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Posts: 734
| I am getting a new boat and wondering everyone's opinion on which is better. Minn Kota or motorguide? |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Depends on the features you are looking for. Minn Kota has more market share and service centers than Motor guide. That being said, those who are running the newer versions of Motorguide seem to be happy with them.
Most of the guys who are active on MFirst seem to be running Minn Kota from what I've gathered over the years. You might find more opinions on newer Motorguide at www.walleyecentral.com |
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| i've got a newer Motorguide Tour series (2 years old) and i love it. 36v and 109lbs of thrust. never had a whisper of a problem with it other than busting a prop on a rock pile last year. doh.
it has the features i want:
- low profile foot pedal that has front/back steering (like cable steer without the fatigue from huge pedal)
- electric steering
- universal transducer
- gator mount launch/lift
- foot pedal cord extension so i can run it from back of the boat
i prefer to actively steer and speed control the trolling motor, so AutoPilot isn't something i need. Motorguide PTsV units have the contour-tracking ability, a better version of AP in my opinion. probably what i'll look at someday when i need a new trolling motor and save up some money since they're pricey. |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | just bought my 6th minn kota... I have had 3 Transom tillers over the years, only replaced each for more power..... and 3 bow mounts for same reasons(2 foot control, 1 hand control). My current bow mount is a 74lbs thrust Maxxum Hand Control, 24 volt, with the 3X steering... I just hope my cover still fits on the boat when I put this one on..lol.... no more foot control troubles(I can put motor on constant and go in one direction rather then in a circle, like hapens with foot control when you take your foot off the pedal.)... varaible speed, Maximizer to extend battery life... only thing I need to do is move batteries to front of boat instead of having in the back like I did when I ran a 12 volt trolling motor. I have a friend that only has used Motorguide.. he swears by them... I guess it may be just like an outboard, everyone has their preference as to which brand they like more. Biggest thing to do, get the absolute biggest motor you can afford. 24V motors are much nicer then 12v motors(but 24v require 2 batteries, 12v requires one), but if all you can afford is 12v get the biggest you can |
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Posts: 462
Location: Antioch, IL | I just replaced an old Motorguide (burnt out the speed coil) w/ a PD55 Minn Kota and have found true love. Don't know much about the newer Motorguides, but love the features on the Minn Kota PD unit.
- Low profile foot pedal (so you don't look like Captain Morgan standing on the front of your boat)
- infinate variable speed (saves lots of battery juice for that last light time when it's needed most)
- only complaint is with the launch/lift standard package (I need to look into an upgrade)
Like the other guys have mentioned, get the most thrust you can afford. I believe 55lb. is the most Minn Kota offers in 12V (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
Dave |
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Posts: 111
Location: Big Lake, MN |
I don't mean to completely hi-jack this thread but only to revive it.
I will soon be in the market for a new bow mount trolling motor. I have had a 50PD for a couple years on my old lund and am now having problems with the foot controller. I will be looking for something in the 80lb range to put on a '03 1675 Explorer be it a Power Drive, AP, Maxxum or Motorguide.
I would like to hear your opinion.
Thanks, |
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Posts: 32926
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I'm running the MotorGuide Wireless 75#, and like it. It's been a bit of a transition, but it's easy to use, fast responding, and so far bulletproof. the only draw back is the prop needs to be changed to the weedless model if you fish alot of slop; the one that comes standard is not good in the stuff. |
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