Minn Kota - Endura vs Max

PlayDoh · #1 06-22-2008, 10:27 AM

I'm in the market to get an electric trolling motor, yet I'm really not sure what I really need and want. I noticed the price difference between the Minn Kota Max and the Endura, and I'd imagine theres quite a bit of difference in power.

I currently have a 14' fiberglass boat, but I'm going to get a 16' someday in the next couple of years. So, I'd think it would be better to get a trolling motor thats for a 16' boat.

I've used the 'select a motor' feature at Minn Kota.com, but its hard to use. Its almost always windy where I fish so I'd like to have more power then I need, but I'd think a . I'm not sure I can or would want to spend $500 for one, but the $200-$250 is the most I'd like to spend.

I seen a couple 30 lbs thrust Minn kota's in the paper for $100. I have two batteries from a semi, that I hope to use but they've been on the ground for 4 months. Anyways, I wondered if it would be better to have 2 30 lbs motors, or one 44 lbs? I could fab up something to let you steer both in unison, or attach them to the OB motor so I could steer with the steering wheel.

I'm just looking for some advice from you guys who own them. Anyone use or have used the "engine mount" electric trolling motors?

tonyflyfish · #2 06-22-2008, 11:18 AM

I use the Max 40 lb and really like it. The adj speed vs the 1,2,3 of the Endura is very nice to have. I use it on a 250 lb Jon boat and a 16 ft, 54 lb canoe. It pushes both just fine but of course the boat takes up more battery power. In the long run I think you'd be better off with the Max, but of course it is more $$$$. As for the batteries it seems the only way to go is with deep cycle that have been charged a minimum of 6-8 hours. I keep 3 batteries between the RV and the boat and can always have motor power (although not always a furnace fan lol lol)
I have a friend who has had quite a few Minn's and says he will never buy a motor mount again-he prefers a hull mount on his big Malibu.
Hope this helps!
Tony

PlayDoh · #3 06-22-2008, 08:11 PM

Thanks Tony.

spurly · #4 06-22-2008, 09:58 PM

Ijust bought the endura 55lb thrust motor and am very happy with it,I have a 12ft Lund fairly heavy, lots of wind here too but works pretty good.Not advizable to go to small.

Izumi · #5 06-23-2008, 06:17 PM

I bought the Edura 55 lbs too and I couldnt imagine anything smaller.

PlayDoh · #6 06-23-2008, 10:02 PM

I'm still puzzled at the cost of the Maxxum and the Endura. Theres a 38 lbs Endura for $190 at costco, and a 33 Maxxum for $290 at Canadian Tire. WTF?
I cant see the 'tiller' option being worth that much. Minn Kota does a pretty bad job of describing the differences in technical terms.

Tilt handle, and variable speed are the only real differences they describe. I'm only really interested in having enough power, and I'd like to think that if I bought a 33 lbs Endura, or a 33 lbs Maxxum, that they have the same amount of power. The price hints to that not being so.

Thanks for the Endura 55 lbs recommendations, I honestly would have thought that would be over-kill. I'm starting to wonder if a kicker might be a better choice, if I'm going to need to spend that much on electric. I mostly spend around a week without power, so my battery needs might be impractical.