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One of the best-sellers produced by Minn Kota is the Endura family of trolling motors. There are 2 primary branches of this family, the C2 and the Max, both have their differences and their subtypes.

We recommend the Endura max for many reasons, including its suitability for smaller watercraft like canoes, as well as the ability to deliver excellent power and the longer use life while on the water. It’s also one of the only 12-volt systems on the market with a push-to-test meter (able to check remaining battery life).

Of course, the fact that it was designed for boats up to 17 feet long makes it a perfect choice for canoes and kayaks.

Minn Kota Endura Max

The Minn Kota Endura Max is built on the bones of the C2 and has its own additional benefits. This transom mount delivers better performance in terns of speed and power than standard Endura.You’ll notice a difference for the better in windy conditions.

There’s plenty of torque to power through heavily weeded areas.

(Note: It’s well worth adding a weedless wedge prop for these conditions.)

a 6 inch telescoping tiller

larger motor housing than the standard Endura

the company’s unique Digital Maximizer™, which provides up to 5 times the operating life on a single charge by optimizing power usage and distribution.

simple press the test meter to get an instant reading on your remaining battery life, and never worry about being stuck paddling back to shore again.

a motor that shares the composite shaft and cool motor design of the original Endura C2.

Like the C2, the Endura Max is available in several different power ratings. The base model is the 40 (lbs of thrust), but you can also upgrade to the 45, 50, or 55. (The 45lb is a good option for canoes.)

Minn Kota Endura C2

The C2 is a transom-mounted trolling motor available in a number of power ratings – 30, 40, 45, 50, and 55 lb. of thrust. The C2 is also available with 3 different shaft lengths (30, 36 and 42 inches), so you can get the ideal combination of trolling motor for your canoe, kayak or boat.

Features

You’ll find a number of handy features standard with the C2. Some are found on a few other trolling motors, but many are unique to the Endura. For instance the handle is ergonomically designed, and features a telescoping capability that makes steering and control much easier than with other designs.

An advantage is the quick-cooling feature, which allows the motor to cool down quickly thanks to the extra-large windings on the motor.

Minn Kota also introduced a unique bearing system that reduces prop noise while in use to reduce the chances of spooking fish.

The shaft is made from a composite material, and offers better strength and durability than many competing models on the market.

Other features include a lever lock bracket that offers 10 positions, and a powerful prop that actually delivers extra thrust through underwater vegetation. The motor has 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds to help ensure the perfect pace.

We recommend the Endura C2 family for a number of reasons. The base model is one of the most affordable on the market (around $100 usually), but the motor itself is very easy to use. It’s quiet and durable, as well. However, the 30 is best suited for smaller boats. If you have a larger craft, go for the 40, 45, 50 or 55.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, whether you choose the C2 or the Max, the Minn Kota Endura family of trolling motors offers something that will benefit most anglers. From fast cooling technology to better ergonomics to more time on the water, there’s a lot to love here.

Minn Kota is one of the most recognized brands on the market when it comes to trolling motor manufacturers. The company has been around since 1934, and continues to offer a number of popular trolling motors for both freshwater and saltwater use.

Note: Adding a weedless wedge prop to your Endura is well worth the extra investment. ($15 approximately)