I do my fishing in 95% freshwater in rivers and lakes. A couple times a year I do end up below the saltwater barrier. Is that alone enough to warrant buying a saltwater trolling motor? I also don't want a big shiny ass white trolling motor and bracket on the front of my boat come duck season. I'm looking in the 50-70lb range and 24v for sure.

My experience says get a saltwater motor if you are going to run in it in salt water at all! If you leave it on during the season then you can paint it or throw a piece of camo over it

I have been having a Minn Kota Maxxum trolling motor on my rig for the last 3 years and haven't had a lick of problems with it. I'm just the opposite as you. I fish saltwater 80% of the time and fresh 20%. As long as you wash it down good when you get home, you should have no problems. I also didn't want a big ass white motor sitting on the front of my boat during season either. But that's just my .02 cents

The Maxxum is the one I'm considering... They don't make a 50lb 24v setup, so I'll probably just go with the 70 and have the extra power. I've learned my lesson with 12v trolling motors.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Products/ ... FWD-3-REV/

Go with the 24 volt.... the 12vs don't have the A$$ or the RUN time.

I thank BUG all the time for talking me into getting a 24 volt.

Never had an issue with three/4 trips a year to the coast on the freshwater unit we've been using for 20 years.

Just like he said, the run time and power. I've been fishing out in the river channel way too many times and a battery shit on me. I swore with my last small trolling motor that Id never do that again. The 70# 24v foot control, how mount MK edge is only $615... Pretty reasonable for that kind of setup.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Products/ ... HAFT-FOOT/

I have a "freshwater" Endura that I use exclusively in saltwater. It's my second one in 14 years & it's still going strong. Unless you have a big bayboat, it's not worth spending the extra money. Almost everything that can rust is sealed up watertight anyway.

Get the mount that allows you to pull the whole bracket off. All that's left is a small white block. Works great.

Ive got a bill dance motor guide thats been on the front of my boat for at least 10 years. I fish 95% saltwater. Ive never had a problem with it. Just clean it off real good when you get done. I see no reason in spending money for an expensive saltwater motor on an aluminum boat. If you take care of something it will last.

What shaft length should I be looking at?? The shortest? It will be going on a GD boat with 17" sides.

I got the 52". It's in the water enough and I don't have to bend down to operate it. It's right around my waist level.

I mainly fish saltwater and use a fresh water motor guide. Have never had issues but I wash mine down vigorously .

I buy cheap fresh water min kota's. I usually get about 10 years out of them. I spend my money on other items.