Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

[albright4]

I am looking to purchase a new trolling motor. I am looking at the Motorguide- wireless or the Minnkota- with the co-pilot. Is it a Ford Chevy type of thing? I have talked to a lot of people and some say that the Motorguide- is better and others say tht the Minnkota- is beter. Also, i have a Bayliner Capri 175 which is 176'" and again some say the 12 volt 55lb thrust is all I need and some say go to the 24 volt 75lb thrust. HELP!

Thanks

 

[TheChad]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

I have a 70lb 24v MotorGuide Trolling motor.

I have recently been to the Bass Pro Shop's and was shoping the Trolling Motor section.

The MinnKota Power Drive's are ALOT smoother, and ALOT quieter than the Motor Guide Wireless Motors.

I am not completely dissatisfied with my motorguide, but If I were to do it all over again, when I bought My boat, I would have ordered it with the Minn Kota motor instead.

Minn Kota is just designed better. The foot controlls are layed out better, they are smoother, and easier to use.

As for the thrust, Alot of that depends on what type of water you will be fishing in, If you are going to be out in the main part of a lake or river that has choppy water or current, then you need more thrust.

My thought is, it's better to have more than you need, then not enough. I would definitly get a 24v motor though, The batterys lasts a LOOOOOOOONG time. You will get ALOT more run time on a 24v motor than you will on a 12v.

Just my $0.02, Hope it helps.

-TheChad

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

Call me oldfashoned, but I don't like the wireless controls because you have to stop fishing to operate em. With the foot control I never miss a cast.

 

[NBE]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

Not many businesses give you the customer service that Minn Kota does. If it were me, just for that reason alone, I would go with that company. I have owned both brands and can tell you from personal experience that no one beats Minn Kota and their customer service and support.

Do a search (if search is working) and see some of the comments here regarding the two companies and their products. I think you'll see that Minn Kota is the way to go.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

I've not seen any of the wireless trollers work to my satisfaction. They are simply to darned slow to respond. Couple that with the foot control or hand control is another "battery eater" and when the electronics goes south you may as well plan on buying a new motor. They are expensive to fix. As for reliability, I think MinnKota gets the nod but that will likely spark a verbal fight. I use a MinnKota Power Drive with a corded foot controller that I can put anywhere in the boat. MinnKota also makes a corded co-pilot so you have all the flexibility of wireless without the expense and reliability issues.

 

[TheChad]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

Call me oldfashoned, but I don't like the wireless controls because you have to stop fishing to operate em. With the foot control I never miss a cast.

I'm not following you on this!?

I *think* your talking about a "Remote Controll" The MotorGuide Wireless is a foot controll, with no wire. Not a hand held remote controll. I don't know about the Minn Kota Co-Pilot...

-TheChad

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

Whether foot controlled or hand-held wireless, the technology is the same. No wires, no cables. MinnKota has both available. Controls are on a small fob (like your remote entry for your car) or it is available with the foot control. Don't know if MotorGuide has the fob style control. I don't like either MinnKota or MotorGuide as they are slow to respond. If you like "high tech" go for it. Just keep a few extra hundred in your wallet if the electronics head south.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

albright, what will you be doing with this trolling motor? If you will be primarily "trolling" with it, like I do then I would go with the MK - no question. There seems to be some quality control issues with the new MG wireless motors.

If you're going to be beating the bank (i.e. bass fishing) then just get a cable steer MK unit and you'll be fine there too.

Just my .02¢

 

[mrcombel1963]

Re: Motor-guide or Minn-kota, Ford-Chevy?

For warranty and repair, if it dies in the first two years it can be replaced for free while with smooth operation and less hook-up issues, or just plain cheaper at your wallets concern. I guess MinnKota takes the prize, I have two and they'er both winners. I also have a Motor Guide and its not as reliable as my MinnKota's Just about every reply your gonna get is going to say the same, you just can't get a better buy out of your buck than a MinnKota.

-------
When all else fails, post your message on iboats forum.com and you'll get your quik answer.

Stacks