Trolling Motor Question

[Smellson]

Im looking at getting a bowmount minn kota and was wondering if the maximizer really works or if its more of a gimick? Anyone have any info? Also any opinions on wether to go with the foot control or hand control or is it more of a personal pref?

Thanks

[raymondk]

I think the maximizer has a variable speed and some of the other have set speeds 1 to 5 setting a problem i have when i walleye fish when it is calm the setting on 1 is to fast this is on a older model,

[250XB]

Get the one with the maximizer the other one is not as good. On the foot or hand control it all depends how you fish. If you are standing and casting I would get the foot control. It takes less than a day to get use to the foot control once you are use to it, it is just an extension of your foot and it goes where you want it to go.

[traveler]

No question the maximizer does extend battery life. Plus, as stated above, the variable speed you get is reason enough in itself. As for the foot control, I chose to go the remote route, as I move around the boat to fish, and didn't want to be tied to one spot. Plus, I got the deal last year for a free remote, so i can give the first remote to an unspecting fishing buddy and let him think he's controlling the boat, then secretly mess with him (with the other remote) and give him a hard time when he can't control the boat! That ones worth the price of a 2nd remote:)

[menomax]

Make sure you match the thrust to your boat size. You can never have enough thrust!! The other guys are right, the variable speed is the way to go. Also get good batteries, 12,24 or 36 and they must be the same type to get the maxium life. Not to ramble on, but also get an on board charger, they are not that much under $200, Bass Pro sells a good brand. Just plug it in when your done fishing, no worries

[hitthebricks]

Traveler, program your remote to a friends boat and then play with their TM and mind. It will drive them nuts. HTB

[muskyjim]

ditto on what 250XB said. if your cash flow permits you should take a look at the autopilots. autopilot feature allows you to concentrate on casting or trolling a little more and a little less on constantly adjusting your motor direction. by the end of a windy day constantly adjusting the motor kind of wears a person out. and i'm pretty sure the all the autopilots come with the maximizer. make sure the one you get has a long enough shaft so the motor doesn't come out of the water in big waves.