Perfect trolling motor for small boats, canoes, kayaks - Minn Kota Endura MAX 45

[@minisaxena284]

Two years later this motor is going strong kzbin.infoUgkxBZWgzfpS2Jj7JqIHyaSZjyVHNUgCKCBf Just uploaded a video of it after 2 years. We use it probably a dozen days each year on our small raft.-original review- We got this motor the other day and tested it out. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems good to me. It has all the features advertised - the motor housing is metal. We will see how it performs longer term and I will revise this review if needed. Some initial observations:- Good thrust, moves our boat around really well- It comes with a circuit breaker but no switch - so there's no way to kill the motor other than yanking the connection off the battery. I installed an inline switch.- The mount bracket is plastic and I worry it might break- There are a number of plastic parts that I worry about, but the most important ones are metal or some kind of composite

[@ajeetkanda8410]

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzbin.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

[@fatd8734]

thank you for the video, well thought out and emphasis on the fact that all payloads and conditions are different

[@dwightstephens5406]

Hey man! Love the Monster Fishing Tackle sticker on your boat. That is my aunt and uncles company out of CA!

[@robertpapps3618]

Thanks for your post. My 24 lb thrust Watersnake (very light) pushes my 14" Hornbeck at 4.4 mph and my 34 lb Newport, which feel like it weighs twice as much as the Watersnake, only gives me a top speed of 4.4. The difference, the Newport hacks through the weeds much better. Power comes from a 50AH lithium battery.

[@kyleh9266]

I love your attention to detail in the way you explain all of your aftermarket parts on your Canoe.

[@PCPAyLOAD]

I know this video is a bit old but it was invaluable when deciding between a 36 vs 46 lb thrust motor for my kayak. THANK YOU!!!!

[@patricklondon6006]

I put on a Kipawa propeller on my Endura max 45. It has three blades. I get more speed and more range per charge. And it is 99% weed free. It's a fantastic up grade to my trolling motor.

[@vadimus2007]

Got a link by any chance?

[@cycleof7s438]

Can you post a link?

[@thebowtiefisherman5718]

@@cycleof7s438 Hey Just curious if you ever received a link for the propeller Patrick London mentioned?

[@cycleof7s438]

@@thebowtiefisherman5718 what's up buddy, nah but I found one on amazon that looks identical to the one he's talking about in the video. Here's the link ... www.amazon.com/MKP-6-2061125-WEEDLESS-WEDGE-Category/dp/B00P0D9MBU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=minn+kota+wedge&qid=1592162161&sr=8-5 Good Luck!

[@thebowtiefisherman5718]

@@cycleof7s438 Excellent; What trolling motor are you currently using? I'm in the market for a new one really soon.

[@rtchow3000]

i forgot to mention, the side wheels to transport the porta bote to the water are used as extra floatation. i use just the tire and rim wedge in-between the pontoon center and the other wheel with the strut is used to transport the pontoon since i don't intend to deflate and reinflate the pontoon. my Tacoma 5.6 bed will accommodate 3/4 of the pontoon and the remainder can be strap to the truck sides rings. just lift the light end onto the truck-bed and slide all the way. the two smaller pontoon fit just right at the wheel well housing. i have tried to upload this on youtube channel, not sure why my tablet won't upload. anyway, your video gave me great idea on relocating the troller on the pontoon. thanks, bob

[@wapiti128]

😅 i love the speed portion... people at work were wondering why i burst out in laughter!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Well done - providing good reasons why you did this!

[@capitolbassfishing]

I just got the 55. Love it so far

[@karmaconway]

very great and informative video. thank you. i plan on gettimg the 55lb endura max for a 15 ft john boat in the small lakes , ponds, and reservoirs that gas motors are not allowed in. this was the only video amongst many many others that thoroughly explained not only specific power to the max but the differences vs the 35.. thank you.

[@vannigiovannigio8861]

Mighty fine job and single handed.

[@JustinCarf]

Nice review. Doing some research to get one of these for my inflatable raft, and I'm definitely gonna get this one now.

[@peterh4446]

What battery do you use please and how do you like it?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hi Peter. I use the largest group size....31, specifically one from Interstate. They are heavy (61lbs), but are good for most mixed usage days. These days though lithium is all the rage and for good reason, although they command a 2x to 3x increase in price. I liked both the motor and battery quite well. I say liked because last year I did have to replace it as one of the brushes on the armature failed in a bad way. I now have its slightly larger cousin the 55lb Endura Max model.

[@boodoodoo2]

I have a transom mount 4 hp Merc on a 17 ft Grumman and it is a wild man. So much weight off the side and any slight turn will lift the bow and nearly put me in the water. So I’m thinking of selling that and picking up an electric like the one you reviewed. I’m amazed at how stable your canoe appears but I suspect the elimination of that much weight off the side and much less thrust would do it. The combo was inherited and wasn’t for fishing it was for working up river. Anyway can you confirm stability under thrust? I expect you place the battery to balance out the load? I’d probably put it opposite side under the front seat with a heavier gauge wire. You seem to be standing comfortably which is amazing to me. I’d like to dry fly off the canoe standing but it’s enough to justify a change to a jon boat. Would a pulling configuration be better mounted in the bow?

[@yjaffbailey86]

This answered so many questions for me ! thank you so much for all the time you put into making this awesome video!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Your very welcome. I'm glad it helped you out!

[@t.c.a.3335]

Minn Kota motors are not speed rated... they are torque to weight rated for the type of boat they will be pulling/pushing and the type of water... in essence, an Endura MAX 45 is made to push a larger boat at the same speed that, say, a Endura MAX 30 would push a canoe... at aprox. 2mph... therefore, the EM 45 on a canoe might get you an extra 1mph has more torque then speed application which is why it cuts through the weeds easier... they are also designed to be more efficient "pulling" a boat from the bow.

[@ceeceety2320]

just ordered a 14 foot sportspal 55 endura max trolling motor because of your vids thank you

[@shizzydeep6867]

Nice video. Is the shaft on that adjustable up and down? I see you have your fish finder zip tied to it but if you didn't, could you adjust it up and down to increase or decrease the dept the prop goes into the water?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Shizzy - absolutely, the shaft can be adjusted for quite a range of depths. Like you observed mine is limited by the fact that I have my wiring tied up to it, but thats only because I found the optimal depth for the motor (around 12") and then 'locked' everything in place knowing I will never put it deeper than that. But, without those zip tied in the way you have quite a range of adjustability.....I would say at least 30".

[@shizzydeep6867]

@@KeepinItReelFishing Thanks!

[@johnaverick7468]

Thank you for not making the decision for us and giving a top speed anyway even knowing the variables are endless . And actually thats pretty common for a good trolling motor setup to go just under 4 mph on a tiny craft. Even john boats.

[@doctorxring]

I feel the same way about my Endura 45. This is my 4th Minn Kota troller and in respect to sipping amps this one is the nuts and berries !

[@dragon-fishon2670]

Great review. Thanks. Just purchased a Minn Kota Endura Max Freshwater Transom Mount Trolling Motor. Thrust 55 for a Sun Dolphin sportsman. Really excited to get off the banks.

[@rtchow3000]

hi KEEPIN, I just ran into your video. anyone may input if you have the experience. i sold my 14' porta bote (folding boat) but kept the minn Kota battery with the battery center and the 12v 55 lbs thrust minn Kota troller. now i purchased a 7.5' pontoon 4 pontoon floatation which give more side stability. it has a trunion for the troller but the blade would hit/cut the pontoon if the troller is turned more than 30 degrees if i put the motor at the rear end centered between the pontoon.. you gave me an idea of what may solve this problem. you set the troller on a sideway with an extension iron bar to mount the troller on the kayak. i need a clearer picture to see how this bar is mounted. i'll think of something that will not cause the troller lends the pontoon one-sided. thanks for your insight, bob

[@garybaker5332]

Hi Carl, I just purchased a sun dolphin sportsman and min Kota 45 lbs thrust troller to go with it. Thanks for the valuable info. Can’t wait to get on the water

[@Quagmire88]

I was gifted a minn kota c2 30lb for Christmas for my 16ft kevlar canoe. I am hoping that it will work well with an overall load of about 400-450lbs(boat gear and 2 passengers). I like the idea of the shorter shaft because I do fish mainly rivers but also flat water, but I am still nervous that the 30lb thrust wont cut it.

[@mikeyoks]

Great vid.what is the shaft length?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

The 45 uses a 36" shaft.

[@ajd5232]

Excellent video. Side by side comparisons are great. Good job explaining the differences.

[@BassLife437]

nice video, especially the transducer installation. I bought a canoe (SportsPal 12') and Newport Vessel 46 trolling motor last year and this year I'm looking to buy a fish finder. not sure which one just yet. nothing really especial. I'm also looking to upgrade the blade to help with heavy grass. I got caught a few times last year and I'm sure it could do better. The motor is pretty powerful. If you have any tips on those please let me know. Thank you

[@dont3780]

U should use the locking washer and plastic bolt that came with the upgraded prop. Bet your vibrate more with the new prop?

[@jasonphillips1342]

Kicking around getting the 40 or the 45 ,,,is the 45 worth the extra $$$

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Never used the 40, and its only 5lbs thrust more. But, in my opinion go as big as you can. Its not something your buying regularly, and if it has no issues (mine haven't) you going to own it for years and years. So save a little more / spend a little more and go higher. While the 45 is good and cuts it just fine on smaller craft, if I was buying again I would go even bigger. I'm actually going to be putting on a Traxxis 80 on my other, slightly larger canoe....but thats another story.

[@jasonphillips1342]

@@KeepinItReelFishing k thx

[@nwwoodsman2545]

I have the c2 40lb works great for my Small boats and the kids like how quiet it is.

[@Tracy-yj8ww]

sunset is beautiful

[@showmanship80]

Great video. you definitely keep it real! I think i will need a 62lb thrust for my inflatable 10’8” dinghy. total weight will be around 700 lbs with 2 people, gear, coolers, etc.

[@justinallman8040]

I love these canoe videos. Could you make a video that shows you getting to the lake and setting up your rig?

[@johnaverick7468]

45 lbs. trust motors usually draw about 45 - 52 amps wide open I've been told.

[@Elon_Trump]

you can wrap a ranger band aka an old bike tire tube around that metal clamp and transducer cover to keep those weedless as well. excellent channel +1 sub here.

[@NoPro1962]

Was wondering about the differences between the C2 and the max thanks for explaining also do you think a 55 you would actually get more top speed. Or just more low-end torque. I am a little concerned as well with more stuff going on under the hood more stuff to go wrong.

[@magosteamj1243]

good job very clean I like. I started with 30 lbs went up to 40 next 45. I do feel the difference. now I put a 3 hp gas 12 mh. I also use it with a 5 hp 20 mh with 3/4 acceleration. very fast.

[@tommyteamer8033]

How much a kanu like that cost

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Tommy - this is the Sportspal by Meyers and new they are in the $900-$1200 range depending on size. Used they go for 1/2 or less depending on age/condition. If you want to know more I make a video all about that specific Canoe. Here is the link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKSzfaOFfcx2pbc

[@DMG18T]

Hey. I have a raddison canoe. Light. Canoe. My current motor is like 20 max. Slow. But it moves decent. I’m wondering if I should get a 45 or a 50 thrust? I won’t use top speed all the time just getting across the lake. And yeah. My lithium battery I got now I only use not even 50% on a full day. Help pkease

[@slagletoby]

Thanks! I bought the 45 Lb for my 12’ Old Town Katahdin. 🤘stoked!!!!!

[@thefpvlife7785]

Such an honest real world test n review. Thx man.

[@mattfrownfelter558]

I had a 50lb on my canoe and I LOVED it!

[@meryrimmer1381]

What battery do you have??? Thank you

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

When I made this I was on a size 24 AGM, Optima Blue Top (Absorbent Glass Mat). That battery has since been retired and now I have both size 27 and size 31 standard marine batteries. They are all 12V batteries and the motor is a 12V motor. It really boils down to if you have a need or preference for battery less battery weight, and of course how long you typically stay in the water. When I first started doing this I was all about keeping things minimal, but thats a bad ideology when it comes to batteries and boats (getting stuck). If you are going out for 4-6 hours and aren't going to be constantly on the motor, I think the 27 should be fine. Ideally I would say lug the extra 10lbs of the 31 battery and be safer as it has something like 25% more reserve. When I go on larger lakes (for me thats 600 acres) and I know I'm going to be out 8+ hours I take both the 27 and 31. One time in particularly bad wind I blew through the 27 battery fighting headwinds and was REALLY glad I had the other battery with me.

[@kentyler966]

Is there any practical way for the average handyman to pull the control module head off and shorten the shaft so the motor would be at a better height for a seated operator?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Not sure Ken, never thought about it. It may be as simple as cutting and putting it back together. Or, that carbon material may have properties where it splinters if the structural integrity is compromised. You would have to be the guinea pig on this one. You can always just use the adjustment mechanism to drop the motor section deeper into the water, which of course will lower the head, but as I'm sure you know the motor loses thrust efficiency if its too deep into the water.

[@n1t51rk]

Did you have to reduce the length of the 36" shaft at all on the 45#? I'm trying to decide between a 30# w/ 30" shaft or 34# w/ 36" shaft for my 14' SportPal (pointed, so using the transom/motor attachment), and my main concern is the shaft being too long (so will either have to have to prop deeper in the water, or the handle really high up)?

[@user-us4dj9tv7j]

I bought a Newport Vessels 46 lb. thrust and it works awesome on my sportspal at almost half the price of the Minn kota endura max and it also has a battery gauge and the handle feels more solid than the Minn kota also.

[@THe9-3MAnIaC]

The only thing I consider is that maximizer on the Minn Kota, it's a very good feature to have infinite speeds

[@stevenwalker232]

Carl, I bought a Sportspal last year after watching your first Sportspal video. Is the shaft length of your Minn Kota 36" and do you find that too long or short. There are some 24" shafts available from newport but I am not sure if I can just use the 36" shaft. Let me know what you think.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Steven - yes, mine is 36" in length. I actually have one other one that is 42" long (its the 80lb model). I think the 36" is the way to go vs the 24". Reason being is it gives you more adjustability. A 24" shaft can only be made to run so deep (its maximum extension), but the 36" can run that depth...or deeper. And, either one can be raised to any height. There is an optimal depth that is recommended to maximize thrust and efficiency.....don't quote me, but I want to say its 12" submerged. The reason I mention that, is as you might imagine the handle on the motor that you interface with will be at a different height using the 24" vs the 36" assuming both have the motor submerged the same depth (12"). Personally I'm not picky, but in the case of the motors I have my 42" motor's handle is higher when the motor is operating vs my 36". When standing up have to lean down a bit to grab the 36" motors handle where as the 42" model's handle is right there....no bending required. Inversely, the 42" models handle is awkwardly high to keep adjusting when Im seated vs the 36", which is at a more comfortable height. I stress.....to me a little lean or stretch is decisively a first world problem and I really don't care, but those are the practical differences of the different shaft lengths.

[@stevenwalker232]

@@KeepinItReelFishing thanks for the great reply! I took the Sportspal out this past weekend with my wife. I had t old 36" shaft, 40lb thrust Minn Kota Endura. It pushed the boat around fairly well but felt under powered. Thinking of going to your Max 45 or 55lb. Having taken it out, I think the key is being able to tilt the motor easily when getting into shallow water. I do agree that the 24" would be too small, but I have seen some 30" shafts out there that may be a good compromise. Thanks for the free education.

[@uncagork]

How is the motor speed control in the lower speeds. I need to troll between 1 and 1.7 mph. Can this motor dial in a range like that and hold at that speed?

[@michaelchmelko3166]

Carl can you tell me what brand and number amp hour battery you have on the canoe?

[@anelson19801]

Hey buddy do you know what the proper depth that trolling motor need to be down into the water? I have almost the same canoe but is 13’ Thanks for your time my friend

[@anelson19801]

I have a question. How many inches below the water does the trolling motor sit?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

I'd have to measure, but I'd guess mine to be about 18" below.

[@anelson19801]

KeepinItReelFishing thanks. Was asking because I almost have the same setup as yours. My sportspal has the flat end where you mount the trolling motor. Thanks for your help.

[@John-ev3cz]

Hey Carl ; enjoyed your video on this trolling motor upgrade ; just purchased a Traxxis 45 very similar to yours , as far as the fishfinder your luck with your Lorance elite five HDI , a bit more than I was hoping to spend but any of the units that include side viewing if necessary in shallow water usage ; were down viewing and has only a small angle of view directly under the boat and maybe none at all from what I’ve read in shallow water say 5 feet or less ; some units in the mid price range are ; Hook2 5 series or Helix 5 series all are in that $400 to $500 price range , that will be my next step to get a fishfinder , just curious how valuable it is to you , and what benefits do you see having and using it , to put more fish in your boat , marking and locating structures and return fishing spots , does your unit has side viewing , requiring a triple view transponder and how it performs in shallow water where most of my fishing is 20 feet or less. I saw somebody on the web selling a package unit with the fishfinder mount, battery, in a box and a fixed or magnetic transom mounted transducer , with myself having the sports pal with the square end , it might be a better spot to mount the transponder as well as keeping it as a portable package unit? Thanks again John

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey John - your right the FOV on a bottom scan only unit its very small when in shallow water. But, in those conditions I find its not so much about seeing anything in particular down there as much as taking note of positions of significant depth change. So, when I'm in 10ft of water or less I'm typically not using the sonar for seeing fish, or cover, as usually those areas I can see what I need to visually. In clear water places I can just see what there is, and in my stained water places in less than 10ft I'm often in weed beds. Again, it is useful though for determining the exact location of a significant depth change.....from say 8ft deep to 20ft deep in the matter of maybe 20ft horizontally....aka a steep drop off. To your other question, yes, I find the unit to be imperitive in fishing deep. Many, many times I have trolled around looking for drop offs and edges of points, and also along the way found sunken trees, stump fields, etc. I'm not great at deep water fishing, but getting better. I'm doing more and more work in the 20-35ft range and that has really become the X-factor. We can all beat the banks and shallow water covering whats obvious, but its a whole new and exciting dimension to realize there is another door that many anglers never open, which is the successful deep water approach. I was just editing a video a moment ago where the only bites I was getting one say this past summer (bluebird skies, no wind, and clear water) was drop shotting soft bluegill swimbaits in 25ft of water. The bass had zero interest in feeding in the bright, shallow water, but down in 20+ft they were very comfortable and it was a solid bite. Just one example, but yeah....absolutely zero downside and only upside of the sonar. Can't speak to side imaging. Mine is traditional 2D and downscan only.

[@Muttbike65]

Love the power of my new Max 55 over the old 30lb thrust I had. But the pulse circuits the Max uses absolutely hammers my Garmin down view fish finder, unless the trolling motor is off or at max speed. I originally purchased this motor to mount the transducer on the motor as well. I've also tried two other locations for the transducer, but all get the same interference, even up to six foot away from the motor. Also the weed guard prop will cut your top speed down a bit.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Interesting on the weed prop and speed. I hadn't considered that, but its fine for me. Its slow either way :P and I'm much more interested in getting through cover with more ease. Regarding the feedback, you run your Garmin off the same battery as the motor? Just an FYI I run my sonar from a separate battery and still get feedback. I was advised by Lowrance to connect the negatives of each battery common to each other and that helped.

[@dirtybassfishing7478]

I was wondering, what do you mean by feedback ? did you mean sonar interference ? Also i was confused by "connecting the negatives of each battery common to each other" ? How fell does your fishfinder work with your current setup ?

[@reddogleader1968]

Yep been lookin at these models. This seals the deal. Thanks for your review.

[@richardgirard2852]

Great video!!! What kind of battery do you have with it?

[@markweatherall7437]

Hi mate, what size and type in amps would you recommend please? I've heard LiFePO4 batteries are fantastic but very expensive?

[@TheFishingExperience916]

I just bought a Meyers sports pal s-14 Carl please please please show us how you extended your trolling motor wires to be able to put your battery at the front of the canoe I need help for safety and functionality performance purposes please I have a endura c2 30 thrust trolling motor

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey man....its gonna be a while. Life is taking some twists and turns, so can't make that vid right now. But, its nothing complicated. The hard part (as I recall) was finding spade connectors that accommodated the large gauge wire I ran. Take off the cover of the motor and you'll see exactly what needs to be done. All your doing is taking out the old wire/connectors, and running the new, larger diameter, and longer length wire. Like I said....the termination of the new wiring inside the motor is the only "tricky" part, and its only due to tracking down the larger connectors. You can find them on Amazon all day, but locally you may or may not be able to. Apart from that you do want to run a fuse or circuit breaker (50 amp I believe) along the positive lead very close to where it will connect to the battery. Also, I used these www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QI6S68S/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for faster connection. This way you can leave the connection permanently on your battery (before I was using ring connectors and taking them off the battery terminals each time I went out....way too slow.

[@TheFishingExperience916]

KeepinItReelFishing I understand thanks for the information Carl and about the fuse I'm using the Minn kota battery box is the fuse for that efficient and I hope everything is ok and get better for you love your videos and keep up the good work sr I'll be keeping my eye out for your future videos

[@xxheadshotxx5562]

What about the battery life?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

I mentioned that at the end. With the AGM-34 Cabelas series battery I had been using I could get through 8 hours of mized useage and usually still have either 1/2, or 1/4 life left. Of course variability is the key word. On one lake I have the motor on high for 50 minutes straight to get down the lake (and of course again on the way back), coupled to using it through the day and it will totally kill the battery. As such with that usage two batteries are required. I prefer the large group size....29 or 31.

[@ronschreiber3635]

One more great Video .lot of info here .Question what type Hand held camera is that you are using

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks Ron. That is an older Sony model....the DSC-HX9V.

[@matthewlukas1189]

I'm doing the same thing. Sportspal S-14 with a 55lb thrust Endura Max. Is it better to replace the entire length of the wire than to splice in an extension wire? I see Minn Kota has a chart with recommended gauge for different extension runs, but I clearly trust your opinions. Lol. My concern would be voiding the warranty. Reading some of these reviews, that warranty might be necessary.

[@seniorsagashow]

What do you do for battery in case boat flips over....thanks

[@253196lo]

you go to the store to buy one at the most cursed

[@billwiley7216]

I think the limitations even on very narrow and lightweight craft on the top end speed is the limitations on props and prop pitches available for these trolling motors. You take a #45 or #55 trolling motor on the back of a 14 or 15 foot, 48" wide flat bottom aluminum jon boat with gear and the weight of the hull and say 2 full grown fishermen versus that same motor on a 12 or 13 ft long kayak with one 170 lb. guy and a couple of fishing rods the motor would be capable torque wise of pulling a lot more pitch on the prop which could greatly increase the top speed without putting undue stress or more stress on the trolling motor than the same motor would be subjected too on the heavier with more drag jon boat. I really think the speed limitations on these super lite low drag vessels is more because of motor rpm limits and available prop pitch's not the motors power output. Yes, you gain a slight amount of additional speed with the more powerful motor but very little when you consider the bigger more powerful motors increase in available torque and power over the smaller motor. Also playing with load and weight and prop pitches on lightweight low drag craft it would be in my line of thinking that you could operate the motor at a lower rpm and perhaps gain even more efficiency battery use wise while still reaching the acceptable cruising speed a higher rpm would require with the lower pitched stock props. To keep it simple say you cruise at 3mph with the out of the box prop on a low drag lite weight vessel and it requires 50% power setting to maintain that speed, if you could run a higher pitch prop and run that same 3mph speed at only a 40% speed setting would it not make sense the battery would last longer at the 40% speed setting? Granted these are all non planing hulls which drag will be more pronounced but still the weight and lower drag hull differences on Kayaks and Canoes should be significant enough of a difference that an out of the box motor propped to satisfactorily operate a 14-16ft long wide jon boat should be able to perform much better on such a lighter load with a better prop more suited to the type of load and work that is being ask of the motor in this situation. I would bet 80% of people using these motors on lightweight, low drag craft actually have a cruising speed below the maximum fastest obtainable speed they find is comfortable for long runs and that is where they usually run and would rate battery longevity fairly high as well. Give them a prop that would reach that speed at a lower power draw and increase their battery life at the same time most would jump on it. Not to mention if done right you would probably actually gain more top end speed capability at the same time. I know this is a super old post but it is just as relevant today as when the post was new.

[@here_for_comments2024]

Given the different wiring can you hook this up to a PWM?

[@denny4606]

Do you use the same battery for your electronice (fishfinder maybe a light)?

[@REDCRANE1944]

Great review thank you! It was the deciding factor of my purchase of the 45. Waiting for delivery now. I''m surprised it didn't give your canoe a port list. Hope I have the same results with my Saranac.

[@jnfcoal1431]

What size of battery are you using? How long does it last?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Size wise I keep upping it every few years. How long it lasts is highly variable based on usage, payload, and head/tail/crosswind. I started with a group 24, then a 27, then a 29. The 24 was fine for average use on all my small bodies of water (under 100 acres) for the entire day (8 hours mixed usage). When going on larger bodies of water (400-600 acres) the 24 would be dying by the end of the day. For those water sizes and those hours of usage the group 27 is usually fine. Occasionally I go on those larger waters (400-600 acres) for ENTIRE days (sunrise to sunset or 12+ hours). In that situation the group 29 ensures I can make it through the whole day with mixed usage. The difference in price is not great between the 24 and the big 29 and its the equivalent of your gas tank. Unless you fish smaller bodies of water and/or do not stay on the water very long I would always suggest going with the big battery. Upside is peace of mind, downside is only like $40 more and 20lbs heavier.

[@TNRVG]

Nice motors! I got a simple C2 for my new project Kayak/Canoe. I need to figure out what battery I need. Its going to be installed sideways so I have to get a gel one.

[@RC-hm9vg]

OK, HELP ME OUT HERE. I JUST BOUGHT ONE OF THESE FOR A PADDLE BOAT AND IT SUCKED DOWN A 180 AMP HOUR BATTERY IN 10 MIN AT FULL THROTTLE. What did I do wrong?

[@drumandball]

I want to see you go fish in Florida, Alabama, or California. You sticking giants up North makes me wonder what you could do in the gold mines down south or out in California.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Yeah....I know, I know man. But, truth be told I don't want a big fish from there. I want to get a 7+ here in the Northeast. Its not about the outright weight of the fish, its the rarity in a given location. A 7lb here is somewhat the equivalent of a 13lb in Cali (at least in terms of a % of state record....10lb 14oz for NJ vs 22lb for Cali)

[@drumandball]

I get what you're saying. I live in Central VA and I had caught around 300 bass before I caught anything over 4 pounds. Two weeks ago, I broke that 4 pound barrier. She was a 9 pounder. The appreciation is built so much when you think about how rare those fish are in your area. I got the release on film but not the catch.

[@drumandball]

You're one of the most confident and seemingly experienced youtubers. No doubt in my mind that you'll catch that fish.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Ha ha...thanks man. I put on a good show then cause I'm very much a student to the real guru's of big bass fishing.

[@drumandball]

Aren't we all! It's the hungry ones that get bigger! There's always a bigger fish that we can learn from.

[@randywilson6869]

Have u looked at the twin troller x10? It has two trolling motors recessed in the haul and they just go rite through that stuff

[@baltazarbaliwan7875]

Hey Carl, I bought a 40 lbs. thrust Endura Max Minn Kota trolling motor and I am thinking of putting a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) motor controller which some guys on KZbin put on their trolling motor to make their trolling motor more faster and to use all the battery power, not being wasted when selecting speed on their trolling motor. Do you think it is advisable to put a PWM on this Endura Max Minn Kota since you mentioned that it has an infinite speed control while the Endura C2 have different speed controller?

[@kmrjeep]

The max models have pwm's and a built in battery indicator that is the difference between the max and the standard model top speed and amp draw at full speed is the same on the max and standard the pwm comes into play below 100% speed when it starts pulse driving the motor amp draw is significantly lower and battery runtime is increased. My max 55 draws around 48 amps at full speed and 20amps at 50% speed as far as adding a cheap pwm to a regular trolling motor a 30lb thrust would pull around 30 amps and most the cheap pwm controllers will handle that amperage and definitely worth running one but I wouldn't try it on a 45-55lb they wouldn't handle the amperage.

[@redsailsjs]

Thanks for a great informative video. I used to live in New Jersey.....in Michigan now I have an smaller, older model on a 12' canoe. I will keep this model in mind. I hope you don't mind me asking but I'm just curious ; what is your line of work?

[@strnto8967]

Hey thanks so much for this video do you have a link of how you put the transducer on the trolling motor?

[@m_disulphide]

looks like just a hose clamp

[@strnto8967]

@@m_disulphide yeah there is a Minn Kota trolling motor mount for twenty bucks but it's no good

[@ironbound8438]

Nice video. Been thinking about getting a kyack myself. This is off subject , is there anyway you could do a full video review of your LDC XH rod? PLEEEEASE lol

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Iron - I know the new White Label rods are popular and I don't see any real review vids of them here on KZbin. I'll put it on the list of things to review. But if your on the fence don't wait for me....its a great rod and myself as well as many others would totally recommend it. Just bear in mind its a slow action rod....very parabolic / lots of flex.

[@ironbound8438]

KeepinItReelFishing actually I put a 212$ deposit on a custom XH 8'6" with a alps reel seat. Total cost is gonna be over 400$. Just prayin to god I like it lol...I just wanted a one rod set up for my 8" hudds and my wake bait / top water & glide baits. Most of my lures are 3-6 oz. I told Ben what I fish and what I was looking for.. he told me what he recommend so I said screw it and went for it. It's a lot of $ so I'm a little nervous. But I've heard nothing but great things About there rods. Thx man keep up the great videos .. good luck on the water

[@bnvennrei]

Excellent video review!!! Sold me.

[@user-us4dj9tv7j]

I've had my 14 ft. sportspal canoe since 1990 and I replaced the foam floats once but I am finally going to get a trolling motor and try it. I have stood in mine as well but only to take a leak. I never attempted what you are doing because I always have somebody with me that makes it too unstable with one person standing and not knowing how the other person can move at any given time. Do you keep the battery in the opposite end of the canoe? I went out by myself once without a motor and the front of the canoe seemed to be barely touching the water.

[@charliegutman405]

do you think this would work for a 12ft rowboat if not what would you recommend

[@JasonBraswelljrb]

thanks for the video. very helpful as I am mounting the endura max 40 to my mad river adventure 16. don't think I will be able to stand up and drive LoL

[@Skirk-ql5gl]

do you power your fish finder from the same battery as the trolling motor?

[@casey197930]

That things a beast! Great review, thanks for the video.

[@jamespatterson1433]

I saving my pennies for the canoe and never owned a troling motor. Does plunging the motor deeper into the water help at all on speed?

[@bimble7240]

I have a Minn Kota with 36lb thrust. I was getting 3.7mph flat out on a coleman scanoe (transom mounted, weedless wedge prop), with the prop well submerged. I moved the prop up so that it was 100mm/4 inches below the surface, and the speed increased to 3.9mph. This is the opposite of what I was expecting, and surprising. Any higher and I think the disturbance from the hull would cause some cavitation.

[@johnfemino7974]

Hi Carl ; thanks for all your great reviews and I followed your input on the canoe selection picked up by 13 square stern; that fits perfectly in my Tacoma under the bed cover and running a 34lb. now and possibly upgrading to the 45; just curious being new to baitcasting ; if you use braided line mostly with a leader tied on or just go straight to your bait with braided. Good to see your success after all your hard work and time you put into it. thanks again keep up the good work John

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey John - thanks so much man, I'm glad the reviews were helpful for you. And congratulations on the canoe! I hope you love it like I do, but let me know your thoughts after having used it a while. I had started with that Cabelas 34lb thrust model, but since upgraded to the 45lb and the difference is substantial. If you haven't already, check out my video on the Minn Kota Endura Max 45....should provide you most everything you need to know. In terms of line I use a leader with my braid to most everything. The realist is me says I probably don't have to, but I just like having a clear line at the point of connection for those fish that may be wary. The only place I feel it really plays a role though is in lures that are fished slow that they can nose up to and inspect.....ie; drop shot, shakey head, jigs on hard bottoms, slow crawling anything Texas or Carolina rigged. Anything reaction / constantly in motion you can totally go straight braid to. Although, on reaction lures I still use usually a nice long 6ft+ of leader in order to give a little stretch in my system. Its a small insurance policy of some stretch when you are having a hard time landing one and the hookset isn't great.

[@drl453]

What’s the measurement for the transducer clearance ? My transducer looks longer than yours

[@EastboundDwn]

Did you remove the strain relief bushing completely when you upgraded to 8awg wire? What did you use in it's place? Ty

[@DenverSantaBarbara]

Would you still suggest the 45? Or would you go with the 55 option (still 12v and 36")

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

HAVING "NO WINTER" UP YONDER ALSO? WE'RE HAVING A "NON" WINTER HERE TOO IN J-VILLE FLA. T-SHIRT WEATHER IN NJ?? NO ICE?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

I wish Dave. I filmed this last spring, just put it together now. Its not too bad up here, but most of my waters are still ice.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

heck I was wondering what was up! I know what Jersey winters are like. I do all my videos in chronological order, hahahahaha

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

I have stockpiles of 'footage'. I pick and choose what to turn into a video as I don't have the time for them all, but try to catch up on some projects now in winter.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

10-4...I see that 12 day christmas thing was a real "generator". Slick idea

[@jasoncobb7540]

love that setup u got man....its perfect

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks Jason. It took a while to iron it all out, but I really love it.

[@johnfemino7974]

KeepinItReelFishing thanks Carl ; for all the good info I really been enjoying all your reviews ; I followed your lead kind of on most things so far bought the sportspal 13 sq. transom, tucks up tight under bed cover of Tacoma ; I have a 34 lb. thrust and possibly will upgrade to the 45; just curious being new to baitcasting , mostly spinning in the past do you use braided with leaders or just go straight braided to your baits. thanks John

[@IGbullshark]

Thanks for the video! This has really helped me iron out my decision for a paddle board setup.

[@marcelcyrus3391]

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@kyeterrance6288]

@Marcel Cyrus Instablaster ;)

[@marcelcyrus3391]

@Kye Terrance I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@marcelcyrus3391]

@Kye Terrance it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@kyeterrance6288]

@Marcel Cyrus you are welcome xD

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

the screw part of the hose clamp should have been positioned on top of the motor and it would be partially shielded by the shaft thus picking up less crap - just sayin

[@cornflake73]

I am curious, have you considered a solar powered charger for your battery? It should give you some longer usage for bigger lakes and maybe an over nighter.

[@AlM-sn3yr]

Solar chargers are for shore use and/or for low-amp items like LED lights. Too slow, too little amps, too big panel size.

[@matthewbyrnes2879]

Do you have to buy the nut and bolt kit I see everywhere with the upgraded prop?

[@m3pwrofm3]

question about mounting your transducer to the bottom of the trolling motor. When I bought my fish finder it said in the manual to not mount it like that because of false readings or inaccurate reads etc. Are you noticing anything along those lines or is mounting it there a pretty standard practice.

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

Greg Hicks it's not that bad until you kick up a lot of turbulence at a much higher speed than 3.9

[@aftech7268]

How much was it and where did u buy it from ? Need one for my fishing kyak

[@williammurray3136]

Thanks great video as always.Im over in Rhode Island , Im gonna be purchasing a Sportspal in a few weeks.Going all in this year with the swimbaits. Thank you for your videos Keepitreel. Billy

[@walterpalmer2749]

Affordable fun and manageable. Canoeing is not about speed. The Sportspal is a good canoe.

[@hntrains2]

What the speed of the boat when you paddle?

[@msuhoovers]

Hey carl, im new to swimbaiting and i was wondering what your idea of a strong, reliable, and price conscious all around small swimbait reel for baits ranging from 1 1/2 to 3oz

[@NoPro1962]

I have noticed with all Minnkota the # 1 speed to me is a little fast with the Endura max can you actually dial it to go a little slower.