$270 12V 100# Koetsu S200 brushless trolling motor was impressive too

[zfami]

Interesting comparison, and the below power/speed numbers definitely don't tell the whole story. The 100lb thrust S200 is a beast, but it's not quite as efficient as the #70 S130. In a nutshell, for my mostly mellow sailing environment I'd easily prefer an S130 if it became available with the longer shaft of the S200. As of now, with the short shaft S130 you have to be more cognizant of the overall boat trim to be sure to keep the prop under water - especially when sending someone forward when docking and you want that power (ask me how I know)! For both motors I would strongly suggest installing a Newport Vessels NK180 foiled rudder w/integrated anti-cavitation plate. I think most folks using the motors in a more dynamic sailing environment will require the longer shaft. The S200 also has a much more robust mount, and while not as heavy as a brushed motor, it does weighs a bit more and has a larger diameter motor case than the S130. On the other hand, if you ever need plenty of power to deal with a headwind or current you've definitely got it. The S200 seems like it could easily do 3.75-4mph all day (or as long as your battery lasts) and never feel like it's working hard. In a 10mph headwind the S200 easily still pushed the Sun Cat about 4mph. In the end, I may very well keep the S200 as my primary, and carry the lightweight and compact S130 (as a backup) mounted to a bracket in the lazarette for any trailer ventures to bigger water. Testing noted below was done in calm conditions, no current or waves, but an additional extra passenger compared to the S130 tests. Call it 450lbs of passengers, motor and gear this time vs 300lbs during the earlier S130 evaluation. Video link to a Com-Pac Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C8wKauecB/
Data points below:
15A 2.75mph
20A 3.25mph
25A 3.5mph
30A 3.7mph
35A 4mph
60A 4.5mph
80A 4.75mph

[03Suncatdaysailor]

Are these saltwater rated? I looked briefly at the ad on Amazon but didn't see much. Does your literature say?

Thank you

[zfami]

They don't claim that in any literature I've seen. I opened the control head to extend the lead wires, and IMO it's pretty safe in there - no meaningful electronics save a well sealed/plastic encased potentiometer. I suppose the small volt meter board could be conformal coated by yourself, but unlike lead acid batteries, its really useless to determine the SOC of a lifepo4 anyway - I use my battery's BMS Bluetooth app. Where the wires go down into the shaft it looks well sealed. Screws and hex bolts on the head are not stainless, just regular metric that can easily be upgraded to stainless. The mount's hardware is not stainless - I swapped the mount with a Minn Kota (which had stainless hardware) but the shaft seemed perhaps a touch loose so I went back to the Koetsu's as I'm a laker and don't need stainless. The motor shaft is stainless (the S130's is aluminum) as well as the armature/prop shaft. Beyond that I suppose it's all about the motor case's paint or powder coating(?). I can't tell and really have no opinion on that.