Hey guys, I�m in the market for a new trolling motor for my jon boat. Which one of the trolling motors listed below would you get for yourself if you wanted ;
1. Many years of Service
2. Most efficient on the battery.
Not looking for the cheapest, just the one that is the most efficient on the boat's battery.

MINN KOTA ENDURA 30HC at Academy for $99.99
MotorGuide Thruster T30 at Cabela's for $99.99
MotorGuide Thruster T34 at WalMart for $97.41
Bass Pro Shops Prowler T30/30 at Bass Pro Shops for $99.99
Minn Kota Endura 30-lb Thrust at Dick's Sporting Goods for $119.99

I would really appreciate your advice on this matter.

Personally for me what ever model it was it would be a Minn Kota and that is all there is to that for me.

Skip

What ever you get dont get the foot controle modles. I have a fc mod and i have to hold myne in my lap opporate otherwise ill go in circles

I would look up each models specs you like best (narrow your field as best you can by either looks, feel or actual fuctionality). I can tell you quickly that a 24 volt system will give you the most time on the water but I know from experiece that's a lot for a jon boat. I had one for years and a 12v minnkota did just fine for me. It always got me home when my old Johnson gave me problems ( that's not a personal issue to you wisecrackers). The type of battery will be the real issue here. Get the best you can afford. I suggest one of the Optima blue tops. http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_edge/technical_specs.php

As for you Texaspackrat, we all start that way. You just got to get more time on the water using it. It will become second nature after a while. I do agree for a jon boat a hand control is better for several reasons.

I have the Minn Kota 30 pound endura.I bought this from Acadamy last year. I caught it on sale and Minn Kota was giving a 20 dollar rebate. I paid 79.99 for mine. I can pond jump all day and never run out of battery.
Its a great little motor. I have not had any issues with this unit. Feels like I could pull a skier behind my 12 foot Lowes john boat. I like Motor guides too.

Minn Kota all the way!!!! Have used mg and mk and like the mk better!!!! Get the biggest battery you can afford, you won't be sorry.....

Hey oldshellback, when did you leave the life of a pollywog behind? For me it was 1953 so that tells you how old I am!!! Never got to go back across.

sjordan,
I've been on this forum since last July and you are the first person to mention "life of a pollywog" and know what it means. WOW. I became a 'Shellback' July 1969.
US Navy 1967-1971

All the rest of you guys,
Thanks for your input. I don't need a foot control on a jon boat. I feel it would just be in the way. Going for a Transom mount. Thanks again and keep your line tight.