Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

[Bruce Alan]

This is for salt water. I have looked at the MFG web sites and talked to a couple people and got good and bad reviews on both. They both have the features and thrust I want. I'm looking at the higher end foot pedal 24 V for a 22 foot spectre. Judging from the research I've done the 80 or 82 lb thrust with a 50" shaft should do the trick. Prices are not much different. I just don't want to be saying " I wish I'd bought a ________ !" Any opinions based on experience would be appreciated!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

Personally I'd stay away from any of the radio (RF) controlled motors. When you say foot controlled, there are electric and cable controlled models so its unclear which you prefer. Minnkota Power Drives are electric, include maximizer circuitry so they are battery friendly. Cable operated are pretty limited in where you place the foot control. Electric controls have a longer cable so they can be operated from wider areas on the boat. Electric controls are a little slower than cable but faster than RF. Both are less expensive and a lot more trouble free than RF controlled motors.

 

[Bruce Alan]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

Thanks UPINSMOKE. By the way Happy Thanksgiving! The one I'm leaning toeard is the Motorguide SWDS82. It has a foot control with an electric cable going to the head of the motor. It has digital controls. The only thing I assume is RF is the option of a remote control. In your opinion is this Motorguide versus Minn Kota a Ford or Chevy thing? Or is one better than the other? Anyone else?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

RF is indeed remote control. Nice idea and great entertainment when you steer the boat around the dock with nobody in it. But these are not the most durable or reliable set-up in my experience. Yes to the Ford vs Chevy comparison. I use a Minnkota 55# power drive. Has nice features and is very battery friendly but it isn't perfect either. There are times when I wish I would have bought a cable steer but then when the convenience of the PD makes me think the other way again. There simply is no "utopia".

 

[Bruce Alan]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

Thanks for your input! I do appreciate it. I just got the OK on the purchase from my reluctant wife and will be making a move pretty soon. I'm anxious to start fishing the dock lights around here this winter and a 200 hp outboard just won't cut it.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

im glad you got the ok from your wife.cause i know that can be tough.theres something about boats and parts they just dont understand.

 

[NBE]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

I have had both Motorguide and Minnkota in the past. I currently have a Minnkota Powerdrive and simply love it. If I had my choice, no matter what model, I would go with Minnkota. Seems they are more customer friendly as far as their service department and their product reliability seems to be better. I have several friends that agree. Of course, these are just opinions from very satisfied customers and everyone has an opinion.

 

[brownies]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

I've received two NEW MotorGuide PTSv trolling motors in the last six days. <br />It was my understanding that this is motorguides Top-of-the-line units with a $1600.00 price tag.<br />BOTH are defective.<br /> My opinion may be biased.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

Earlier in the year I took one of those PTsv motors back and told them what they could do with it. Minnkota is the only way to go.

 

[redbuster]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

my last trolling motor was a motorguide and it was good to me but it was time to upgrade so this time i decided to go mk. they were the only salt water model to offer a 42" shaft.<br /> i just received my new minn kota rip tide which i purchased from iboat mall, the shipping was very fast i ordered on the 27th and received today the 30th all the way to florida. <br />just so you know the were the lowest price i found and i did alot of looking before i purchased and they offer FREE shipping. <br />so whatever you decide look at iboat first!<br /><br />good luck with your decision.<br /><br />bert

 

[brownies]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

I bought mine at iboats. They handled the first return with the utmost professionalism...and this is the first problem I've ever had with ANYTHING purchased from iboats. <br /> Not sure if I'll get that same treatment again though.<br />What are the odds?? TWO new defective trolling motors back to back.

 

[Bruce Alan]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

Well, after carefull consideration and many valued opinions from folks such as yourselves ( and a local authorized service provider ) I bought the Minn Kota Rip Tide w/ Auto pilot. So far I couldn't be happier. Thanks you guys!

 

[Bruce Alan]

Re: Minn Kota or Motor Guide?

So Bert, how's the fishin' in Jax these days? I got a couple good days in last weekend. cought some nice Reds. Looks like it'll be blowing like a son of a gun this weekend though......OOPS wrong forum? sorry Mr. Moderator.