The Sack
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TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
I am ready to replace the trolling motor that came on my boat. I had a Minn Kota Edge 40# 12 Volt model and have had nothing but problems with it. Does anyone have some suggestions on what they think the most reliable make / model trolling motor would be out there? I have done a lot of research, read a lot of reviews and have some ideas, but I thought some responses here might help sway my vote. Any input would be appreciated. - The Sack
post edited by The Sack - 2008/06/28 22:57:47
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MuskyMastr
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/29 12:08:54
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I thought my minn kota was junk, then I bought a motor guide and it redefined what junk is. Went back to minn kota with the realization that they are all junk but minn kota is the best of the bunch.
Better too far back, than too far forward.
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bingsbaits
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/29 13:34:56
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I run a Minn Kota Maxim 55 lb thrust 12v..Has the built in Maximiser curcuitry that exstends your battery life. Never had a problem and I troll exclusively with the electric. Can get 6-8 hours out of 2 batteries...
"There is a pleasure in Angling that no one knows but the Angler himself". WB
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chauncy
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/29 20:25:52
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I'm a motorguide man. Had a minkota that i had to put in the shop 4 times in 2 years. Gave it to my brother and bought me a motorguide. He had the same problem as i had with that mk and scraped it. I've had my motorguide for 9 years. Use it constantly and it's never let me down. I added a new pull cord and a new prop, that i broke putting the cover on the boat, and thats it. Not bad for a 50# thrust bow mount. I just bought a new 71# thrust 24 volt, this month because i just wanted more power. I also bought a pair of bluetop batteries to go with it.
A lot of people like their mk's just like i like my mg.
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gobyking
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/30 01:08:23
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Motorguides are junk IMO.Google bass fishing and look at www.ori.wmi.bassfish.org.Put into the search category of boats and motors 'trolling motor'.There are guys on there that swear by Motorguide and by Minnkota also,but the Minnkota guys outnumber them 2 to 1.I had one Motorguide and will never have one again,it was not what I expected after having an autopilot.A lot of guys down south swear by Motorguide but we don't fish where they do or have the same conditions(i.e. stump fields where rack and pinion steering is a must).Also,if you're willing to spend the extra $200 and plan on keeping the unit,it is worth the autopilot.I can tell you countless times it has been great for me trolling a shoreline or keeping on a certain depth contour,it automatically adjust for the waves and wind,especially in Erie.I would also check with consumer reports on which most satisfies the customer after the sale. Motorguide is good if you never have a problem with it.If you do,see some off the stories from the above posted link.I did have one problem with a foot pedal from a 8 year old autopilot,and took it to a certified repair shop in Elizabeth,they charged me $50 for a new foot pedal with a bad circuit board,not bad after 4 years of use.Sold it with my old boat,still miss it but the new ones are outrageous $900 ?
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gizmos
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/30 16:31:19
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ORIGINAL: chauncy
I'm a motorguide man. Had a minkota that i had to put in the shop 4 times in 2 years. Gave it to my brother and bought me a motorguide. He had the same problem as i had with that mk and scraped it. I've had my motorguide for 9 years. Use it constantly and it's never let me down. I added a new pull cord and a new prop, that i broke putting the cover on the boat, and thats it. Not bad for a 50# thrust bow mount. I just bought a new 71# thrust 24 volt, this month because i just wanted more power. I also bought a pair of bluetop batteries to go with it.
A lot of people like their mk's just like i like my mg.
I'm with you. Swiched to a mk last year and for various reasons, wish I had stuck with mg. 
Eat what you catch,troll for cows.
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MuskyMastr
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/30 17:26:34
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Minn Kota saltwaters are built much better, more money, but they hold together well.....
Better too far back, than too far forward.
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fishingMOZ
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/06/30 22:21:05
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I've always have had 12/24 motorguides, and I've seen a lot of problems with them in my 15 years with bass boats. I've had problems with the control box covers cracking where the screws connect the top and bottom, electrical problems due to the light in the control box cover melting the wires, steering cables breaking, etc.. The only thing I really like about the motorguides is the foot control, however my next trolling motor will be a minn kota maxxim.
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trouthater
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/07/01 07:11:30
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never had any problems with any of my Minn Kota motors
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mikelravy
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/07/01 08:51:51
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I've used Minn Kotas for as long as I can remember. On my fourth one and haven't had any trouble with any of them.
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The Sack
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/07/06 09:40:28
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Thanks to all for the advice. I ended up going with a Minn Kota again. We will see how it goes.
post edited by The Sack - 2008/07/06 09:41:04
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Deadbolt401
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RE: TROLLING MOTOR QUESTION
2008/07/06 13:22:57
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ORIGINAL: bingsbaits
I run a Minn Kota Maxim 55 lb thrust 12v..Has the built in Maximiser curcuitry that exstends your battery life. Never had a problem and I troll exclusively with the electric. Can get 6-8 hours out of 2 batteries...
Same, only problem is the batteries are too light :)
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