 55 with I-Pilot? I've been having alot of the same issues with mine.

[BIGBADDAD]

Hey, Dux wears the pants in his family.....with his wife's permission of course!

[M R Dux]

Do you have a PDV2 55 with I-Pilot? I've been having alot of the same issues with mine.

Mine has co-pilot and auto-pilot but no I-pilot.

[wilbur]

I have a 55PDV2 with I PILOT and I can troll 6 hrs. min. at 1.5mph with two group 27s in parallel.

[ready2fish]

no problem here with my 3yr old pd55 I pilot and i troll all the time