Does anyone know anything about the true efficiencies (output power to input
power) of Minnkota or Motor Guide trolling motors. I have questioned reps of
both companies and they deny any knowledge of the efficiencies.

If one assumes 70 lb thrust is about equal to one horsepower, then you can
calculate the efficiencies of the Minnkota units from published voltage and
current ratings. They run 65% to 100%+. If you do the same for the thrust vs
kilowatt specs cited in the Motor Guide owners manual, all of their motors
exceed 100% efficiency (like to have some of them!).

Anyone know the truth?

Bob Swarts

Robert or Karen Swarts writes:

Anyone know the truth?

It would take a dynamometer to characterize the efficiency of these motors
on a test bench. If you mean to include the prop efficiency, you would
also need a thrust gage for in-the-water tests. Do the magazine reviews
actually go to such lengths?

My question does include the prop efficiency and I am not interested in how
they measure the output so much as what the actual output is. Input is easy:
volts x amps/746 gives the input hp. I am sure magazine reviews don't do
such testing, but I would sure expect a manufacturer to know what the
efficiency of his machine is.

BS


"Richard J Kinch" wrote in message
. ..
Robert or Karen Swarts writes:

Anyone know the truth?

It would take a dynamometer to characterize the efficiency of these motors
on a test bench. If you mean to include the prop efficiency, you would
also need a thrust gage for in-the-water tests. Do the magazine reviews
actually go to such lengths?