Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot vs Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling: Spec Comparison
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When comparing minn kota edge 45 lb foot vs edge 55lb bow mount trolling, you are looking at two freshwater bow-mount options from the same brand. Both models offer five speed settings and a latch bracket for secure stowage. The primary difference lies in control and power. One uses a heel-toe foot pedal for hands-free steering, while the other relies on a hand tiller for direct grip control. You also get different thrust levels and shaft lengths to match your boat size.
Key differences
| Aspect | Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor | Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | 45 lb | 55 lb |
| Control Type | Foot pedal | Hand/tiller |
| Shaft Length | 36 in | 52 in |
| Propeller Type | Power Prop | Weedless Wedge 2 |
| Weight | 18 pounds | 20 pounds |
| Shaft Material | not listed | Composite |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor if
- You prefer hands-free steering with a responsive heel-toe foot pedal
- You need a shorter 36-inch shaft for a smaller boat
- You want a slightly lighter unit at 18 pounds
Choose Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor if
- You need more thrust for heavier loads or stronger currents
- You prefer direct hand control with an ergonomic twist-grip tiller
- You have a deeper transom requiring a 52-inch shaft
Verdict: Choose the 45 lb foot control model if you value hands-free operation and have a smaller boat. Pick the 55 lb tiller model if you need extra power and prefer direct hand steering. Both are built for freshwater use and offer reliable five-speed settings.
Minn Kota Edge Foot vs Tiller Specs
Thrust power
Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor delivers 55 lb of thrust, while the Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor provides 45 lb. The higher thrust rating on the 55 lb model means you have more power to push through wind, current, or heavy vegetation. If you fish in larger boats or tougher conditions, the extra 10 lb of thrust offers a clear advantage. The 45 lb model is sufficient for smaller crafts in calm waters. You should choose based on your boat size and typical water conditions.
Control method
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor uses a heel-toe cable-steer foot pedal with momentary and constant on/off options. The Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor features a tilt twist tiller with ergonomic twist grip for hands-on control. The foot pedal allows you to keep your hands on the rod or boat, which is ideal for active fishing. The tiller offers direct manual steering and speed adjustment in one grip. Your choice depends on whether you prefer seated foot control or standing hand steering.
Shaft length
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor comes with a 36-inch shaft. The Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor includes a 52-inch shaft. Shaft length determines how far the propeller sits below the waterline. A 36-inch shaft is suitable for boats with lower gunwales. The 52-inch shaft is necessary for deeper transoms to keep the propeller submerged. Using the wrong length reduces efficiency and can cause cavitation. You must match the shaft length to your boat's transom height.
Propeller design
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor uses a Power Prop designed for 3-1/4-inch motor diameters to power through thick cover. The Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor features a Weedless Wedge 2 Propeller for 3-5/8-inch motor diameters. The Weedless Wedge 2 has swept-back flared blades that reduce battery drain by chopping less vegetation. The Power Prop focuses on raw thrust in heavy weeds. The 55 lb model offers better weedless performance for its diameter, while the 45 lb model prioritizes power for its smaller size.
Motor weight
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor weighs 18 pounds. The Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor weighs 20 pounds. The lighter 45 lb model is easier to lift and install on smaller boats. The 55 lb model is slightly heavier due to its larger shaft and motor components. The two-pound difference is minimal for most users. However, if you frequently remove and store your motor, the lighter option reduces fatigue. Both models use durable composite materials for longevity.
Which Minn Kota Edge Model Fits You
Angler needing precise steering in heavy weeds
The 55 lb thrust model features a Weedless Wedge 2 propeller designed for 3-5/8 inch diameters. Its swept-back flared blades cut through thick vegetation without draining your battery. The 52-inch shaft suits deeper water, and the hand tiller gives you direct steering control while managing speed with one grip.
User preferring hands-free operation and lighter weight
This 45 lb thrust unit uses a heel-toe foot pedal for ultra-responsive control. It weighs only 18 pounds, making it lighter than the tiller version. The 36-inch shaft is ideal for shallower boats. You get five speed settings and a built-in directional indicator to stay oriented while keeping your hands free.
Boater requiring extra power for larger vessels
With 55 lb of thrust, this motor offers more power than the 45 lb alternative. The 52-inch shaft length provides clearance for deeper hulls. The indestructible composite shaft core ensures reliability. You can adjust speed and steering easily with the ergonomic twist grip tiller, making it a robust choice for heavier loads.
The products compared
Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor
Best for: freshwater kayak anglers needing simple foot control
- Thrust
- 45 lb
- Shaft Length
- 36 in
- Mount Type
- Bow mount
- Control
- Foot pedal
- Speed Settings
- 5 speed settings
- Water Type
- Freshwater
View on Amazon: Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor Affiliate link
This Minn Kota Edge is a 45 lb thrust bow-mount trolling motor designed for freshwater kayaks. It features a 36-inch shaft and a heel-toe foot pedal for speed and steering control. The unit includes a directional indicator and a latch bracket for secure stowing. It offers five speed settings and a power prop for vegetation. This model suits anglers needing reliable, hands-free navigation in calm waters.
Pros
- 45 lb thrust for steady freshwater propulsion
- Heel-toe foot pedal allows hands-free steering and speed control
- 36-inch shaft length fits most kayak transoms
- Built-in directional indicator helps maintain course
- Power prop designed to clear heavy vegetation
Cons
- Limited to freshwater use only
- Foot pedal requires constant physical input for steering
- Heavier at 18 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
Good fit if
- You need hands-free steering while keeping your hands on the rod
- You fish in freshwater environments with moderate vegetation
- You prefer a simple, durable mechanical control system
Skip if
- You require saltwater corrosion resistance
- You want remote or wireless control options
- You need more than 45 lb of thrust for larger vessels
Verdict: Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is a solid choice for freshwater kayak anglers who value simple, responsive foot-pedal steering over electronic complexity. It delivers adequate thrust for small boats but lacks the power for larger craft or saltwater use.
Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
Best for: manual control freshwater kayaking
- Thrust
- 55 lb
- Shaft Length
- 52 in
- Mount Type
- Bow mount
- Control
- Hand/tiller
- Speed Settings
- 5 speed settings
- Water Type
- Freshwater
View on Amazon: Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor Affiliate link
This Minn Kota Edge motor delivers 55 lb of thrust with a 52-inch shaft for freshwater kayaks. It uses a hand/tiller control system with a twist grip for speed and steering. The composite shaft and weedless wedge propeller handle vegetation well. It offers five speed settings. This setup suits anglers who prefer manual control over electronic foot pedals.
Pros
- 55 lb thrust for steady movement
- 52-inch shaft length for deeper water
- Ergonomic twist grip tiller control
- Weedless Wedge 2 propeller design
- Indestructible composite shaft core
Cons
- Requires manual hand steering and speed adjustment
- Freshwater only construction
- Heavier at 20 pounds than some alternatives
Good fit if
- You prefer tactile control over your trolling speed
- You fish in freshwater environments
- You need a bow-mount solution for a kayak
Skip if
- You want hands-free foot pedal operation
- You fish in saltwater regularly
- You need a lighter motor under 20 pounds
Verdict: Minn Kota Edge 55 lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor fits kayakers who value direct manual control and robust freshwater performance over electronic convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control Bow-Mount Motor | Minn Kota Edge 55lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | 45 lb | 55 lb |
| Shaft Length | 36 in | 52 in |
| Mount Type | Bow mount | Bow mount |
| Control | Foot pedal | Hand/tiller |
| Speed Settings | 5 speed settings | 5 speed settings |
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Propulsion | Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal | Trolling Motor |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Size | 45 lb Thrust | 55 lb Thrust |
| Dimensions | 63 × 9.5 × 20.4 inches | 9.5 × 20.3 × 66.5 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds | 20 pounds |
| Model | 3005.7277 | 1355963 |
Frequently asked questions
Which Minn Kota Edge motor is better for kayak trolling?
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control model is ideal if you prefer hands-free steering. It uses a foot pedal for precise direction changes, which helps you keep your eyes on the water. The 55 lb model relies on a manual tiller, requiring you to adjust speed and direction by hand. Choose the foot control for easier, responsive handling while fishing.
What is the weight difference between the two motors?
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control motor weighs 18 pounds. The Minn Kota Edge 55 lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor is slightly heavier at 20 pounds. This two-pound difference is negligible for most kayak setups. Both units are designed to be mounted on the bow, so the weight impact on your boat's balance remains minimal regardless of your choice.
Do both models fit a standard kayak bow?
Yes, both units feature a bow mount type, making them compatible with most kayaks. The 45 lb model has a shaft length of 36 inches. The 55 lb model does not list a specific shaft length in its data, but it is also a bow-mount unit. Ensure your kayak has a suitable mounting area for the 9.5-inch width common to both designs.
Is the 55 lb model suitable for saltwater use?
No, both the Minn Kota Edge 45 lb and 55 lb models are rated for freshwater use only. The specifications explicitly list freshwater as the water type for both products. Using them in saltwater may cause corrosion and damage the internal components. If you plan to fish in coastal or ocean environments, you will need a different motor designed for saltwater conditions.
How long are the shafts on these trolling motors?
The Minn Kota Edge 45 lb Foot Control motor comes with a 36-inch shaft. This length is standard for many kayaks and small boats. The specifications for the 55 lb model do not explicitly state the shaft length in the provided data. You should verify the shaft length for the 55 lb model against your kayak’s transom height before purchasing to ensure proper submersion.
Which motor offers more thrust for heavier loads?
The Minn Kota Edge 55 lb Bow-Mount Trolling Motor provides 55 lb of thrust. This is 10 lb more than the 45 lb model. If you have a larger kayak, carry heavy gear, or face strong currents, the extra thrust from the 55 lb model will help maintain speed and control. The 45 lb model is sufficient for smaller, lighter kayaks in calm conditions.