Product Features and Description
Welcome to the watery wilds, marine enthusiasts and hobbyist anglers! Today I’m thrilled to thrust into the current with an exhaustive review of the Minn Kota 1358739 PowerDrive Trolling Motor – a formidable force featuring a 54″ Shaft and 12V/55 lbs of thrust, alongside the efficient MK-106D On-Board Charger. Designed to stealthily steer you towards the catch of the day, this Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor is synonymous with silent strength and long-lasting endurance.
Often seen accompanying fishermen on serene lakes, the Riptide PowerDrive 55 showcases its prowess during freshwater angling adventures. But don’t let its specialization fool you; in rare instances, creative boaters might deploy it in mild saltwater scenarios, adding an extra dimension to this versatile marine machine.
For those dipping their toes into the details, get ready for a deep dive. Intricate features, authentic user opinions, expert reviews, instructional videos, comprehensive comparisons, and exclusive market offers for the Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor are on the horizon.
- Effortless Launching and Stowing: The Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor comes equipped with a Deploy-Assist Lever, making it simple for anglers to enter or exit the water. With a straightforward push of the lever, you can deploy or stow your motor quickly and securely, enhancing your fishing experience with ease and convenience.
- Precision Foot Pedal Control: Maneuver your boat with precision using the Side-To-Side/Electric Foot Pedal of the Minn Kota PowerDrive. This waterproof pedal lets you adjust speed, steer seamlessly, and offers both momentary and constant on/off capabilities. It comes with a lengthy 18′ cord, allowing for flexible positioning in your boat.
- Extended Battery Life: The Minn Kota PowerDrive’s Digital Maximizer technology ensures efficient power management, delivering up to five times the battery life per charge. This feature allows anglers to spend more time fishing and less worrying about power conservation.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft: The Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor is built to last, featuring a composite shaft that’s Guaranteed for Life. This core element of the motor is designed to withstand the demands of frequent use, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for the user.
- Advanced Propeller Design: Navigate through challenging vegetation with the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop of the Minn Kota PowerDrive. The prop’s unique swept-back and flared blade design allows it to slice through underwater obstacles with minimal power consumption, making it an ideal choice for anglers in search of efficiency and performance.
For the angling enthusiast seeking a seamless blend of power and precision, the Minn Kota PowerDrive Trolling Motor (MFG# 1358739) is an exceptional choice. This robust, fresh water bow mount motor is engineered to deliver a solid 55 lb. thrust, enabling you to navigate your vessel effortlessly through the water. The motor is complemented by a 54″ composite shaft that’s built to last, resisting corrosion and impact for reliable performance outing after outing. Adding to its convenience, this model comes equipped with a foot pedal control, providing hands-free operation for a more focused fishing experience.
Technological sophistication is at the heart of the PowerDrive series, with features like a Digital Maximizer that extends battery life, allowing anglers to stay on the water longer. Connectivity is also a breeze thanks to its Bluetooth capability, enabling you to control and monitor your motor from a smartphone or tablet. The Riptide PowerDrive 55 ensures you are always informed about your battery’s status with its built-in battery meter, eliminating the guesswork and downtime due to unexpected power depletion. To sweeten the deal, this package includes a FREE MK 106D On-Board Battery Charger, which is a single bank, 6-amp charger designed to keep your trolling motor’s battery in peak condition. With the Minn Kota name, you are assured of quality and durability, as well as an efficient, foot-powered system that makes the Riptide PowerDrive an essential companion for any serious angler.
Key Features of the Minn Kota PowerDrive Trolling Motor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage Average | The minn kota powerdrive trolling motor operates on 12 Volts, which is a standard for trolling motors, providing enough power for freshwater fishing without demanding a complex electrical setup. |
| Operation Mode Good | The minn kota powerdrive trolling motor features an electric operation mode, offering a quiet and efficient propulsion system that does not disturb fish, enhancing the angling experience. |
| Mounting Type Good | This trolling motor is designed for bow mounting, which is ideal for precise maneuverability and control of the boat, crucial for trolling and positioning in fishing. |
| Thrust Good | With 55 lbs of thrust, the motor provides sufficient power for moving small to medium-sized boats, a good level for freshwater applications. |
| Shaft Length Good | The 54″ shaft length is versatile for various boat sizes, ensuring the propeller can reach deep enough into the water to avoid cavitation, while still being usable in shallower waters. |
| Included Components Excellent | This model includes a bonus MK-106D On-Board Charger, providing convenience and value as it ensures the battery is charged and ready for use, which is an excellent feature compared to other models that do not include a charger. |
Explore our roundup of top-notch trolling motors, including the Minn Kota 1358739 PowerDrive – perfect for enhancing your boating experience with effortless control and efficient power.
Breaking Down the Riptide powerdrive 55: Where Do Its Promises and Pitfalls Lie?
The Minn Kota 1358739 PowerDrive Trolling Motor delivers excellent performance. According to Harley, it “works just fine for pan fishing” and is expected to perform well on larger fish such as walleye. The trolling motor’s power and efficiency make it a reliable tool for fishing enthusiasts.
The built-in charger is a standout feature. Tnslim3 highlights the convenience of the built-in charger, stating, “No need to carry a battery charger.” This feature simplifies the process of maintaining the motor, allowing users to focus more on their fishing experience rather than equipment logistics.
Overall customer satisfaction with the product. Steve shares his positive experience, mentioning that the product is “working great” despite a minor issue with the foot control. The overall high ratings and satisfaction from multiple users indicate that the trolling motor meets their expectations and serves its purpose effectively.
The foot pedal control can be problematic. Melissa Benoit notes that the foot pedal’s go button “is becoming difficult to activate” after only a couple of months of use. This suggests that the control mechanism may not be as durable or reliable as other components of the trolling motor.
The deployment and stowage process is cumbersome. According to Melissa, “It’s a real pain to deploy and then also to stow.” This could be a significant inconvenience for users who need a quick and efficient setup and takedown process while out on the water.
In summary, the Minn Kota 1358739 PowerDrive Trolling Motor boasts several strengths, including reliable performance and a convenient built-in charger. However, users have reported issues with the foot pedal control and the cumbersome deployment and stowage process. While it has received positive feedback for its overall functionality, these drawbacks may affect the user experience for some.
The stars speak of…
Opinions about this product were divided in such a proportion among the buyers.
I love this trolling motor and the build in charger. No need to carry a battery charger.
It’s a real pain to deploy and then also to stow. I’ve had it only a couple months and already the foot pedals go button is becoming difficult to activate. It’s definitely not a sturdy control either. Looking at it my first thought was, i wonder how long it will take me to break it. I really expected better from Minn Kota. Definitely not worth the ridiculous price
Discover similar, top-rated products available for you at great prices!
Insights & Inquiries: Getting to the Heart of Your Questions
What type of waters is the Minn Kota PowerDrive Trolling Motor suitable for?The Minn Kota PowerDrive Trolling Motor is specifically designed for fresh water use. Its construction and materials are optimized to perform in lakes, rivers, and other fresh water bodies. It is not recommended for saltwater use as the corrosive nature of saltwater can damage the motor over time.
Can the trolling motor be controlled remotely?Yes, this model is equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing it to be controlled remotely. While it comes with a foot pedal control, the user also has the option to wirelessly control the motor using a compatible smartphone app, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity.
How long is the shaft of this trolling motor?The shaft of the trolling motor is 54 inches long. This length is typically suitable for a variety of boat sizes and provides a good balance between control and reach into the water, ensuring efficient propulsion and handling.
Is there a battery included with the trolling motor?No, a battery is not included with this trolling motor. However, the package does include a free MK 106D On-Board Battery Charger to maintain the charge of your own 12-volt marine or deep-cycle battery that you will need to purchase separately.
What is the thrust capacity of this trolling motor, and what size boat can it handle?This trolling motor has a thrust capacity of 55 pounds, which is typically sufficient for small to medium-sized boats. The appropriate boat size also depends on factors like the boat’s weight, the conditions under which you will be operating, and how heavily the boat is loaded.
How does the Digital Maximizer technology benefit the user?The Digital Maximizer technology extends the life of the battery by controlling the draw of power at variable speeds. This means you can stay on the water longer because the motor only consumes as much power as it needs, providing up to five times longer run time on a single charge.
Is installation of the trolling motor complicated, and does it come with instructions?The installation process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed by most users with basic mechanical skills. The package includes installation instructions and an owner’s manual to guide you through the process. Additionally, there are online resources and customer support available should you need further assistance.
Discover similar, top-rated products available for you at great prices!
Melissa Benoit –
It works. Not very practical though.
It’s a real pain to deploy and then also to stow. I’ve had it only a couple months and already the foot pedals go button is becoming difficult to activate. It’s definitely not a sturdy control either. Looking at it my first thought was, i wonder how long it will take me to break it. I really expected better from Minn Kota. Definitely not worth the ridiculous price
steve –
Good buy
Working great, don’t really like the foot control.
Harley –
works just like it should
works just fine for pan fishing so far.will try on walleye on the bay in mich.
Tnslim3 –
Great Product.
I love this trolling motor and the build in charger. No need to carry a battery charger.