Performance problems with a Minn-kota pd55

Bought it used a year ago looks to be in goog cond. New 12 volt battery also but in heavy current and a smaller 16 foot aluminum boat it just doesnt seem to have 55 lbs of thrust. On the highest speed it seems to bearly creep forward enough to get to my snagged up jig. Granted Im tring to move upriver with fairly swift current, but my buddy has about the same setup and claims to move forward easily in only the 3rd speed. Anyway to officially check these things ?

Have you test to see if your battery is fully charged and is holding the charge when you are out?

Not sure how to check to see if it’s running at full power. I fish year round on the river and run a 55lb on my 16′ alweld and there are plenty of times it can’t hold a position let alone pull you up river. I did lose some power on a weekend long bass fishing trip last year which ended up being a lose cable on the battery.

Maybe check to see if your sheer pin is still on the prop. Might be worth a try. Could also be enough line wrapped around it to be causing issues.
These are long shots but something to try.

sounds about right for a 12v 55lb on the river. i had the same set-up, 16ft lund with a 55lb 12v, it just wasn’t enough. my brother-inlaw bought the boat from me and upgraded to a 80lb 24v and hasn’t had a issue of not having enough power. did you use 8 gage wireing??? if not, you will loose amps using the smaller wire.

Yep had a 16 foot Lund tiller and 55 lb and in any decent current it would not cut the mustard went to a 74 lb Maxxum even that at times would struggle in the high water times on the rive. Lake fishing 55 would work most of the time no problem. I think your buddy is feeding you something or his boat only weights 200 lbs.