FYI on some test results I recently did from my MinnKota 30 (5 speed) on my PA 12. Built up a system with an inline amp meter, charting fish finder (for MPH), with minimal wind. Put the flippers tight to the bottom of PA (flat) and followed with a second test where I easily pedaled (yes: an effort level this 59 year old could do for hours - kind of like walking). Looking to see how the amps change with different speed settings and how the amps go down with a little easy pedal action. Below are my results at different speed settings. Also experimented with a PWM speed controller and a Kipawa prop.
Pictures below of my motor mount: used it for both my electric motor and a 2.5 hp Suzuki gas motor. Still need to figure out how to control the gas motor from the seat 4 feet away from the motor. I've got a little video of the gas motor running if anyone is interested and can help me figure out how to post videos.
http://s1100.photobucket.com/user/Brian ... or%20MountMinnKota 30; 5 speed; standard prop
Speed Setting / Speed (MPH) / Amps / Easy Pedal or flat
#1 1.8 6.7 flat
#2 2.1 8.5 flat
#2 2.5 8.3 yes
#3 2.5 12.0 flat
#3 2.8 11.3 yes
#4 2.9 14.0 flat
#4 3.4 13.3 yes
#5 3.6 22.0 flat
#5 3.9 21.8 yes
Now I set the speed to #5 and used the PWM speed controller to set a speed and check out the amps with flippers up tight and with an easy pedal. This does improve the amps at a given speed (anything less than full speed) but when you slow the motor down with the PWM speed controller the motor audibly vibrates (I assume its from the full 12 volt electrical pulses).
MK 30; full speed (#5); standard prop; speed control
Speed Setting / Speed (MPH) / Amps / Easy Peddle or flat
adjusted 2.5 8.0 flat
same 2.8 6.4 yes
adjusted 3.6 22.0 flat
same 3.9 21.8 yes
Next I installed my newly purchased Kipawa prop and performed similar testing. Unfortunately I did not see the great improvements I was hoping for with this prop.
MK 30; 5 speed; Kipawa prop
Speed Setting / Speed (MPH) / Amps / Easy Peddle or flat
#1 1.5 6.8 flat
#1 2.2 6.5 yes
#2 1.8 8.9 flat
#2 2.2 8.4 yes
#3 2.3 12.1 flat
#3 2.7 11.6 yes
#4 2.4 14.2 flat
#4 2.9 13.8 yes
#5 3.3 24.0 flat
#5 3.8 22.8 yes