My deep cycle battery for my Minn Kota is slowly dying. I was thinking about replacing it but then thought about just purchasing a smaller 2.5 HP gas motor instead as they can be had for $900.00 list. I already have a 6 hp but find it propels the boat too fast for slow trolling and at 68 lbs, it is heavy to carry any distance.
I like the quietness of an electric, but then again, this motor weighs 20+ lbs and the battery weighs some 60 lbs which gets old after packing it all too many times.
The 2.5 HP weights around 38 lbs which would make it much more packable and will also propel the boat slow enough. I think I am pretty much sold on the 2.5 and will sell the electric motor but keep the 6 hp as it has less then 25 hours on it.
The only thing that I think I will miss is that these smaller gas motors, most do not have a reverse gear. After years of having reverse gear and how useful it is, not sure if I could do without it. Anyone else miss having reverse on these smaller motors?