Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30" Shaft)

I guess I waited 10 years to write this review. Mine is still like brand new, and runs perfectly. Used on fresh water lakes on a 16' old town poly canoe (about 70 lbs) on a twisted aluminum motor mount bolted to the transom (and also just bolted to the side of the transom, which works great too, and doesn't require a motor mount). I usually use it when I go out on a "beer float" with my wife (she thinks it is a wine float) with a 100 amp/hr lipo battery, or older lead acid battery. The lipo battery is awesome, nice and light, and lasts a long time - maybe 3-4 hours. And the motor is light too. That is a great setup for canoe. I usually run on setting 4 (goes 1 to 5 forward), and only switch to 5 when the battery gets low, and doesn't go as fast. Also, I put it on an old 12' aluminum v hull. It is too small really for that boat, with 2 people (ok for 1 if you don't want to go too fast). I'm getting a 55 lb thrust for the jon-boat (I have a bunch of outboards that are a lot nicer, but the battery is so nice for talking and having a nice outing with my wife). Anyway, for a canoe, I think 30 lbs thrust is enough. For jon-boat, go 55 lbs or more. Also, the old min-kotas that are smaller than 30 lbs are too small for a canoe. Anyway, this is the best way to motorize a canoe, in my opinion, as it is so quiet, and comfortable and light. I've tried outboards too, and they usually go too fast, and make too much noise, for going on a beer float with someone you want to visit with. We have other boats and set-ups ... but the canoe with the electric motor (and a reclining beach chair backwards in the front, reclining with a cup of wine) is my wife's favorite.

The Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor has proven to be a reliable and efficient addition to my boating gear. It's easy to install and lightweight, making it a breeze to handle. I've used it on my 10-foot Jon boat and it works great, providing just the right amount of power for short runs. I was initially concerned about the power output, but the 30lb thrust is more than adequate for my needs. The motor runs smoothly and quietly, allowing me to enjoy the serenity of the water. The tilt mechanism is smooth and the extension handle is a great feature, making steering comfortable even from the back of the boat. One minor drawback is the reverse function, which could use a bit more power. However, it's sufficient for backing out of the shallows. Overall, this motor offers good value for the price and I would recommend it to others looking for a cost-effective solution for their small boat or kayak

What I meant by the catchy headline is that this is about the minimum horsepower for the small boat application. In my case I have it hooked to a Sun Dolphin 8.5 play boat. My calculation was that more power was not only not needed, but not wanted. I need those lower speeds for trolling and such. Also I need to make sure that when I go out I can get back in, less paddle.Here is the deal. The thing is NOT a power hog. As of this writing (super rainy wet year) I have battled winds and currents in our overflowing rivers and having to stay on it all the time has been the test. I haven't got back to the pull out with less than a half battery yet.My notion is that if you have a 14ft boat or less this engine is adequate. No need to break the bank if you're on a budget. For my purposes it is perfect!The gadget that tilts the thing. Over the years I have fought with those releases. Not so on the MinnKota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor. Smoothest one I have ever seen.The one thing that is not perfect is the reverse. Don't plan on running it from the front of the boat in reverse. Ain't happening. I don't know if the blades aren't pitched right or what, but the reverse really froths the water without giving much ooomph. I mean, it will back you out of the shallows, but it's not for full time use. Forward, on the other hand works just like you like.About the handle.... Well, I wound up putting my trolling motor in the back and I was kinda worried about steering. You know, twisting around and all. But with the extension handle which you can pull out a lot or a little....it ended up being zero problem. I think I might actually like it more better on the aft now.And one heads up. If you plan on putting a transducer onto the foot...be advised, it probably won't fit as the foot is too short. However...my workaround was to put my transducer all the way to the rear against the fin and shim it with some rubber pads on an edge so that I got it near to vertical. And my depth finder works just fine. So no harm done. You could use most anything that won't rot. Your wife's Tupperware, for instance.I like my MinnKota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor a LOT and you will too. If your boat be smaller grab one. You'll be thankin' me!