MinnKota 101 on a 285XL

[TBBasser]

I'm considering buying a new 285XL with a 150 VMax with a 101 MK . I used a boat for a couple of months last year (long story) that had it and it was great. I cover a lot of shallow grass and pad filled water and really like the power and longevity in battery life. Went all day at 30% and never dropped off, but that was a larger boat.
How will the extra weight effect performance? More to the
point hole shot? I have friend with 18 ft boats that seem to think it will have a
dramatic effect. Thanks for the imput

[Bassin Billy]

You are only adding 1 battery. A non boater can add more weight than that on t day. I wouldn't think it wouldn't make that huge of a difference.

[Jason Phillips]

You are actually adding quite a bit of weight in crucial areas. That is a larger t/m so more weight is going up front. You are also adding that extra battery in the very rear of the boat.

It will have a pretty significant affect on your holeshot and will be amplified when you add a partner and his gear.

[BassHog007]

I had a 74 lb Maxxum on my 1994 Stratos 284 (17'11") and was sick of the batteries dying after 10 hours of fish so I upgraded to the 101 and added the additional battery. I didn't notice any difference in the holeshot or topend...just noticed I can fish for 15 hours and the trolling motor will never miss a beat.

I can also get the boat up to 3.5 mph w/ no current

TOTALLY worth it in my opinion.

-Dusty

[Neilslure]

Buddy put one on his Ranger 518. No performance problems to my knowledge. He loves it after having a motorguide.

[stratman201]

I have a 285 with the 74 mk. I can't imagine needing more trolling motor than that. I would spend the extra money on something else. (ie, pumpout system, electronics, ect.)

[BassHog007]

Skip,

In my opinion, a 24 volt trolling motor for any serious bass fisherman just won't work. If you plan on fishing 10+ hour days on the water, a 24 volt system will not make it through the day if you run it on 40%+. It's not about having the extra power...it's about having the extra longevity each day

-Dusty

[Glenn_S]

Sounds like you made up your mind, huh, Brad? LOL...

Ya gonna have the new rig for the first T?

[Grant]

Come on guys... whats the weight difference between the 2 trolling motors? I cant imagine it being more than a couple of lbs? I seriously doubt that it'll make any difference in performance.

[PushNit]

Its more than 2lbs. And its up front. If you run big batts thats another 65lbs. I done this. and I know it cost me on speed maybe a couple of mph. I had the same problem with my 74 and Minn Kota told me the 101 was my only fix. Tried all the batts. I would rather have the extra run time than the 2mph. The 2mph has never cost me a tourney the loss of life on the trolling mtr has. The way i fish no 24v trolling mtr will last and I dont care who has what or what it is. The charging systems they sell only work if the big mtr runs, what if you dont run it. Some guys just use a trolling mtr harder than others. You cant go wrong with the 36V.