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?
High satisfaction with product functionality: Customers have praised the Minn Kota trolling motor for its reliable performance in various fishing scenarios. Steve highlighted its effectiveness by simply stating it’s a “Good buy,” suggesting that the motor delivers on its promises. Harley found the trolling motor to work “just fine for pan fishing” and was optimistic about its performance for walleye fishing in Michigan, indicating its versatility across different fishing activities. The inclusion of a built-in charger was particularly appreciated by Tnslim3, who loved not having to carry an additional battery charger, pointing to the convenience and efficiency of the design.
Tnslim3 emphasized, “I love this trolling motor and the build in charger. No need to carry a battery charger.” Steve’s succinct review, “Working great,” also adds to the general consensus that the motor is a valuable purchase for those seeking a reliable trolling motor.
Concerns about practicality and durability: Despite positive feedback, some users expressed reservations regarding the practicality and robustness of the trolling motor’s foot control system. Melissa Benoit reported that deploying and stowing the motor is a “real pain,” and after a short period of use, the foot pedal’s activation button became difficult to use. She also questioned the durability of the foot control, speculating on how long it would take to break it, which suggests that the product may not withstand long-term, frequent use.
Melissa’s concern is clear as she shares, “the foot pedals go button is becoming difficult to activate.” Additionally, her apprehension about the control’s sturdiness is evident when she says, “I wonder how long it will take me to break it.” Such experiences indicate potential issues with the usability and longevity of the product, which may not justify the “ridiculous price” for some consumers.
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
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Understanding More: Questions Answered and Explained
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.
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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.