In 2021 I added a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor to my Hewescraft Ocean Pro 220. Overall I have been very happy with my new Terrova with a couple of exceptions. Anyone who fishes the southeast side of Lake Michigan knows the wind and waves are always a challenge in this part of the lake. Because of the small skeg on the Terrova, helm control is a real issue in windy and wavy conditions. In addition it would really chew through the charge on my batteries. On really rough days, my batteries would maybe last 4-5 hours because the trolling motor had to work so hard.
It was enough of a problem that I really wondered if I made the wrong decision in adding the electric trolling motor over getting a kicker motor. Then I found the LeeLock Anchor Systems Magnum Skeg and that all changed.
The LeeLock Magnum Skeg drastically improves performance and straight line travel of bow-mounted electric trolling motors. The use of bow-mounted, electric trolling motors for salmon trolling is a game-changer. Not only does this Skeg improve performance, it makes bow-mounted electric trolling motors much more efficient. Your batteries will run longer on a charge. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg can be a vital part of your trolling motor system!
This oversized Skeg is made of anodized 5052 aluminum. The size is 8 3/4 inches high by 10 inches wide and it’s 3/16 inches thick. The anodization keeps the aluminum from corroding in fresh and salt water.
The LeeLock Magnum Skeg is available to fit most* 24 Volt and 36 volt Minn Kota motors (see dropdown). It comes with clear PVC coated stainless steel hose clamps. Call 360-380-1864 or write [email protected] if you have any questions about fit.
LeeLock is the only west coast manufacturer that produces an oversized Skeg for electric trolling motors.
*The LeeLock Magnum Skeg should fit all Minn Kota motors built with original skegs (fins) in the back of the motor with the exception of motors with Built In MEGA Down Imaging® Sonar, which is the large sonar unit on the bottom of the motor, not on the nose.
Better Control
Adding the LeeLock Magnum Skeg made a huge difference in helm control. The larger surface area of the skeg allowed me to run the trolling motor at lower prop speeds and significantly improved the tracking of the boat. This also meant the Minn Kota i-Pilot had to work a lot less. Which gave me more time to focus on my fishing instead of driving the boat.
In addition, I was also able to extend the time I was able to use my trolling motor beyond conditions I would have previously been able to. We have all been there when your kicker or electric trolling motor are just not enough to control your boat and have to switch to driving your boat manually. With this skeg I have been able to reliably run my boat in four to five foot seas and 25mph winds with minimal intervention.
Extended Battery Life
Not only did adding the LeeLock Magnum Skeg improve my boat control it also significantly reduced the drain on my batteries. The combination of reducing the amount of work the trolling motor had to do to control the boat and being able to run the prop at lower speeds improved my battery life by at least 25 to 30% on average. Four to five hours of use on the trolling motor in rough seas improved to seven to eight hours or more. On calm days, I could now run the trolling motor for as much as a half a day.
In Closing
If you have a Minn Kota 24 or 36 volt trolling motor, you may want to look into a LeeLock Magnum Skeg. At $105, it’s a small cost to pay to improve your boat control and significantly extend the time you can use your trolling motor on the Big Lake. In my opinion the benefits far out weigh the costs.
I would also image if you have a smaller boat than my Ocean Pro 220 the improved performance is likely to be even more noticeable than I see.