I thought I would give you an update to my troubleshooting endeavor. I checked the connections, batteries, breakers and everything else and said screw it!! I called the factory and spoke to a service tech at Minn-Kota who told me to send it in and they would check it out. The motor is well out of warranty and I was pleasantly surprised that Minn-Kota paid for the shipping both ways. Once at the factory they called me and explained that the motor tested fine in the test tank, at high speeds (9 -10) over duration, with no issues. The battery check issue was a loose connection. The tech walked me thru the wiring on my boat and explained that 50amp circuit breakers are probably the culprit. They recommended a 60a hi-amp buss and sent me one back with the motor.
I will be hitting Erie in the next few weeks if I beat the ice and keeping my fingers crossed.

Jim
Bristol, IN