More Trollin Motor Help
 

Just wondering I've decided to go with Minn Kota over Motor Guide but another question is to choose the 5 speed/3 reverse or the variable speed with digital maximizer anyone have any experience in which one is better ? Trying to move an 18' aluminum boat around in the bay and shallow marshes.

are you trying to figure out what size to get? before you buy post which one you plan to get and I will try to get some prices... I just ordered a new tm and save quite abit

Quit holding out, help us save some money!

I know what size I'm getting it's the 70 lb RipTide but what I'm not sure about is the model with 5 speed/3 rev switch or the model with the variable speed and digital maximizer. Supposedly that variable speed with digital maximizer help battery last 5 times longer on single charge.

I would say Minn Kota Riptide with variable and digital maximizer

Ok that's what I was thinking of going with just didn't know if anyone had any experience with the variable speed or not

Variable speed no doubt....the 5 speed burns switches like no tomorrow

have this problem now with our great white that's like 10 years old now and 5 switches later

I will look and post a few prices and sites.... someone else may know a better place but I just saved a good bit on my new one

Variable is the only way to go

DO NOT GET THE 70 SC Riptide. The brush plate is plastic and will melt due to the high friction. This will cause the diodes to wear down and IT SUCKS! I had a 70 and changed the brush plates and diodes 4 times. I then sent the motor back to Minn Kota. The were awesome. I was just asking them to credit me on the motor so I could but a different one. The guy said, Oh no we got this, The y sent me a brand new 80 variable speed. I would go with the 80 variable. The brush plates are made of brass. If they change the brush plates on the 70 to brass then I would buy it. Good Luck!!!

Sounds pretty good I think the new trolling motor is coming before the new truck

Minnkota Riptide SM Trolling Motor 70 Lb. Thrust 52"
$609.00 - Performance Marine Online Store..... If you want the 70lb but since you will be running 24V system why not buy the 80lb.... its not a whole lot more money.

Minn Kota RipTide SM RT80/SM/L-D Bow-Mount Trolling Motor - 24v-80lb-52"
$839.96 - BoatFix.com..... another thing to think about is if you fish ruff water a longer shaft will help keep motor in water and not put handle so low.

Yeah well right now I have a 40 lb great white only a 36" shaft that's roughly 10 years old so anything new in thrust and shaft length will be a huge improvement for our boat. I've been looking at the Minn Kota SE version with the 70 lbs thrust but that 80 lbs would be nice fishing in the bay thanks Weed for that site seems like they have some good deals on those motors

no problem, like I said since you will have to run 24v system with the 70lb you just as well go with 80lb and also buy you the Minn Kota twist lock plug for connection between TM and boat.

Yeah I found an 80 lbs Riptide SM for $790 and think can pick up that twist lock at academy cuz we have the three prong connecter right now just would need the connection from the trolling motor to plug in

Any kind of "Plug-in" connector is just another place to cause probems later.

Just "Hard wire" the Trolling motor and you will have less problems.

Well my batteries are under the back deck of my boat and already have an existing plug and everything is sautered together and shrink wrapped and electrical taped to make sure but how do you go about "hard wiring" this set up ?

If you plan on leaving the t/m on the boat when stored then hard wire it. I soldered mine but you could use butt splices, fill them with dielectric grease, put shrink wrap over wire, crimps with splice, heat shrink wrap over splice, for added protection go over with liquid electrical tape. All my trailer splices are done like that and never had an issue with any of them.