woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

I was trolling at a faster clip, upwards of 2.7 to 3.0, and it was taking 9 to 9.5 out of 10 to get there, obviously running it all out is going to go through batteries way faster. I have a pair of big 120ah lithium batteries that will run until empty at full output voltage, but running at high outputs goes through power faster. We trolled all day with a break in the middle of the afternoon, but did not have enough power left for a full day the next day.

I got the idea to check for better propellers that would go faster, perhaps a bigger prop so I did some research and found a three blade propeller that has rave reviews for increasing speed and reducing how high you have to run the motor...here's the results, it's the real deal.

I was running at 9.5 to get 2.7mph, with a breeze, less against... it would take 10.0 to do that or a little under. New prop pulls 3.9mph on 10, the 2.7mph I was looking for was achieved at 6.5, which would easily equate to a few hours more run time.

The propeller is a Kipawa and I got it for about $40 bucks on Amazon...this is significantly cheaper than going to a 101 pound thrust 36 volt

BronzeBack Loc: Burlington, Ct

Excellent post, I am going to look into that prop...thanks

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

I have to say I was expecting perhaps a .3 increase, and wouldn't have complained about that...I find it hard to believe that Minn Kota and Motorguide haven't achieved a higher degree of efficiency out of a propeller, that's why I wasn't expecting this much improvement...

Do you think perhaps they want to sell the next bigger motors rather than give people that extra degree of speed and efficiency out of a 12v or 24v system?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Since most trolling motors are used by Bass Fishermen, who don't normally troll for fish, I think their bigger concern is the ability to shed weeds. On my old Jonboat I had a 3 blade aluminum prop on my old Minn Kota. It was terrible in the pads and slop. Just a guess on my part.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Wood... it says right in the manual of my new Minn Kota trolling motor that trolling motors are designed and engineered for lead acid batteries. Running your motor higher than 8.5 with Lithium batteries for long periods will shorten the life of your motor to possible permanent damage. I mention this because it was new information to me. Hopefully it's not applicable to you.

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

That's interesting, because the new ones are digitally controlled and digital responds way better to the constant output of lithium.

Actually, and I've done a bit of "research" on this, MinnKota says lithium (digital) is far easier on the new digital trolling motors because the voltage stays at a regulated output top to bottom, fully charged to the end when they shut off. The motor runs way cooler than with an under voltage output from lead/acid. I checked to see if the wires were showing signs of heat from the high run output and they were barely warm. When I'd run at 9 with lead batteries they were way warmer, actually hot.

Damage (unseen) to trolling motors comes as the output voltage drops as it will as the charge comes down to 50%. The reality is that this under voltage output is hard on the trolling motors. An electric motor struggles when it does not have full power available, it results in running hotter than it would if it had a fresh battery putting out a little more voltage.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Ya man, I don't what the answer is. The pic is from my manual. Read the last few sentences in the first paragraph.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

They have the same warning online Steve.

UncleRob Loc: NE Maryland

I just ordered one for my Newport Vessels motor to see how it performs.

Mongoose Loc: Modesto,Ca

This is what I like about Fishing Stage everyone helping everyone and different Ideas .Thanks you all..

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

wmitch2 Loc: Fresno

I've been running Kipawa Props ever since they came out !! Like about 20 yrs I think. 15 for sure. They're a great prop and gives you much more torque and additional speed. When they first came out they advertised them to be a "Weed Cutter" prop. They do a great job of that too !!

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Forgot to say thanks about the prop tip. I'm down with improving effeciency/speed especially for only $40.

Bobfromfremont Loc: Fremont Ca

How about take two batteries in parrell?

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

BFF... true that. Worked great with my 12 vdc trolling motor but now that I have a 24 vdc motor there is no way I can put four batteries on my boat. One 24 vdc lithium battery is beyond my budget so I'd have to use the equity in my house to buy two. Lol