Trolling Motor question

I recently replaced my 10+ yr old MG variable speed TM with a MK 5speed. the MK has more speed (.3/.5mph) even thought its rated smaller (3-4lb).
But batteries seem to last a shorter period of time. I read where digital optimizer on MK are supposed to increase Time but they seem to have problems. what about MG variable speed TMs?
I really want to try and learn something not start a "brand war",,,, Please:biggrin

I think I am going to have to buy another TM Or have old MG repaired... so If anyone know of repair shop in Richmond area LMK..

i too replaced my MG FRESHWATER 5spd 71lbs footcontrol with a new MK TERROVA 80lbs motor,four yrs ago.this having been said,the MK last a tremendous amount longer than the MG.the MG was not a digital motor,the MK is.make sure your new motor is digital as MK makes them both ways i think.withmy MG i could run it contuinsualy for abt. 8hrs longline trolling with new grp.31 batteries.with my MK running all day trolling i have never ran them down.the MG is still an excelent motor as i put it back on my boat after i stop trolling for crappie to bass fish,why do this?the electric foot control on the MK sucks for bass fishing

Virginia Trolling Motor Services in Richmond | Virginia Trolling Motor Services (804) 233-6726 & 3502 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Richmond, VA 23234 | <Automotive/Repair & Service/Alternators & Starters> - Yahoo! US Local Call before you go, Josh fishes! :cheers2

this past Saturday I trolled/longlined for about 6 hrs with a 12v 55# Terrova/IP on a Tracker PT175 w/ 60 2smoke. When I got home, I checked the status of the battery before charging, and it was at 75% per the Terrova battery gauge. good maint on the TM battery is the key to getting good service out of the batteries. I had a MG 43# 5 speed before the MK, and could troll 6 hrs as well with no issues. Can't tell you how low the battery was using the MG, but never ran out of juice but one time when I ran the $$$$ out of the TM one day for some reason. Don't know why, just did one day and it did die, but that was the only time. My trolling speeds can vary from .6 up to 1.2mph/gps. Haven't been able to run out of juice on the MK yet, and battery is 2 yrs old I think, three at the most.

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Originally Posted by Redy2Fish

Virginia Trolling Motor Services

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Sad to say, Josh went out of business late last year.

Which model MK did you get? They all don't have the maximizer (like the 5 speed edge).

I let customer reviews scare me... I had read the maximizer has a lot of problems, so bought the edge (5speed) .
My VERY old 76# MG would do 6 hr , but the 70# MK edge is noticeably less.

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Sad to say, Josh went out of business late last year.

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@ Corker. He may be fishing tournaments full time, do you know? This puts me in the same situation as Charlie if I need repairs, so welcome to suggestions.

@Charlie. I replaced an older MG with a MK Edge 45 two years ago. It has been satisfactory, but I don't really like it. The switch button on the foot pedal is much harder to use than the MG and there is not a significant variance in sppeds until you go to high (5). Also, if I run it too long on high the positive cable gets extremely hot and it throws the breaker, then you have to wait for it to cool down a little before re-setting it. Was going to change out the wiring, but, Josh looked at it and tested it, said it was as it should be. I have a 14ft jon boat, so weight, etc. should not be causing this, it is either inherent in the model or I have a WalMart second which is a lemon? I glued a piece of carpet on the switch which makes it about 1/4 inch higher and somewhat easier to control.

This guy (Tom) may be out of your way (in Suffolk) but he does really good work and will go out of his way to help you

Anyone have a MK Maxxum (70#) ? I may go ahead and buy one of these...

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Originally Posted by Redy2Fish

Virginia Trolling Motor Services in Richmond | Virginia Trolling Motor Services (804) 233-6726 & 3502 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Richmond, VA 23234 | <Automotive/Repair & Service/Alternators & Starters> - Yahoo! US Local Call before you go, Josh fishes! :cheers2

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This repair shop has gone out of business.

I have two a 70 and a 101. Absolutely love them both. The 70 is on an 18 1/2 foot glass charger and the 101 is on a 21 foot glass charger. Fished 12 hours plus with both rigs and have never ran the batteries clear dead.

I had the power drive V-2 70lb 24volt with the co-pilot and never had any problems. The 5 speed motor goes too fast for trolling at number 1 speed. If your going to do much trolling I would go to a variable speed motor.

I have the Traxxis 80 24 volt transom mount. Have fished all day with it and have not ran the battery's down yet. Lick Vic said it runs to fast for trolling. I use a 55 for that. The only complaint i have is it is NOISY.

Hey Charlie; I have a Fisher "Grey Thunder" sitting at York River Marine for sale. Right now, they are parting it out for me, the outboard is gone already.
It has a batrely used MK Maxxum 24V without maximizer on it (straight 24V, 5 speed), if you have interest in that. My plan was to strip all of the good stuff off of the hull and sell the hull for scrap aluminum. York River thinks they can sell it the way it is. If you want the trolling motor let me know, I can go back to plan "A", yank the troller for you and part out the rest.

Thanks Don.. I just ordered a MK Maxxum 70 with maximizer. So I will have new MK 5 speed edge 70# for sale.

I think you will be happy with the maxxum

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Originally Posted by Redy2Fish

if I need repairs...welcome to suggestions.

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I mentioned this to a friend and he told me Robbie Patterson operates an authorized repair shop for both Minn Kota and Motorguide. The shop is located beside Sanderson Marine in Chester.

Propeller Dynamics (Robbie Patterson)
13131 Parkers Battery Rd.
Chester,VA 23836
(804) 706-1847

Richard, that's close enough even for me to use if needed. Thanks. I'll do a drive by, maybe visit and assess.

He did a good job repairing an old beat-up and bent prop for me a couple of years ago. TM repair is apparently a more recent venture.