Trolling Motor

[Birddog Bassin]

I am in the market for a new trolling motor on my boat. I have a 20 foot nitro bass boat currently running a Motorguide bow mount (24 volt). The boat was equipped with it when I bought new. Trolling motor is wearing out and time to replace. I have been really happy with the Motorguide but it is almost 16 years old and must go. Any suggestions on which motor to go with for a replacement? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[J Francho]

I bet you can use the existing holes if you stick with MG.

[Birddog Bassin]

I am thinking the same thing J Francho. I know that Motorguide has several models out and am curious if anybody has any input (good or bad) in regards to a particular one.

[J Francho]

You want the Tour Digital 82.  Whether it's the long shaft or short shaft is up to the waters you fish.  I go for a long shaft, but I'm on big water and waves a lot.

[BrettD]

What ever you do make sure its variable speed the 5 speed trolling motors suck 4 is to slow most of the time and 5 is to fast.

[RoachDad]

Man, i learned my lesson in high speed TMs. 

 

I took the boat out a couple weeks for the first run of 2013 and did not realize that I was very low on fuel.  I ran out of gas about 1/2 mile from the pier.  So I ran the TM on 5 for about 15 minutes and once I got there it never ran again.  I took it in for repair and it was 80 bucks to get it repaired. 

 

According to the tech, the TM pulls 50 amps on 5 and only 25 amps on 4.  So don't use 5 for more than a few mintues.

 

 

What ever you do make sure its variable speed the 5 speed trolling motors suck 4 is to slow most of the time and 5 is to fast.

[J Francho]

The digital models don't have that problem.

[Birddog Bassin]

Thanks for the guidance.

[K_Mac]

I have a Minn Kota Fortrex 80 that has served me well for a few years now. I have had better luck with MK.  A friend has the Motorguide equivalent and I'm not sure it makes a huge difference though. You get used to one foot control and the other is a little awkward till you adjust. J Franco makes a good point concerning mounting holes, although I think either unit has some flexibility in pattern selection.

 

The new electronic controls are far more efficient than the older multi-speed units. I have primitively camped for several days on one charge several times and still had power to spare. No way would that have been possible with the old technology.

[J Francho]

You get used to one foot control and the other is a little awkward till you adjust.

 

That's exactly why I am "married" to MK, lol.

[K_Mac]

That's exactly why I am "married" to MK, lol.

 

Every time I work the front using a MG I am like a rookie! I am also married to MK-but don't tell my wife.

[3dees]

I have had both brands and never had a problem with either. it's a Ford Chevy thing. by the way, the holes will match for both brands.