Great video! A few things to mention here. Minn Kota suggests you do not run their motors above 85% power for extended periods with using Lithium or LiFeP04 batteries as they run at a slightly higher voltage than traditional lead acid batteries (although there's many people online that do run above 85% for long periods and have no issues with the motor overheating). Further, the draw of 30Amps and the battery capacity of 50Amp hours are technically correct, but your battery will towards the end of it's voltage curve drop to a point it will no longer run the trolling motor. If you're really pulling 30amps the whole time the battery will not really provide 50Ah. A safe bet is that it will provide closer to 40Ah of useable capacity (80%) for a trolling motor. Also the further you discharge the battery the quicker it will start to degrade and not last as long. General rule of thumb is if you want your battery to last longer keep the discharges to around 60% (for LiFeP04). I'd also be careful suggesting that a 45Lbs thrust motor will actually move a small boat any faster. Technically both motors have the same top speed, but the 45lbs thrust motor can push more weight. There's even some videos where higher thrust motors result in lower top speeds on the same boat (although depth of the shaft and other factors impact this as well). I'd say for two people in a Canoe the 30Lbs thrust is more than enough. The only reason a bigger Minn Kota would be better is if you went to a model with a digital maximizer. This would increase the range of your motor and battery when running at setting below full throttle but would not run necessarily faster. The digital maximizer simply stops excess voltage from being wasted as heat. However, the smallest model with that feature has a longer shaft and is also heavier and may not be so practical in that canoe. You can if really interested install a pulse width modulator on the 30lbs Minn Kota to achieve the same result as the digital maximizer
Nice setup. I put a 45# motor on my Old Towne. After a year of use though I mounted my motor astern, for better hydrodynamics. I then configured a complicated pulley system and added an 18 inch wooden spoke wheel just for fun. I have the battery in a cooler and the wheel attached atop that, turning my canoe into a center console boat haha. I’ve used my canoe for island camping, and so added a second battery for when charging isn’t an option. I mounted seating lower in the hull for stability.
That's awesome! I have a 45 pound thrust motor too. I haven't used it yet. I also put a spring creek stabilizer on my canoe. Hopefully I can go trolling this weekend! Do you have any tips for trolling?
I'm curious about the battery box and meter as well. Also, as unlikely as it may be, your keys and wallet will disappear quick with the weight of that battery in an accidental capsize. Consider a floating waterproof bag for those important items...
Controlling a motorized canoe and a drone at the same time! Top notch skill, great video!
Thanks, It is a a hard thing to do.
Great video! A few things to mention here. Minn Kota suggests you do not run their motors above 85% power for extended periods with using Lithium or LiFeP04 batteries as they run at a slightly higher voltage than traditional lead acid batteries (although there's many people online that do run above 85% for long periods and have no issues with the motor overheating). Further, the draw of 30Amps and the battery capacity of 50Amp hours are technically correct, but your battery will towards the end of it's voltage curve drop to a point it will no longer run the trolling motor. If you're really pulling 30amps the whole time the battery will not really provide 50Ah. A safe bet is that it will provide closer to 40Ah of useable capacity (80%) for a trolling motor. Also the further you discharge the battery the quicker it will start to degrade and not last as long. General rule of thumb is if you want your battery to last longer keep the discharges to around 60% (for LiFeP04). I'd also be careful suggesting that a 45Lbs thrust motor will actually move a small boat any faster. Technically both motors have the same top speed, but the 45lbs thrust motor can push more weight. There's even some videos where higher thrust motors result in lower top speeds on the same boat (although depth of the shaft and other factors impact this as well). I'd say for two people in a Canoe the 30Lbs thrust is more than enough. The only reason a bigger Minn Kota would be better is if you went to a model with a digital maximizer. This would increase the range of your motor and battery when running at setting below full throttle but would not run necessarily faster. The digital maximizer simply stops excess voltage from being wasted as heat. However, the smallest model with that feature has a longer shaft and is also heavier and may not be so practical in that canoe. You can if really interested install a pulse width modulator on the 30lbs Minn Kota to achieve the same result as the digital maximizer
Very cool!
Nice setup. I put a 45# motor on my Old Towne. After a year of use though I mounted my motor astern, for better hydrodynamics. I then configured a complicated pulley system and added an 18 inch wooden spoke wheel just for fun. I have the battery in a cooler and the wheel attached atop that, turning my canoe into a center console boat haha. I’ve used my canoe for island camping, and so added a second battery for when charging isn’t an option. I mounted seating lower in the hull for stability.
I also added a PWM to maximize run time at lower speed and located the throttle on the center console.
That's awesome! I have a 45 pound thrust motor too. I haven't used it yet. I also put a spring creek stabilizer on my canoe. Hopefully I can go trolling this weekend! Do you have any tips for trolling?
cool where can i find the battery box? thanks
I have a 5hp motor on my canoe. It works great. I have a yt channel that shows it working. I love my setup.
I'll check out your channel.
@@CHWoods793 Thank you. It is just a fun time in the canoe.
What are the Pro's Con's of motor side mount vs directly behind stern on canoe?
What is that battery box, and did you install the 12v meter diy? Good video though, I may copy the build for a new canoe I just picked up!
I'm curious about the battery box and meter as well. Also, as unlikely as it may be, your keys and wallet will disappear quick with the weight of that battery in an accidental capsize. Consider a floating waterproof bag for those important items...
I wonder if a different prop would get more speed, it's expected to be on a larger boat.
Hi, what box and meter do you use ? Thanks
Wow, exactly what I’m trying to do, I have the same motor and just need the battery and charger. Are you happy with your battery ?