Trolling motor help

[Micropterus salmoides]

I know most of you guys run big boats n lake fish, often most I read and see foot controlled TMs, but I'm setting up a 12' weld craft for fishing my river. Tiller that'll be mounted port side close to the bow. A lot of the old timers fish this way here. I've done it the same with my bass hunter in the past but my new to me boat is much heavier and is rated commercial. I'll be putting a 15 or 20 hp on the back.
Question being, for those that have used one or the other, or hopefully both, the minn kota endura c2 vs max...... Is there that much diff performance wise to justify the huge price diff? I don't mind paying but not for nonsense. While the variable speed control with the max sounds nice it's not necessary for me but the idea of longer run time would be worth it.
Any help or opinions would be appreciated.

Adam

[Pastor]

Sorry! Never run a Minn Kota. Always been a Motorguide man. But good luck with the setup. Sounds like a nice boat for fishing. I liked my side-mounted trolling motor I had one time on 14 ft johnboat.

[Pastor]

Sorry, I can't help. Never owned a Minn Kota. Always been a Motorguide man. I did have a hand controlled Motorguide mounted to the side of a 14 ft. Johnboat one time and loved it.

[RichWentFishing504]

If you want longer run time get a bigger battery or get two and hook them in series.

For the purposes you described I wouldn't bother with the variable.

[Clayroot2]

I had the same size boat w/15 tiller to fish oxbows. I had a 30# 5 speed Minn Kota hand control that was more than enough to do the job. I made a bracket w/2X6 to mount it to. a 115 AMP hr marine battery is plenty to fish all day. Hope this helps.

[Barneyrb]

If you want longer run time get a bigger battery or get two and hook them in series.

For the purposes you described I wouldn't bother with the variable.

No sir, if you hook them in series you would get 24v, parallel will give you 12v.

I've had far more trouble from Motorguide units than MinnKota FWIW

[Bayoucrappie]

I use a 14 foot flat with a hand tiller 45# mini kota edge. I use a dual purpose battery from Academy. It can drag that little boat around all day and still have enough juice to crank my 25 horse Evinrude…These batteries last for several years…Set yours up to suit you. Battery life and power on these small boats is not really a problem.

[fishervet]

Have had both tiller and foot control. Would prefer the foot now with the pedal nailed down in one spot. I know nothing bout batteries.

[PawPaw Gene]

Adam, I agree that you don't need the variable one for your type of fishing.
"gene"

[Cray]

Hand control Minnkota. I ran a 32 for a long time on a 16 Alumacraft bass, then went to a 36. Ran only one group 31 and bass fished all day with either one in strong winds and not run out of power. Your newer ones even in the 5 speed are much more efficient. For your boat unless you fish strong current I would stay with a lower thrust motor. If your single poling or casting low speed will ease you around without overrunning your spots. Low speed on some of the higher thrust motors is sometimes to high. I would try to borrow a couple of different ones to try if you can before buying. Just my opinion but I would not own another MG.