last week I upgraded from my edge to the 80 pound fortrex and I'm amazed at what the difference is. The edge I think is a good tm for an aluminum boat but for my zx 190 it wasn't what I was looking for. The edge only has a power setting of 1-5. I live in west Texas and it's 10 mpg or more most of the time (not here lately but i probably just jinxed myself). So settings 1 and 2 are not even usable. 3 was good for days with absolutely no wind, which never happens. 4 was never enough against the wind over 10 mpg. Now 5 had so much power it would throw you off the deck.... Seriously. The fortrex has power settings from 10% to 100% so you can dial what ever power you need, and I think it will save a lot of battery. The assisted lift is awesome, and you don't have to be so careful lowering the tm. Not to mention this baby is silent. One thing I also noticed it's like it has gradual torque, the tm loads as you first press the pedal but reaches the selected power after a couple seconds. So you don't get off balance by a sudden jerk. I know a lot of guys already have one but Anyone that's wanting to upgrade your tm I highly recommend the fortrex, made my day on the deck twice as fun especially if you're not catching fish.

cool

A good review, I think.

On the subject of power and battery life for trolling motors, some of the new makes and models refer to being digital, or digitally optimized. I think both Minn Kota and Motorguide use these terms to describe some of their models.

On many traditional trolling motors, one apparently uses as much battery regardless of whether it is running on a low 1 speed setting or a fast 5 speed setting. They employ speed coils, resistors of a sort, that burn off/dissipate the excess current as heat.

Human induced entropy at work! Go figure.

So, someone can be trolling around thinking they are extending battery life by going slower . . . but all the while they are using up the same battery charge as a full speed setting and just heating the water. A little hot tub for the shad, I guess.

The technology Minn Kota uses with its "digitally optimized" models is to essentially "pulse" the power, so at low speeds it doesn't have to burn off any excess current.

At full wide open speed, there would be no pulsing so battery conservation would not be enhanced over an older model with a heat coil. Conservation would only occur, via the pulsed current, at sub-maximal settings.

This is worth knowing for new tm purchases, actually any of these new technologies to extend operating time on the water.

Just a guess that all tm manufacturers will move to digital models sooner or later.

Brad

thanks for sharing, good info to know.

My new boat came with a motorguide.I miss the fortrex so easy to deploy-stow

Thanks guys, it took up some $$$$ but well worth it.

That is not completely accurate on power consumption. Potentiometers (variable resistors) are generally used. They vary the resistance which varies the voltage and current that go to the motor. Dropping current slows the motor and lowers the power being used (Power = Current^2 x Resistance). System voltage stays relatively steady. That heat loss (minimal) is also in the head or foot control not the motor.

Long story short potentiometers do use some energy but it isn't the same amount on full speed as low speed. The digital systems are controlled by micro controllers and are more efficient for sure.

Good points. They have come a long way from early non-digital models.

There is no doubt that in a non-digital model, that if you run the lake at full power, you'll eat up the battery life somewhat faster than at a slower speed. The battery life issue is nuanced and it depends on the level of technology employed. Newer models, digital or not, are generally better than the old stuff.

The idea of "pulsing" the power likely won't be the last innovation. Between better battery and trolling motor technologies, things should continue to move forward. Trolling motors should benefit from all of the research related to batteries. I guess we can think Elon Musk and others for whatever might rub off in our direction.

Brad