Thread: Trolling motor thrust vs boat size

With variable speed, you can never have too much trolling motor. It's like having the biggest outboard your boat can handle. You can always slow down but you can only go so fast. I upgraded from a 12v 55# Minnkota Edge to a 24v 70# Minnkota Maxxum with variable speed and there is no comparison! I have the extra power when needed, my batteries aren't completely dead after fishing all day and the variable speed let's me fine tune how much thrust I need.

Thank you all for the replies. I will keep saving $$$ and go for a 24 volt.

I have a Sea Nymph 15' aluminum bass style boat. Had a 55# MK with two 12v paralell. Moved the boat decent @2.5 MPH.

Recently swithed to a MK Maxxum 24v 70#. Boat now goes 3.2 MPH.

RUN NEW 8 GAUGE WIRE. Huge difference than the factory crap in there.

I have three deep cycle batteries. Two for TM and one for starting motor, sonar, and other accesories

I have the Maxxum two years now and no prob at all. Very happy with it and the simple cable steering. Had a Power Drive and that electric steering was crap. Especially turning in thick weeds.

FWIW, your highest amperage draw (largest gauge wire needed) will be with a 55# 12V at full speed. When you step up to 24V, the amp draw drops down considerably. Sounds counterintuitive, but that's the way it works. If you go with a 24-70, you can get by with smaller wiring.