Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater Trolling Motor Review

If you love to be on the water, you know that you need a high quality trolling motor.  With so many on the market, you may think it’s hard to pick.  But with our review of the Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater trolling motor, we supply you with everything you need to make an educated decision on if this troller is right for you.  From evaluating the pros and cons, to looking at specifics, you will be able to see if the Vantage Freshwater is a good troller for you. 

Keep reading to find out all about what customers are saying about this trolling motor. 

Pros:

  • Turning is a breeze with the articulated steering. 
  • It is not only easy, but fast, to change the direction with the power of Vantage. 
  • You can raise or lower your motor with the push of a button. 
  • The breakaway mount is very easy to reset.  
  • It has a digital maximizer, which allows up to 5 times longer run time. 
  • This troller has instant backtrolling and effortless stow and deploy. 
  • This unit has a cool and quiet motor. 

Cons:

  • This trolling motor is on the more expensive side. 
  • The product has been known to expose you to harmful chemicals. 

Brand

Minn Kota is an amazing brand for any trolling motor.  The company is well known for constructing tough and durable trollers for any water adventure.  If you were to ask any fisher what their top three brands are for trollers, Minn Kota would definitely make the top three!

Minn Kota is very innovative and unique.  They stay current on what customers want and crave, and have a desire to showcase fresh products.  Their reputation ranks higher than many other brands on the market today. 

Specs

  • 24 Volts
  • It has a control tilt-extend tiller. 
  • The maximum thrust is 80 pounds.
  • There is a 2 year warranty on this trolling motor. 
  • The propeller is a weedless wedge 2 (MKP-33).
  • Autopilot:  yes
  • Mounting bracket:  Metal breakaway
  • Mounting style:  Transom

Ready to Go

The Vantage Freshwater has a 4:1 ultra-responsive steering and automatic stow/deploy/trim.  This means it is always ready to go when you are.  You have to put way less effort into using this troller than you would with others.  

In fact, Minn Kota has this to say:

“Patience is a virtue, especially in fishing. But why wait if you don’t have to? Vantage lets you instantly slip into back trolling mode, quickly and responsively steer, and stow and deploy the motor at the push of a button. That’s less waiting — and more fishing.”

Backtrolling is made easy with the Vantage Freshwater.  First, lift the directional indicator, then  rotate it 180 degrees.  Then set it back in place. Instantly change direction with the power of Vantage in these simple steps. 

Fights Off Weeds 

With Weedless Wedge 2 propellers, you will never have to worry about thick or heavy vegetation.  The propellers eat right through any marshy area so you can power through to get to your fish.  Best of all, you will not have to worry about draining the battery while doing this. 

Plenty of Power

Many customers that have purchased a Vantage are in love with the power that these units have.  They feel there is plenty of power for whatever vessel they are using.  

All of the fishers we have talked to have loved how quiet this unit is.  The heat is dispersed so the motor will stay cool.

Ease of Use

Customers are always looking for products that are easy to use.  Lucky for you, the Minn Kota Vantage fits this bill.  Whenever the  depth and fishing conditions change (because you know they will), all you have to do is push a button to raise or lower your motor. You can also automatically stow the motor at the end of the excursion or when you’re on the move.

This trolling motor is also easy to install and operate on the water.  Therefore, more times than not, customers are commenting how happy they have been with their purchase.  

Extend Time on Water

With the use of the digital maximizer, you can extend your time on the water.  With one single charge, you will have p to 5 times longer run time because you are only using the power that you need.  This is a huge energy saver.  With the variable speed motor, set your dial to the precise speed and the right amount of power will be delivered. 

Responsiveness

Minn Kota is an excellent brand for responsiveness.  Customers are pleased with the durable motor that is perfect for backtrolling.  

Accuracy

Many have commented on how accurate this Vantage trolling motor is.  They believe the controllability is much better than ever as well.  The steering controls are comfortable for one to utilize.  

With the unique tiller, it  extends out a full 31 inches  and tilts up to 45 degrees to put effortless command in your grasp.  

Breakaway Mount

If you are worried about safety while out on the water, the breakaway mount on this unit will supersede your expectations.  Literally, this one will break away on impact, not like some of the other models we have seen.  Hazards are often unforeseen, so with the assistance of a breakaway mount, customers have said they have felt much safer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum speed of the Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater?

This ultimately will depend on how big your boat is.  If you use this for bactrolling, you can get a good 3 miles per hour on a medium sized boat. 

Can the motor be raised if the battery goes dead?

No, you will not be able to raise the motor should the battery die.  

In Conclusion

We believe that the Minn Kota Vantage Freshwater trolling motor is a great choice for anyone that backtrolls.  While it is on the pricey side, it has the breakaway mounting system that has pleased many.  

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment