Head-to-head comparison · Trolling Motors
Minn Kota Endura 50 vs Endura Max 55
Both are 12 V freshwater Minn Kota transom motors with a 36 in shaft, a 6 in telescoping tiller, a push-button battery meter, a 50 A maximum draw and a 21 lb weight. The Endura Max adds 5 lb of thrust and variable speed.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Why the Minn Kota Endura Max 55 (36" Shaft) wins
The Endura Max 55 wins: at the same weight and maximum draw, Minn Kota gives it 5 lb more thrust and Digital Maximizer variable speed, which it says can give up to five times longer run time per charge. Choose the Endura 50 if you prefer simple fixed speed steps.
Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)Minn Kota Endura 50 (36" Shaft)
A 50 lb, 12 V freshwater transom motor with a 36-inch shaft, five forward and three reverse speeds, a battery meter and Minn Kota's lifetime shaft guarantee.
Minn Kota Endura Max 55 (36" Shaft)
A 55 lb, 12 V freshwater transom motor with variable speed (Digital Maximizer), a push-button battery meter and a composite shaft Minn Kota guarantees for life.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | Minn Kota Endura 50 (36" Shaft) | Minn Kota Endura Max 55 (36" Shaft)Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:7.8/10 | Editorial score:8.2/10 |
| Best for | Best Fixed-Speed Minn Kota Transom | Lightest Minn Kota 55 lb Transom |
| Thrust | 50 lb | 55 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 36 in | 36 in (42 in also sold) |
| Mount | Transom | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse | Variable (Digital Maximizer) |
| Steering | Hand tiller, 6 in telescoping | Hand tiller, 6 in telescoping |
| Battery meter | Push-button, on the motor head | Push-button, on the motor head |
| Water type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Max amp draw | 50 A | 50 A |
| Weight | 21 lb | 21 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited; composite shaft guaranteed for life | 2-year limited; composite shaft guaranteed for life |
| Where to buy | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) |
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At a glance
Key differences
- 1Thrust: 50 lb vs 55 lb
- 2Speed control: 5 forward, 3 reverse fixed steps vs variable (Digital Maximizer)
- 3Maximum draw: 50 A for both
- 4Weight: 21 lb for both, by Minn Kota's figures
- 5Warranty: 2-year limited plus lifetime composite shaft for both
Product by product
Pros and cons
Minn Kota Endura 50 (36" Shaft)
The Endura 50 is a simple freshwater motor for a jon boat or small aluminum boat with a transom that needs a 36 in shaft. If you want variable speed and a little more thrust at the same weight, the Endura Max 55 is the better buy.
Pros
- Composite shaft that Minn Kota guarantees for life
- Push-button battery meter on the motor head
- Minn Kota publishes the 50 A maximum draw and a 21 lb weight
- Power Prop, which Minn Kota designs to push through weeds
Cons
- Fixed speed steps; no Digital Maximizer variable speed
- Freshwater only
- The Endura Max 55 has 5 lb more thrust at the same 21 lb and 50 A, by Minn Kota's figures
Minn Kota Endura Max 55 (36" Shaft)
The Endura Max 55 is the light, no-fuss way to get Minn Kota's variable speed and lifetime shaft guarantee on a freshwater jon boat or small aluminum boat. Pick the Traxxis if you want a tilting tiller, or a Newport if you fish salt.
Pros
- Variable speed, which Minn Kota says can give up to 5 times longer run time per charge
- At 21 lb, lighter than the Traxxis 55 and the Newport X-Series 55 lb
- Minn Kota publishes the 50 A maximum draw, which makes wiring simple
- Composite shaft guaranteed for life
Cons
- Freshwater only
- Simpler tiller than the Traxxis, which also tilts
- Amazon carries more than one Endura Max listing, so check the thrust and shaft on the page
Choose the Endura Max 55 if
- You want to set an exact trolling speed rather than pick from fixed steps.
- You want the extra 5 lb of thrust for a loaded boat or wind, at no cost in weight or maximum draw.
- Check the Endura Max 55 on Amazon (paid link).
Choose the Endura 50 if
- You like simple click-stop speeds: five forward and three reverse.
- You fish weedy water and want Minn Kota's Power Prop, which it designs to push through vegetation.
- Check the Endura 50 on Amazon (paid link).
Both are freshwater motors, and Minn Kota's warranty excludes saltwater use. For salt, see the Newport NV-Series 62 lb or X-Series 55 lb.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the Minn Kota Endura and Endura Max?
- The Endura Max adds Digital Maximizer variable speed. The Endura has five forward and three reverse fixed speeds.
- Do they weigh the same?
- Minn Kota lists both the Endura 50 and Endura Max 55 with a 36 in shaft at 21 lb.
- Can either be used in saltwater?
- No. Both are freshwater motors, and Minn Kota's warranty excludes saltwater and brackish use.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
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