My boat came with a Minn-Kota Powerdrive V2 55lb thrust electric trolling motor mounted on the bow. All of the battery hook-ups are in place, but it didn't come with a separate battery for the Minn-Kota. I've been kicking around the idea of buying a second battery to get it operational, but am also wondering if there is any point in an electric trolling motor for fishing the rivers for salmon and crabbing the bays here along the Oregon Coast?

Right now the thing is a paperweight and I've been tempted to just remove it and get it out of the way. Any of you have experience with electric trolling motors? How well would it maneuver a 16' aluminum V hull boat? Any idea the battery life during a typical days use?

The main motor is a 25 hp four-stroke with a trolling plate attached, which seems to troll down just fine.

Keep in mind, this is the first boat I've ever owned and the fishing here is all pretty new to me too. Thanks in advance.

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