Minnkota or Motorguide ?

[dave524]

Ok, I have seen all of the adds, and gone to Cabelas several times, but still confused. What is the better trolling motor, Motorguide, or Minnkota. I like the feature of the bendable shaft on the Minnkota, does Motorguide have this? And why do you see motorguide on all of the 25000 plus boats, and Minnkota on the lower models ? Let me know what you think. Looking for a bow mount 55lb thrust 12 volt foot controlled( cable prefered) motor. While on the subject, which is better, cable steer or electric steer ? Thanks, Dave

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

I have used both over the years and I will never go back to Motorguide. And I have tried their top end products. As to electric or cable steering its really what you like. While the cable type is faster the electric type is certainly satisfactory and much easier on the legs. You appreciate that when you get to my age. LOL

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

I like MK better. The flexi shaft has save me a bit. As for elec. or cable. I personally have a powerdrive on my 12 footer. The steering is a bit slow, but that has never been as much of a complaint from me as others. The only thing is, when on elec only lakes, without the big motor, the back of the boat blows around, and trying to correct it with the front isn't easy - cable steer would be easier for that. The pedal takes a tad more force than the cable steer I tried in BPS. When standing, there isn't much trouble, but when sitting, and the pedal is a ways ahead, it is kinda hard to do. One nice thing about it is the low profile pedal that helps when standing, but I wouldn't want it if I mostly fish sitting. Now the one thing I hate is the speed control. It has this little slider doohickey, and I can only operate it barefoot. With shoes on, I can't push it slightly with one toe. The thing is, if you push it a bit, it sticks, and once it moves, it moves all the way. Since I stand on the seats of my 12 footer to fish, and that isn't the stablest thing in the world, it has thrown me off numerous times. You get used to the stow and deploy issues everybody has. I found that lifting the lower unit when stowing/deploying removes much of the friction.
As for cable steer, I can't tell you much, as I have tried one in BPS, but that is my limit of knowledge though. Personally, my next one will probably be a cable steer.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

I learned a few days ago that my 80lb Motorguide is now an anchor because the company doesn't support a 6 year old motor with replacement parts. That fact alone is making me lean toward Minn Kota for my next motor.

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

You cannot beat Minn Kota's support. Period. And i believe that shaft has a lifetime warranty. The cable steer on my old 55 lb is still going strong and tight after some 15 years. Do i sound Biased?

 

[ECHO 1]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

I have a Motorguide on one boat that has been trouble free for 2 years.
I just bought another boat that has a Minn Kota on it, I like it to. I ahve noticed that a lot of places carry more Minn Kota accessories than Motorguide.

 

[artherm]

Re: Minnkota or Motorguide ?

I have been a Minn Kota Driver for many years. I have had both the stern drive and the bow mount(presently) model 535 I believe. 28lb thrust. I like the cable drive. The cables are easy to adjust. Reference information is available from Minn Kota as well as parts. I have often wondered what I would replace it with if mine went out big time. It would be another MK, and another cable drive I believe. I have been told that the electric drive will use additional battery power. I have also been told by a MK rep. that I could have interference with my Eagle transducer mounted on the electric drive model. These are considerations. I like my transducer mounted on the trolling motor. A simple SS hose clamp works fine.