Took the jon out today for the second time for a couple of hours.  I hooked up the transom mount Minn Kota Endura the guy included with the boat.  I expected it to really move the boat around but I was only impressed with the 5th and most powerful speed.  1-4 left alot to be desired.  Could this be my battery or the fact that I'm pushing instead of pulling the boat?  I know you can pull a chain alot easier than push one but I thought a 14' aluminum jon and one person inside would move better than it did.  There was a HUGE difference between speeds 4 and 5 but very little difference at all in 1-4.  1 and 2 felt like it wasn't even on. Any suggestions or past experiences with this motor??

hmmm.  Good questions.  I've taken my #55 on a jonboat before and, like you, was a little un-impressed.  However, there were two of us (both larger adults) and even speeds 1 and 2 moved the boat and were useful for small changes in positioning, so, maybe there is a batt problem.

We also were using the motor mounted on the transom.

What did you expect ?

If it helps at all i have a 12' Jon with a 46 minn Kota. Speeds 1-2 dont really move the boat, mainly used for keeping it in postion against the current or in the wind. Speed 3-4 good for a very slow quiet creep around the lake. Speed 5 is the only speed that really moves the boat with any kind of haste. But we are talking 3- 5 miles per hour max. So for a 14' Jon i would say your scenario sounds about on par.

I must have got one of the good ones, because I have a 16ft Tracker Jon that is HEAVY.  1-5 all move the boat effectively.

Keep it in perspective, you are not going to get on plane with a trolling motor....

I have 46 lbs and 12' jon.  

1 troll and stay in position against wind (10 - 15 mph)

2 trolling against wind

3-4 move as fast as I can kayak

5 go 4-5 mph ( I will measure the speed the next time I go out)

I'm 180lbs and son is 120lbs

I hope that help!

PS. Hawk, does your trolling motor vibrate when you put it on 5?

only if its not clamped down correctly. But usually its really smooth in 5th

I have one MK tm 55# on transom of my 14 and I' m very happy.

The problem is the prop design.  Trolling motors are made to do what they are called..."troll".  If you notice all trolling motors have a very small pitch on the prop and therefore do not push much water out of the way.  I know your frustration and wish that a company would design a better prop for those that use it as main propulsion.  Does anyone know of a good solution?

Give this a look, I have one on my 46# Endura. This prop moves alot more water than a normal prop, I am very pleased with mine. If you are using a trolling motor as primary mover, it does a great job.

www.kipawapropellers.com

basspaddler... what size boat do you have?

I use mine on my old 14' Alumacraft V-hull and the new(actually older than dirt, but was returned to me) 14' fiberglass Gamefisher semi-V. The Alumacraft is an "ancient" model(circa 1960) and very heavy, I can barely move it on and off the trailer by myself (I am 6'1"/230# and in pretty good shape). My handle says basspaddler because I primarily fish from a kayak, but still use a normal boat a couple of times a month.

thanks for the tip, i'm purchasing a 14ft jon and was looking to push it with a 46# minn kota. i'll definitely look into those props.

Well I am certainly not expecting to get up on plane with any trolling motor!! LOL  I think it has just been awhile since I've been out in a boat  fishing for any period of time.  My previous bass boat, a 17' HydraSport had a 70lb on the bow and was foot operated.  It moved it well but like I said it's been a long time since I've sold it and I may be thinking it moved alot quicker than it did.  I'm happy with the 55lb and will be even more so when I get it moved to the bow.