Minn Kota vs. MotorGuide

[burleytog]

This has probably been hashed and rehashed to death here.  But I was wondering what makes you choose one or the other?

I always liked the Minn Kota (never having used one).  Tried the one on my friend's boat a couple of weeks ago and I didn't care for the on/off switch on the foot control.  Seemed hard to keep the motor running.  

My new boat has a Motor Guide on it and I have to say I like the switch placement on their foot control a lot better.

I do wish MG would get rid of the steel shaft (I know they make at least one model that has a composite shaft).

I guess each brand has their pro's and con's.

[kurtis]

I bought a minn kota just for the composit shaft. Where I fish there are a lot of stumps and rocks. I used to have a motorguide and bent the shaft the second time out.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Used a motor guide in Fork.  Needed 2 feet to work the thing but it was old and in need of obvious maintenence.

Personally, I can't see how the 2 can be all that different but I very well may be wrong.  I've always used transom mount Minn Kotas and sure, they break, like everything I own,.lol,...but I will say this, and it's every bit as important as how well it works is that the customer service at Minn Kota can not be touched.  They are absolutely top notch.  I've also heard other countless stories from other anglers stating the same experience as mine.  I've never personally dealt with motorguide to give an opinion.

[NJfishinGuy]

ive always like minn kota more, seems like better build motors to me. i have a minn kota 30lb transom thats works great and a VERY old mag "by minn kota" foot motor and it still is workin and this thing is probably like 25 years old if not more. it sure isnt pretty tho lol.  ive used a 40lb motor guide on my  buddys tracker, very cheap feeling, ive also had a diehard transom mount thats broke. minn kots seems like the best in my eyes abd many others i think also. i want a 50lb foot minn kota the kind with that monster foot pedal i played with one at sports authority and its so smooth and the big pedal fits good under my size 13 foot

[Cajun1977]

ive always used motorguide  no probs   except minor ones     its the ford vs  chevy debate

[bassnleo]

I currently have both.

I actually prefer Minn Kota. They seem to hold up a little better to the beatings I lay on em. I've bent 3 Motorguide shafts, have yet to bend a Minn Kota.

[basser89]

I chose Motorguide on the advise of my uncle. He used to tournament fish and from his experience suggested the Motorguide. I've had my 43# thrust for 7 years and haven't had any problems with mine on my 16' jon boat. I've run it all day on a 505 acre (electric only) lake I fish on the one battery. I've been consider upgrading to a 24V system and when I do, it will be a Motorguide! I have to agree with cajun1977, it's a Ford-Chevy debate, each have thier own pros and cons.

[burleytog]

I found a con to MG this evening when installing my transducer.  I think all of the MK motors I've seen have had the skeg far enough forward on the lower unit so as to allow one to place the transducer behind the skeg.  My MG doesn't.  So if I hit something or run my TM aground, could possibly trash the transducer.

[NBR]

I replaced a MG with a MK about 2 years ago and a difference I liked was the foot switch on the MK. Different strokes for different folks. Also I think the MK's framework is more rugged.

[cart7t]

I've had both and I'll never go back to MG.  They just don't hold up.

[RobDar]

push button...boat go...good motor! LOL!

I chose Minn Kota because more places around me sell them than they do MotorGuide...so it is easier to buy stuff for...I never really noticed a difference other than that...

[ccole1911]

I have just purchased a used 2003 triton tr-186 and it had a motor guide Brute 767 #67 thrust on it, I have nothing but problems with it. The two switches in the foot pedal out, and now I either have to replace it or get it fixed because 1-2 speeds don't work 3-4 are on the same speed and the 5 speed is on its own. I am switching to a minn kota maxuim power 80 #80 thrust.