Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: takrat on August 29, 2012, 02:52:52 PM
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I'm looking for some opinions on trolling motors. I've had a Watersnake for about 3 years and it's still OK but starting to show it's age. My decision now is between a Motorguide or a Minn Kota. I only need a 48" shaft and 55lb power and I a bit keen on keeping things as uncomplicated as possible so probably will go for a footcontrol. I've heard that Minn Kot'as have problems with the foot pedal, and I also know that MotorGuide only keep spares for about 3 years maybe less. I know MInn Kota have the biggest share of the market so I'm kinda leaning that way. Any other ideas?
JD
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JD, its no secret MK have foot pedal probs, but so do certain MG's. Its all to do with user induced corrosion. Because the pedal has to be open to the elements so the slide speed control can slide, there is the opportunity for moisture and dirt/salt/dust to enter the housing. Its not the electronics that stuff up simply the contact points. I have used Inox on my pedals for years and have only had to replace the speed control once in 12 years and 2 motors. Also a regular pull down and clean out helps longevity as well.
Given the fact that MK have very few metallic components exposed to the elements and the shafts are composite, the saltwater (Riptide) are the choice of the pro's and even the freshwater models will take occasional splashes of salt with no problems, unlike some MG's I have seen with corrosion a plenty and bent stainless shafts that no longer slide up and down without a good shove.
Minn Kota all the way I reckon.
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Abuse and lack of maintenance cause most of the Minn Kota pedal problems. I'm on my 3rd bow mount and I've never had a problem. Get the new ipilot, you won't be sorry.
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Thanks fella's I was sort of leaning a bit towards the MotorGuide but only because I used one the other day and loved the pedal arrangement and the way it sits in the cradle when it's not deployed. But I still have issues about the longevity of the MG. I always take my foot control off the boat when it's not in use and give it a good clean up. As you both say with the right maintenance it should be OK. In any case it seems that warranty claims and parts backup are better with MK.
Cheers,
John
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I am obviously biased towards the Minn Kota motors.
Genuine feedback Ive recently heard from dealers for why them & users are turning to Minn Kota from Motor Guide is the lack of spare parts and service from motorguide.
And, there's nothing like iPilot out there. That leap forward in GPS technology eg Spot Lock kind of gazzumped the opposition, be it MotorGuide, Water Snake, Torqueedo etc
Advice from service techicians is to never use CRC, Inox etc on your foot pedal. Rather dunk / rinse with fresh water after use & allow to dry before being put away.
I've had a freshwater minn kota power drive on the little river punt for around 10 years; taken it in rust water at times and bashed the cr@p out of it in some pretty rough & remote places & it's still going, even if the steering is now a little sloppy.
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THanks Fitzy, looks like it'll be a Minn KOta for me.
JD
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I've been trolling the web looking for Minn Kota dealers from Tweed heads to Brisbane and so far Stones Corner is looking good any other suggestions?
JD
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I've been trolling the web looking for Minn Kota dealers from Tweed heads to Brisbane and so far Stones Corner is looking good any other suggestions?
JD
Stones Corner Marine or Charltons Fishing are about the best in Brisbane for Minn Kota
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Keep an eye on Whitworths, when there is a boat show or similar on they run a 15% off everything special. They stock Kotta's
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THanks once again gentlemen, now I'm thinking about putting a tranducer on it! Damn, one thing leads to another.
JD
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Keep an eye on Whitworths, when there is a boat show or similar on they run a 15% off everything special. They stock Kotta's
They sell them, rarely have any stock tho........
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I have a Motorguide 24V cable steer, been on the poly since new in 2006 done a ridiculous amount of hours. probably 99% rustwater. Nearly 700 hours on the 2 outboards to date, not sure how many hours on the electric. Only problem broken cord and broken locking pin spring and replaced anodes. Wash it down in fresh and lubricate cable.
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I have a Motorguide 24V cable steer, been on the poly since new in 2006 done a ridiculous amount of hours. probably 99% rustwater. Nearly 700 hours on the 2 outboards to date, not sure how many hours on the electric. Only problem broken cord and broken locking pin spring and replaced anodes. Wash it down in fresh and lubricate cable.
That's excellent feed back mate, I just ordered mine and getting it tomorrow $1,090. A 12volt cable steer, then celegrated by buying a new reel; a Daiwa Caldia 2004. Looks like fun days ahead.
JD
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I had my 65lb 24 volt bowmount for 9 years now. Never had a problem. Been a really good product. Only now its got a bit of slop in the steering and the rubber on the wires going up to the head are cracking a bit but still going strong. Wouldnt go anything else. :youbeauty
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Minn Kota cable steer 55lb 48inch shaft supplied and fitted with an Anderson plug all up $1224.00 from Ballina Marineland.
JD