electric motors

[Member]

I'm currently running a 54lb Watersnake on my mako Craft and thinking of changing soon. It seems to me that the choice between Minn Kota and Motorguide are like Holden and Ford; both have their own following. So, what I need is a balanced viewpoint. Any thoughts?
JD

[Member]

Minn Kota is winning by the length of the Flemington Straight thanks to Ipilot.
I have had both and both have stuffed up at times over the years for one reason or another but for innovation and reliability the Kotas have it I reckon.

Toddy

[Member]

My Minn Kota knows its own way to BLA  ...... its been back often enough.

Can't fault the BLA service though

Chris

[Member]

Thanks men, I'm not looking to go ipilot, just a standard foot operation; simple toys for simple boys. Both seem to have their strengths and weaknesses. Add to that I want to be able to use it in the rusty water too.
JD

[Member]

If you want it, buy your I pilot in from the states anyway, about 1/4 of the cost. Father swears by his since doing that, took him a day or so to fit it, was a little tricky as his was an older motor and it was not a straight bolt on.

Buit as for brands - both good motors, not to many motorguide dealers around here though.
Ended up with Minkotta's on mine probably by default because I couldn't find someone local to give me a price on a motorguide. 

[Member]

Do yourself a favour and get a Minn Kota with i-pilot...it's magic.

I spent three hours throwing surface lures at a mangrove/rock outcrop on an incoming then outgoing tide on a breezy day last week.  Used the spot lock function and barely moved the entire time.

Bought mine new in Aus back in November.  Looked at a US purchase but for only a few hundred dollars difference after freight costs it wasn't worth it.  Delivered in three days and covered by warranty.  55lb Riptide Terrova with i-pilot $1,900...

[Member]

Peter, apparently you just buy the Ipilot bolt on unit from the states, around $100, it replaces the side plate on the standard bow mount. As you found freighting the whole motor is a rather expensive exercise!

Also forgot when I got my Minnkotta's, motorguide did not have anything like the maximisers available in Australia that I could find. I really stretched the get the maximisers price wise at the time. I do note Motorguide have a similar product available now.

If nothing else Takrat, going to a motor with this sort of technology will make a big difference, your batteries last a lot better.   I am really happy I spent the extra loot at the time. The Minnkotta probably lasts twice as long as the same size Jarvis Walker stern mount I replaced.

[Member]

Thanks for the input fella's. Binder that idea of the ipilot sounds very interesting, particularly the battery saving feature. I always thought they'd be tougher on batteries. The Watersnake is still going although not without its problems, that being the reason for my post. Problem is I just re-powered the old 2 stroke with a 40hp Honda and that soaked up a few dollars.
Cheers,
John

[Member]

Sorry, not worded well, the maximiser is the technology which gave battery life the big boost. Yes using the ipilot will chew some extra juice!

[Member]

No worries mate, saw that job you did on your power supply too, that should keep you going for a while. I'm only running a single 105amp/hr deep cycle, but it hasn't been found wanting so far.
John

[Member]

Takrat, what other probs have you had with the JW electric? I was thinking about buying a 54 for my Brooker. Also, if you don't mind me asking, roughly how much was the Honda 40.Looking at replacing a very noisy and thirsty Yammy 2 stroke 30.
Cheers'
Baz

[Member]

G'day John,
I had the 24 vlt Motorguide with remote foot & hand controls on my hornet & thought it was the ducks guts !! That was untill i got the Minnkota Terrova 24 volt on the new boat !! It craps on the motor guide . But then I bought the I pilot add on to complement the terrova & fair dinkum , it's the best thing since sliced cheese    The spot lock feature alone paid for itself with our annual trip to awoonga , no dropping of anchors !! just set your spotlock & start casting .  Then of a night time when we were trolling I recorded runs & just kept going back over them not even needing to look where I was going ,giving me the ability to just concentrate on my rod & fishin .
Got a mate that just bought a watersnake only 2 weeks ago & he had a go at my Ipilot last w/end !!
He has nowtaken it off & bought a Terrova Ipilot . Picks it up friday 
cheers AL

[Member]

Baz,
The main problem/s with Watersnake is in the foot control, it's not sealed like the 'Kota is and has little springs that get tired. I understand there has been a lot of work being done on that score. Also I had problems with the motor not steering well which was traced back to the electric motor that steers the thing. But when it going it goes really well. A mate of mine has just bout a WS tiller and as it will only be used in fresh water we don't see any problems. AS far as the Honda is concerned, I paid 7,900 for it less a $1500 trade for my old 2.5 year old 2 stroke. Because of the mud in the river I haven't had a lot of use out of it, but what I have had has been great. Taking it to Pindari next week.
Cheers mate,
John

[Member]

G'Dat Al,
The ipilot definately sounds like the way to go, one of my mates down here in Ballina used his out after Bream near some rocks in a big incoming tide the other day and could be happier. You may have swayed me.
Cheers,
John

[Member]

I've been checking prices on the Minn Kota iplot and they seem to be around the 1,900 mark in the major outlets around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Does that sound like a deal? Some say the reccomended retail is well over 2 grand.
Cheers,
John