Are Minn Kotas that good?

BLLDOGG

Seaman
Joined
Nov 13, 2006
Messages
70
I read somewhere else on iboats that they are one of the best products. Is this really true or just all talk since they sell it?

I plan on using one, transom mounted for main propulstion on my 14ft alumacraft v-bottom for lakes and ponds.

I was looking at maybe a 50lb thrust one from academy that was $150 but can not find it on their website to offer you guys some info.

What are your suggestions?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

Minn Kota makes good motors, so does MotorGuide. I wouldn't try anything else.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

they're both good motors. i prefer the motor guide bow mount, as you can control the boat much easier.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?cart_id=352470632&session_id=320409111&view_id=25157

this is an inexpensive alternative to an expensive bow mount motor

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?keyword...=574100731&list_time=1165235967&view_id=39209

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?view_id=194819&cart_id=029900783&session_id=320409111

also check walmart. they carry the transom mount motors.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,750
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

I picked up a Minn Kota Vector 65# transom model with the 3x steering last year.
It has the Maximizer battery extending technology, so the battery lasts 4 times longer.

I love it.


They make a Minn Kota Vector w/3x steering and the Maximizer battery saver, in a 12 volt 55# thrust model. It has a really cool Backtrolling feature too.
It allows you to spin the motor head around so you can backtroll and still have the control handle facing you, for optimum control and ease of use.

Did I mention that I love mine?



You can check them all out on the MinnKotaMotors dot com web site.

They offer 5 lines of transom mount motors.
Endura $
Maxxum $$
Vector $$$
Vector 3x $$$$
Vantage $$$$$$$$
 

NBE

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 28, 2003
Messages
354
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

I can tell you from personal experience and from reading lots of posts on here that Minn Kota's customer service can't be beat.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

Around here Motorguide started the revolution and not long after MinnKota jumped in. That was 30 years ago. Both are still around. Says something about their acceptance and customer satisfaction.

Have had both. My last Minn was the high thrust model with the humongous 2 bladed prop. It was great on thrust alright, but it required a lot of torque to get it going and when you are bass fishing and constantly on/and off the power switch, reaction time is less than stellar.

Motorguides multiple short blades responds much quicker.....but that's not unique to either mfgr.

Mark
 

jasper60103

Commander
Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
2,055
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

Just scored a Vector 55# trolling motor off craigslist last week.
It runs very smooth and quiet. Impressed so far.
Only downside is I broke the plastic tilt lever. I think steel would have been a better choice for this part.
Anyway, I found a place on-line that sales them for $1.30. I think I'll buy a couple.
 

Shizzy

Ensign
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
984
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

I have a 40lb minnkota on my 14' alumacraft and am happy. Many hours on it. Pulls me around the lake just fine. I have only had it for about a year and its the only trolling motor I have ever had, so Im not sure my word is worth anything.
 

xxturbowesxx

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
491
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

they're both good motors. i prefer the motor guide bow mount, as you can control the boat much easier.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?*******=352470632&**********=320409111&view_id=25157

this is an inexpensive alternative to an expensive bow mount motor

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?keyword...=574100731&list_time=1165235967&view_id=39209

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?view_id=194819&*******=029900783&**********=320409111

also check walmart. they carry the transom mount motors.

The minkotas have a lifetime warranty on the shaft but break one and you have to pay the labor for someone to install it :mad: The motoguide have a break away shaft that is a much better design. My buddies and I have broke about 5 min kota shafts but ive never seen a broken moto guide.
 

Wee Hooker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 11, 2005
Messages
618
Re: Are Minn Kotas that good?

I bought my first Minn Kota trolling mmotor in 1972'. IT was a model 15 w 10# thrust and I used it 2-3 times a week as primary power for my fishing pram for YEARS. That motor still runs like the day I bought it and still gets used now and again (despite it's LOW power).
That said, their motor technology /build quality is great. However, the more features added to any motor, the more likely you are to have a failure. Stick with the basic models and you should be fine.
 
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