Powerdrive or Maxxum

My dad just bought a new boat a 1650 Lowe. They are putting a 55 Powerdrive trolling motor on it. I told him that I recommend to upgrade to the maxxum because I have had good experience with the maxxum on the river and never really cared for the powerdrive. Because they are harder to put in the water, dont seem to go straight in current, and I dont like the foot control. I was just wondering what everyones thoughts were. He will probably only fish river.

If you go powerdrive, get the auto pilot and go 24 volt.

Yes, the power drive can be a pain in the butt sometimes to maintain boat control with the foot pedal, but you can get use to it.

As for the Maxxum, it is easy to use and control the boat. Much, much easier than a powerdrive. It is also a walk in the park to deploy in the water in comparison to the powerdrive.

But here is the draw back to the Maxxum. You always have to have your foot on the motor. So for slipping down the current, if your foot comes off, you lost temporary boat control. This is where the auto pilot excells. You point and go, and make minor adjustments once in awhile. The compass keeps you going in the “right direction”.

If I had pick of the litter, it would be auto pilot…..But I would go Maxxum prior to powerdrive. AND you couldn’t give me a 12v system………

Just an opinion…….

I have used both the Maxxum and the Power Drive. I put a Maxxum on my boat as I like the instant power. It seems that the Power Drive has a slight command delay compared to the Maxxum. I agree with Gary to go with a 24 volt system. I have been extremely happy with my Maxxum.

Eyehunter

I am contemplating a PowerDrive(universal sonar)with auto pilot(remote)24 volt system for the bow of my next boat. Do I need to re-think this decision?

My Lowe came with a 12v Minn Kota also, it now has a 24V 74 pound maxxum, no comparison and a MUST for river current. Just my 2 cents.

i have a 65 power drive w/ us. i love it! 24 volt is the better way to go. i just bought a co-pilot for it and don’t need to worry about foot control. the foot control does over-ride the co-pilot. i don’t know if the auto pilot part is worth it. but always get the biggest troller you can reasonably afford.

I have a Genesis, they don’t make that motor any longer but it is the best of both worlds.

The decision on which motor, for me, boils down to how you plan to fish. If you plan to Bass fish then the Maxxum is the way to go. You can tell which way the motor is pointing without watching the top of the motor. If you plan to troll along breaks then the autopilot power drive is a good choice. The power drive without auto pilot, if they make such a thing, would be slightly better than having to swim around pulling the boat with a rope in your teeth.

I’ve got the maxxum 74 and do a lot of slipping the current and seldom do I have to keep my foot on the pedal. Just short power bursts now and then does it for me. And the batteries last a lot longer.

This summer I’m going to run the Maxxum LX-3 hand control bow mount with 24V, 81 lbs, & US. I’m normally trying to move awfully slow or stay on a certain structure with the bow mount so I don’t find myself over steering. I’m sure I’ll need a handle extension so I can bump it with my knee. Should be an interesting/fun trial. I like what’s been pointed out already in that you need to match your style of fishing with the bow mount that fits the best. Good luck with your investment, Kurt

Just my hard learned lesson shared. Stay away from the power drive. I have one and it’s now going one it’s 3rd season. With that 3rd season is the 3rd foot peddel. The one that came with it the momentary function went out. No big deal it was under warrenty. The second one the right turn went out and that was not warrentied. 80 bucks later I have a new one and have had enough. Thanks to the guys at Lakesonic in Rochester I was informed that they see alot of people replacing the foot peddels. In fact they keep a good supply on hand to minimize your down time…..

lonewolf,

For my fishing applications now, I prefer the Maxxum series motors. Plenty of power, longivity, and reliable (cable drive). Over the years I have evolved from the Auto pilot (lots of worn out pedals) and then to the bow mount hand controlled Minn Kots’s and now to my third Maxxum motor. I do like the instant power for my style of fishing. I do very little slip drifting nowdays.

I own the Maxxum 101 (36 volt) now and love the life and the power I get out of it. I can fish all weekend long without a charge with more than moderate use.
Good luck in your decision.

got to go with the maxxum. i had a autopilot on my last boat, too many problems. it turns too slow, when the foot pedal gets wet it don’t stop turning. the last straw was when it deployed while at WOT, about 30mph, if it wasn’t for the power cable it would be in the drink. i replaced it with the maxxum. there is no comparison between the 2. the maxxun gives instant reaction in turning, it stowes better, it is really basic, no electronics to get wet and short out. i put a maxxum 101lb on my new boat. as a side note, i ordered it from jollyann marine and wade had it here in a couple of days………tom f

I will second what DZ said. Maxxum all the way!! PD turns WAY to slow for me.

What would I do without you guys? I just got off the phone with the boat dealer after switching out the PowerDrive bow unit (with Auto Pilot, Co pilot and Universal Sonar)for the Maxxum Pro with Universal Sonar(62″ shaft & 80 lbs thrust!)

It seems a lot of folks really like the Maxxum. I’m beginning to become convinced that the Maxxum is the better motor overall. Although, I am one PowerDrive owner that has not had any problems with the foot control. I’ve run it two seasons now and it’s been fine. I have heard that they do go bad at times and nobody wants to replace too many of those at 80 bucks a pop. A few pros for the PowerDrive… Autopilot, copilot, 18 feet of cord on the foot control. Pros for the Maxxum… Very quick turns, upto 36 volt system, 3 year Warranty (although the Autopilot, and PDUS carry 3 year too), and the lift assist feature on the Maxxum Pro.

Tom, thanks for mentioning the quick shipping at Jolly Ann Marine. We can generally hit the upper mid-west in 1-2 days shipping time, and free of charge.

I like my PowerDrive too. I’ve had mine for 2 years and haven’t had any problems. The only thing that sucks is when the battery gets low your speed settings don’t work. It is all or nothing. I guess the only thing I don’t like is the slow turning on the river. I fish the Chippewa and Mississippi and the Chipp has enough current that you get somewhere you don’t want to be and you can’t turn out of it fast enough sometimes. I have friends that have the Maxxum and they love it and I’ve used it and seen the big difference in the 36v system. Choice is yours though.

I’ve had both, and would have to say the maxxum is the way to go. More responsive and durable. I currently have the 36 volt 101 and it goes a lonnng time on a charge. If you tighten down the tension on the foot pedal, you won’t have to keep your foot on it all the time either. Nothing against the power drive models, but after having both, the maxxum is the way to go.

MAXXUM…no choice!

Steve Fellegy

My vote goes towards Maxxum you always know what direction its pointed, I’am surprised nobody mentioned the problem where if you preoccupied then look up at the trolling motor its twisted in a knot from spinning in circles on the powerdrive that is