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Posts: 706
Location: Richland Center, WI. | Anyone have any experience with the MinnKota Edge bow mount trolling motor? I currently have a 55 powerdrive and want to step up to something with more thrust. I have heard of problems with the powerdrive pedals and see that the Edge is cable turn so that won't be an issue as far as turning. I know that I will have to rig it up from the current 12 volt system to 24 volt as I was looking at a 70 pound Edge. Let me hear your thoughts!
Thanks, Ken |
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Posts: 131
| the foot pedal and motor itself are the same as on all the other 70lb motors minnkota offers.the edge has a 5 speed switch instead of a variable speed[0-100] switch.the "brains" are a potted speed control devise located in the motor nose cone,not a pc board.the mount doesn't have any breakaway,just a gate to remove the motor and/or adjust for depth.while the edge is considerably cheaper then the others in my opinion[as a factory authorized repair center] if you are going to use your troller heavily you might want to spend the extra cash for a maxxum or fortex.we have seen several potted speed control failures the past 2 years due to over heating.they are covered under warranty but still a pain if you need your motor.if you are crashing into rocks or wood the breakaway is important,again the "unbreakable" shaft is covered under warranty but a pain to repair.the maxxums are great motors and worth the extra bucks plus they have a 3 year warranty.minnkota is a great company to work with and usually allow us to do whatever it takes to help out the customer. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Yes, I'd agree. Spend the extra cash and go with a Maxxum or Fortrex. I've used an Edge enough to know I'd never want one, the Maxxum and Fortrex are about as bulletproof as a trolling motor can be! |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | If money is tight, I'm sure the Edge would work just fine. However, I'm picky enough about boat speed that I woudln't want to be limited to 5 speeds.
I would probably rather buy a used Maxxum rather than a used Edge for about the same price. Might even get a pretty good used Maxxum for less than a new Edge. |
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Posts: 706
Location: Richland Center, WI. | Thanks for the help guys. I guess my thought was to avoid the powerdrive pedal problems and also I thought maybe I could get more time out of the battery with it running just the motor and not using power to turn it.
Thanks, Ken
Edited by muskyhunter63 8/6/2009 10:41 PM
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Ken,
I have the PowerDrive V2. I bought it new last year, and haven't had any problems with it...knock on wood. From what I've heard, the V2 doesn't have nearly as many problems as the old PowerDrive models did.
Also, the Powerdrive models use the digital maximizer, and I don't think the Edge series does. I would be willing to bet that the Maximizer makes up for the power it takes to turn the motor. I think if you want to get a cable drive unit and save battery power, get a Maxxum.
Or, just pony up the cash for a Terrova. Might as well add universal sonar and autopilot. Should be able to get it all for under $2,000. Not bad, lol!
curleytail
Edited by curleytail 8/7/2009 12:50 AM
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