Minnkota or Motorguide and other ?'s

[Chris at Tech]

As I inch forward towards getting my jonboat, I'm just trying to put on paper all the other stuff I want/need with it.  And as far as that stuff goes, I have no desire to paddle so trolling motors will be bought immediately

The intent is 2 motors.  1 foot control up front and 1 transom mount.  Run both motors to get to the fishing spot, and use the bow mount to maneuver.

Any reason to look at Minn Kota over Motorguide, or vice versa?

Just based on thumbing through the BPS catalog, these make the most sense financially and for what I intend to do:

Bow Mount

1) Minn Kota Edge 55

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74504&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

2) MG

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44821&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

3) MG Pro Series

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74173&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

Then a few options for the transom mount seem to blend togethers:

1)  Minn Kota Maxum, likely 55 lb as well

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=21688&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

2) Minn Kota Vector 3x

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=58797&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

3) MK Vector

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74510&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

4) MG

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44820&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

Any advice which way to go?  What does a 'digital' TM offer that a non-digital does not?

[DMB Fan]

Hey chris! I know how confusing it can sometimes be on choosing the TM you want. I justed purchased my first TM (Minn Kota) which was replacing an old 22 year Motor Guide that came with my Ranger. I went with a 40 lb. bow mount foot control and it pulls  my 17' with no problem. My biggest concern was cost. $319. at Wally-World. After owning Motor Guide and Minn Kota, I felt they were both good motors. I'm sure other people will tell you different. Which is better Ford or Chevy? You can find fault in both. It's what you want and what you can afford. Good luck

[Jeff_NHBA]

I like the indestructible shaft on my Minn Kota TM.  It will bend but it won't break.  The MG uses a metal shaft that once bent, stays that way.

[HPBB]

Its a personal preference. Minkota or Motorguide. Its like ford or chevy.

I have owned both and still do. I now consider the new motor guide tour series TM the best I have used. But that is my opinion.

On thing I would suggest. Instead of buying 2 motors, one for the front and one for the rear. since you said you'll run both at the same time to run. Why not thing about getting a bigger bow mount. like a 24v or 36 volt. They will push better and run longer than any 12 volt.

The reason I say this is. I have a 14 foot startcraft V hull. have a 55# powerdrive minkota on the bow and a 55# transom mount on the rear. That is a total of 110 pounds of thrust.

I have a 109# 36 volt Motorguide Tour on my big boat. I put it on my 14footer some times, and it will run faster and longer that the 2 12volts. yes I add one more battery, but I can run all day with that 109 and still have power left. the 2 12 volt will kill the batteries is a short time.  I am not saying go for a 109#, but maybe a 82# 24volt or something in the 70-80 pound range 24volt might be a better set up.

[Chris at Tech]

HPBB, for whatever reason, I just never considered that.

But in my limited searching, it looks like an 80lb + bow mount motor is pushing $1k.  Whereas it would likely be a 'better' solution than 2 separate motors, it looks like the 2 motor option is more economical at this point.

[bassaholic022]

Just bought my first Minn Kota motor. 70# 24v 509.00 at Academy. Always used Motorguide before. Not real sure how this one will work out. Bass Pro and Cabellas are proud of their stuff. Youd think they didnt really want to sell it.