Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount Trolling Motor Review

Trolling motors are a great thing for any boater to have on the water.  With the use of a trolling motor, you have complete control over your boat, manipulating the movement to your benefit.  Plus, you are able to eliminate any variables that are not ideal for you.  

With so many different trolling motors on the market, it is hard to know which one to purchase.  Today we are reviewing the Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount.  Here we will list pros, cons, specs, and tell you a bit more about the brand itself.  We are also including what other consumers thought about different aspects of the trolling motor.  

Let’s begin!

Pros:

  • It comes with a 2 year warranty. 
  • There is a lifetime guarantee on the motor’s composite shaft. 
  • When stowed, the mount will not flex, vibrate, or budge. 
  • The ultra responsive foot pedal is easy to operate. 

Cons:

  • This is only for use in freshwater. 

Brand

Minn Kota was formed in 1934 in North Dakota by Mr. O.G. Schmidt, who also invented the trolling motor.  As the business was so close to Minnesota, Mr. Schmidt decided to name the company Minn Kota after the two states.  Since that date, the company has been producing innovative and exciting new products for marine life.  

Minn Kota products are built to last and will outperform many.  They are products for people who love to fish.  For Minn Kota, it’s all about more fishing, more memories, more catches, and quality time on the water.

Specs

  • Minn-Kota trolling motor (Max 70/SC/FC -42), Owners manual, Warranty card
  • 42 amps at maximum speed
  • 24 V
  • 70 pound thrust
  • Shaft lengths:  42 inches and 52 inches 
  • Variable or Fixed Speed Motor
  •  Cable-Driven foot pedal
  • Digital Maximizer (variable speed models)
  •  Built-In Direction Indicator
  •  Push-to-Test Battery Gauge 
  • Composite Shaft
  • Responsive cable steering
  • Weedless Wedge 2 prop allows you to pass through heavy vegetation at any speed
  • Bowgaurd 360 mount breaks away at any angle and automatically resets
  • Power cord length:  5 feet
  • Power lead length:  5 feet

The following is included with the purchase:

  • Maxxum 70 trolling motor
  • Foot pedal
  • Power leads
  • Mounting hardware
  • Owners manual

The following is needed once you have purchased this Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount:

  • 2 Marine Batteries
  • Battery Charger
  •  Circuit Breaker (Recommended)

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High Quality and Long Lasting

Minn Kota products are built to last a long time as they are constructed from high quality materials. 

In fact, this particular Minn Kota product has been tournament tested and has shown that it can plow through any conditions.  It does not matter if you are fishing in calm waters or treacherous lakes.  A trolling motor should be able to handle the rough conditions just as well as the sunny ones.  

One purchaser is still using this Minn Kota Maxxum Bow Mount after 6 years.  He says it is still going strong. Another purchaser said they have used it a few times, and both times gave them plenty of power. 

Another buyer was very pleased with his purchase and stated “Great motor, Much more solid than the previous trolling motor I owned. I bought this to basically give me more power on windy days, and it has been like putting a Hemi in a Honda Civic. Great motor, super quiet, and super powerful!”

Warranty

Minn Kota offers a 2 year warranty on the Maxxum Bow Mount.  There is also  the composite shaft lifetime guarantee. If it’s ever broken, no matter what the circumstances are,  Minn Kota will replace it at no charge. 

Motor Run Time

While the actual run times will depend on different variables, such as the wind, motor run times are estimated as follows:

  • 20 or more hours: At slow, trolling speeds that draw 5 amps or less
  • 4.8 hours: Approximate run time with throttle 50% open
  • 2.4 hours: Approximate run time with the motor at full throttle

With the Maxxum digital maximizer, you can stay on the water for up to 5 times longer just on a single charge. 

And speaking of run time, there is not any other brand that has a quieter motor than Minn Kota.  As the unique bearing system reduces friction, there will be less noise coming from your boat.  This means the fish will never hear you coming!  Cooler operation can be had due to the extra large wingdings and commutators that evaporate the heat.  This will also extend the battery power and give longer life to the battery. 

Motor Steering Method

This Minn Kota model is steered by a foot pedal. As it is a cable-driven foot pedal, it’s controlled by moving your foot back and forth to control motor direction while the motor speed is controlled by the rotating dial located on the side of the foot pedal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swap or change the foot pedal for a different style?

Yes, you can.  You will just have to make sure that wiring and cable connections are compatible. 

What does the Bowguard 360 do?

The Bowguard 360 will break away on impact from any angle.  It will  then automatically reset itself. This will allow you to get uninterrupted fishing and provides an extra safeguard from ruining your trolling motor or boat. It also detaches for added convenience.

Does this unit have location lock ability?

No, it does not. 

Are there any upgrades for this?

While Maxxum is not compatible with any AutoPilot, Sonar or i-Pilot accessories, it may be compatible with select quick release plates and handle extensions.

Does this come with the mounting anchors and how many are there in case I need to get some?

Yes, the motor comes with a set of six nuts, bolts, and washers for mounting.

What is the warranty on this unit?

The warranty is two years from date of purchase which covers parts and labor to repair any manufacturing defects.

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