Minn Kota released the original PowerDrive trolling motor in 1987 and kicked off the electric steer era. Over 35 years later that legacy continues with a full redesign for 2024. The PowerDrive offers anglers a wide range of Minn Kota features and options, all at an affordable price.

The latest PowerDrive 55 offers a few options to choose from based on your needs and budget. This motor is available with foot pedal operation or you can opt for Minn Kota’s “Advanced GPS technology” with a redesigned MICRO remote. This smaller remote enables the most popular GPS navigation features such as Spot Lock and Auto-Pilot. Integrated Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar is an available option with the foot pedal or Micro remote operated models. Whichever PowerDrive 55 you choose, you’re getting a reliable, tough motor that will take good care of you out on the water!

PowerDrive 55 Standard Features Include: Lever-style stow/deploy mechanism, Digital Maximizer and foot pedal. Available upgrades include “Advanced GPS” with wireless MICRO remote as well as Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar (DSC).

To learn more, grab our FREE Trolling Motor Buyer's Guide.

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Recommended for:

The PowerDrive 55 is recommended for small, freshwater v-hull, flats, bass, and general fishing boats up to 18'. The 12v - 55 lbs thrust motor is recommended for boats weighing up to 2,500lbs (assuming calm conditions). For more help picking the right thrust level - or to learn how much your boat weighs - please refer to our thrust guide.

How It's Unique

The Minn Kota PowerDrive series is a step-up from the Maxxum line of motors. Compared to the Maxxum, PowerDrive motors offer electric steering via the Advanced GPS Micro remote (Advanced GPS models only) or wired foot pedal (not compatible with GPS models).

The Terrova motors are a step-up from PowerDrive models and offer larger thrust options of 80 and 112 lbs. The Terrova also includes the full size Advanced GPS wireless remote while the PowerDrive 55 is only available with the Micro Remote.

While both models are compatible with Advanced GPS accessories, only the Terrova offers the ability to use a foot pedal AND a wireless remote simultaneously. PowerDrives with Advanced GPS are not compatible with foot pedals. For a better understanding of foot pedal compatibility, please see our Foot Pedal Compatibility Chart. For a comparison between the Terrova and PowerDrive motors please our Comparison Guide.

Water Type:

Freshwater only

Shaft Length(s):

The Freshwater PowerDrive 55 is available with 54" shafts only. For help selecting a shaft length, please see our shaft length selection guide.

Standard Features:

Variable Speed, Electric Steer Motor, Digital Maximizer, Built-In Battery Gauge, Power Prop, Composite Shaft. (Learn about these features). GPS models include a Micro remote and "Standard" models include a foot pedal.

Available Upgrades:

Advanced GPS with Micro remote and One Boat Network networking compatibility with select Humminbird fishfinders
For models equipped with Advanced GPS, full size Advanced GPS remote is available for purchase. The full size remote offers the full spectrum of Advanced GPS auto-navigation and memory features for complete boat control. This remote can be used in conjunction with the Micro remote
Models with GPS are compatible with a Heading Sensor which enables the "Jog Feature". This features allows you to shift the boat in 5' increments in any direction
Integrated Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar

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Mounting Details:

This motor is bolted directly to the bow of the boat using the included mounting hardware, and requires drilling into the boat for installation. Ideally, it's best to have access to the underside of the mounting platform in order to secure and fasten the bolting hardware. However, if accessing the underside is impossible you can use no access bolts to secure the motor from the top. For more information see our compatibility and mounting guides or download the PowerDrive installation instructions.

If you'd like to be able to take the motor on and off your boat, you can also install a quick release bracket. We recommend the MKA-21 quick release bracket

Mount Dimensions:

18 7/16" length x 7 3/16" width

Bolting Pattern:

Download Bolting Pattern

Wiring Details:

The PowerDrive can be wired directly to the battery and can also be used in conjunction with a plug and receptacle for a cleaner, more professional installation that's easy to remove. To protect your motor from damage, a circuit breaker is also recommended but is not required for installation.

Motor Voltage and Batteries:

The PowerDrive 55 is a 12 volt motor and requires (2) 12-volt marine batteries. For more information, see our articles on battery selection or battery wiring diagrams.

Power Lead Length:

5 Feet

Pedal Cord Length:

16'

What Is Included:

PowerDrive 55 trolling motor
Wired foot pedal ("Standard" models only)
Advanced GPS Micro remote*
30' Ethernet networking cable*
Humminbird Helix ethernet adapter cable*
Humminbird Helix sonar adapter cable (for Dual Spectrum CHIRP enabled models)*
5' Power leads with terminal battery ends
Mounting hardware
Installation Guide
Owners manual

*Advanced GPS Models Only

What Else Is Required:

1 x deep cycle 12v flooded lead-acid, AGM or 12v LiFePO4 Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Charger
Circuit Breaker

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Amperage Draw:

50 amps at maximum speed

Motor Run Time:

Important Note: Calculating run time for a trolling motor is very difficult due to the many factors involved. As you likely won't be running your trolling motor 100% of the time, the actual amount of time on the water will be longer than the continuous motor run times listed below.

Trolling motor run time can vary depending on the boat, operating conditions (winds, waves, etc) and the type of battery used. Listed below are run-time estimates assuming a 100 amp hour rated lead-acid batteries. If using a LiFePO4 lithium battery, you can typically expect longer run times. To learn more, please see our article on calculating motor run time.

20+ Hours: At slow, trolling speeds that draw 5 amps or less
4 Hours: Approx. run time with throttle 50% open
2 Hours: Approx. run time with the motor at full throttle

Stow and Deploy Method:

The PowerDrive's Deploy-Assist lever makes it easy to deploy the motor by squeezing a lever, raising the shaft and deploying it into the water. When not in use, the shaft and head can be quickly removed from the water and laid on the deck for storage.

Motor Steering Method:

The PowerDrive 55 is steered via the included foot pedal. Models equipped with Advanced GPS, come with the Micro remote control which can control motor speed and heading in addition to Spot Lock and Auto-Pilot functions. The GPS enabled PowerDrives can also be wired (aka networked) and controlled via select Humminbird fish finders or a Bluetooth smartphone app. Note:

The PowerDrive cannot support a foot pedal in conjunction with the Advanced GPS remote systems. If you'd like to be able to use both a pedal and wireless remote simultaneously, you'll need to choose a model such as the Terrova.

Shaft Adjustment:

An adjustable depth collar makes it easy to set your optimal prop depth in the water.

Motor Speed:

All PowerDrive motors are variable speed. Learn more about fixed vs. variable speed motors.

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Manuals:

Download Owners Manual

Download Installation Guide

Warranty Period:

Two Years. An additional 3rd year of warranty coverage is available when you register your motor with Minn Kota

Warranty Details:

The motor's composite shaft carries a lifetime guarantee. If it's ever broken - regardless of the circumstances - Minn Kota will replace it at no charge. The rest of the motor carries a two year warranty (3 years when registered with Minn Kota) backed up by hundreds of local Minn Kota service centers across the country. View Warranty Details Here

Box Dimensions:

Model 1358450 - 10"H x 17"W x 69"L WT: 45.15 lbs
Model 1358451 - 10"H x 17"W x 69"L WT: 44.0 lbs
Model 1358452 - 10"H x 17"W x 68"L WT: 44.0 lbs
Model 1358453 - 10"H x 17"W x 68"L WT: 44.3 lbs

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