New Endura 40 Review

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]TubeBabe and I have been using electric trolling motors on our Fat Cats for over a year now. We are both thoroughly committed to not leaving home without them on most future trips. They save time in moving between two points and they provide an extra measure of safety in the event of physical problems or weather threats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]We have both been using the MinnKota Endura 30 motors...with 30# thrust and a 30" shaft length. Got them at a good price...only about $100 each...and they have basically done the job very well. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]MinnKota recently added a 40# thrust motor to fill the gap between the 30 and 45 pound models. Like the 45# it has a 36 inch shaft. The combination of a bit more push and the longer shaft appealed to me. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The shorter 30" shaft cannot be raised high enough to both keep the motor sufficiently submerged and to allow the control handle to be easily reached and controlled. The extendable handle does not reach far enough to access without an extension...and if it is too low that extension must be flexible or jointed to account for the upward bend.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have rigged a variety of extensions...including a knuckle joint PVC contraption. Recently I have been using flexible conduit pipe attached to the end of the control handle. They all work but are cumbersome and problematic.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]So, when I saw the new Endura C2 40 advertised I looked it over hard. Seemed like it would help solve the handle problems with an extra 6" in height. And the additional power would be a boon when more speed was needed to get from point A to point B.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Prices on the 40# model ranged up to almost $200. Cabelas has them for $189...plus shipping and tax. I scored a couple from Amazon.com for $156 each, and with no tax or shipping. Not bad.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I first opened the box I thought that these motors were a lot bigger and heavier. Only a little. My scales showed the 30# to weigh about 12.5# and the 40# only 2.5# more...at 15#. Percentagewise that is a bunch. But in terms of real added weight it amounts to very little...especially when compared to the 65# battery that propels it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The extra 6" in shaft length is perfect. I can set the depth of the motor...from the mount...at exactly the same depth as I do with the smaller motor...and I have 6" greater height on the control handle. With my blue conduit extension it rides lightly on my shoulder for easy reach and operation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have had the new 40# out on the water twice now. It has performed well both times. The additional weight is virtually unnoticeable but the added power is definitely there. It moves almost as fast in speed setting 4 as the 30# on setting 5. When I crank it up to 5 I can just see the beginnings of a roostertail. Yeah...right.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I still have to get a read on the power consumption. From what I can tell so far it is very efficient. And I rationalize that even though it probably sucks amps at a proportionately higher rate than the 30 it gets me there faster and requires a shorter time on the battery.[/#0000ff]
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[idahoron]

I have been using the 40 for a couple years now. I troll a lot. I troll at .9 to 1.1 mph and I can get 7 to 8 hours most of the time. If you go to 5th gear it will gobble up battery pretty fast. I use a series 27 battery that has 115 ah. I have used it in the river several times to go up stream. I have never compared them on my boat but a buddy of mine has one. His boat is .5 miles per hour slower than mine. I check it with the GPS. Ron
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[flygoddess]

Well, you know me, I have been using a motor on a tube/toon for about 20 years now. Including the donut.
I had a 28 that is still going, and mounted to my old Alpine....modified with the head removed and longer wires.

I then used a 30 for probably 12 years (modified with a radio shack box and wire ribbon so no head at all) It dies a few years ago, so I splurged and bought a MAXXUM 40. It doesn't have 1, 2, 3, etc like the Endura, it is 10%, 15%, and so you. No clicks, the more you turn the faster it goes. I love the idea cause I can make the prop turn at such a slow pace to hold me in one position. Also have the lights on the top to let me know how much power I have left.

When TD told me he was going with a 40, I admit, I had a hard time seeing that big of a motor on that small of a craft. Even won my 9' Renegade, if I even crank to 50%, there is major torquing going on with the motor mount.
The length I also saw as a problem but looks like that is a plus, which is awesome. Can't wait to get out on some same waters and do some serious fishing!
I am off Monday by the way, I just don't do Starvation for one dayers...LOL I stop at Soldier Creek....[]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]It will have to be Tuesday or Wednesday for me this week. Might do the south marina to add some kitty fillets to my supply for a family fish fry next weekend.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You are right about the torqueing. I am playing with some reinforcement options to help insure stability. I just hate it when your motor flips you over.[/#0000ff]
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[flygoddess]

I have all the faith in the world, that you will figure it out. Might have to pass on the Kitty hunt...I am in a Trout mode...stay in touch.
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[idahoron]

I can tell you one thing that motor will drag a sturgeon that is being naughty. Ron
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[albinotrout]

Trying to figure out where to go monday as well. Wanted to go to Starvation but since I have to work monday night looking for somewhere a little closer.[cool]
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[albinotrout]

So that is what they replaced the 34# with. Interesting review. Thanks! At least if I kill this motor I know what to go after next.[:p]
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[TubeDude]

[quote flygoddess]I have all the faith in the world, that you will figure it out. Might have to pass on the Kitty hunt...I am in a Trout mode...stay in touch.[/quote]

[cool][#0000ff]Dug out one of my earlier models of the PVC frames over the weekend. Making some mods on it and I think it will do a better job of handling the additional power and torque...better than the setup I have for under the tube.[/#0000ff]

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[flygoddess]

I took mine out today and cranked it to 50%...man, you can feel it climb up the back of the toon, but my mount is aluminum and only goes over the back of the toon with three straps. Pretty secure though, I can lift the boat up by it.


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