my minn kota tm does not seem to push me all that well. it is a 46# foot control on a 1444 g3. is there a way to check the amperage draw or some method to determine if it is my batteries or my motor?

First check to see if you don't have fishing line or weeds caught under your prop by taking it off. Check your connection and make sure it is attached to the battery good. Check the water in your battery. Then check any wire connections. Look for any oxidation. If that isn't it then you can take a volt meter and check the battery then check the end of your wire and make sure you got juice. You can also take a ohm meter and check to see if you have continuity from one end of the wire to the other incase you have a break in the wire.

Start with what Chris suggested, if that doesn't fix it, you can check it with a multimeter of almost any kind to determine if your wires are no longer carrying enough current.  That is a definite possibility, I have the new wiring for mine sitting in the garage waiting to be installed.  ...lol

I got $5 says it's line on the shaft  

I got a penny that says its the coil going bad

I got two bits on the magnet also.

Yep, can be any of the above but to answer your question on checking it electricaly.  A digital volt meter will check the battery.  A fully charged battery will have between 12.6 and 12.8 volts (depending on the type).  This is checked 24 hours after disconnecting charger.

Easiest way to check the current draw if you don't have a DC current loop is to go to a auto parts store and get you a 45 Amp, amp meter and connect it in series with the positive cable.  I am assuming this is a 12V TM.  Connect the battery lead to the negative side of meter and TM cable to the positive side.    Record the amp draw and the battery voltage at that amp draw (with the motor in water and prop on it)

I don't have the formulas for converting this info into pounds of thrust so you will have to call a repair facility and see what your motor is suppose to draw at a specific battery level.

Even a battery with a bad cell will read good on a voltage check. 12v  The easiest to do is let Walmart or Auto zone do a load check on it.   Autozone is free and walmart is to if its one of their brands carried.  

Ya, auto zone should be able to tell you if it is your battery. But my money is on the snag.