trolling Motor opinions

[dman]

I just wanted some opinions on what you guys prefer Trolling Motor wise....Performance, durability, quality of components?   any opinions are very appreciated,  thanks  8-)

[Newman12Fan]

I will not vote as I do not have one yet, but I am getting ready to get a boat and a trolling motor, so I too am very interested in everyone's opinion.

[-HAWK-]

Minn Kota, is a quality product. I would never buy anything else.

[Bankbeater]

The next trolling motor I get will be a Minn Kota. I currently have a Motor Guide now. Without running into something under the water, I have had problems with the prop falling off. I have also had to have the switch replaced several times.

[-HAWK-]

I have also heard a few stories from people losing there props while out on the lake.

[fishfordollars]

I would be hard pressed to ever use a motorguide. I quit 20 years ago and have never, ever had a problem with a Minnkota. Their blade designs are far and away ahead of any other brand. Never, ever a problem with any electric issues with a Minnkota. I use a hand operated 74# bow mount Rip Tide straight 24V and would reccommend to anyone that needs one. Not one trip in 20 years has been hampered by a TM problem. I use the hand operated so I will not have an issue with broken foot controlled cables.  

[zellamander]

FFD, I've been thinking about getting one of the handcontrolled bow mounts. It looks like you are pretty satisfied with it. Are there any problems or downfalls at all to them? Like, do you lose fishing time messing with them?

[Wayne P.]

Each has it's lemons. Some guys switch from MinnKota to MotorGuide because of durability issues and some switch from MotorGuide to MinnKota for the same reason. Neither one is better than the other. It just depends on which one you have when it fails.

[fishfordollars]

FFD, I've been thinking about getting one of the handcontrolled bow mounts. It looks like you are pretty satisfied with it. Are there any problems or downfalls at all to them? Like, do you lose fishing time messing with them?

Only problem I have ever had is when the Big Foot on-off button goes bad. It is not part of the TM just an extra piece I mount in the floor. I keep a spare and it is a 10 minute fix on the water. I have a Big Foot adjustable handle mounted on mine and when I need to I just kick it around with my knee. Works great for me and I cannot see any casts missed due to the hand operation.

[fishfordollars]

Each has it's lemons. Some guys switch from MinnKota to MotorGuide because of durability issues and some switch from MotorGuide to MinnKota for the same reason. Neither one is better than the other. It just depends on which one you have when it fails.

Wayne P I woun't argue that point. Just never had one fail. I do switch them out about every four years to be safe though.

[HPBB]

1. Motorguide digital tour ( hands down)

2. anything other than a minkota power drive

[Catt]

I prefer Minn Kota based solely on the location of the skeg; on the Minn Kota your transducer is mounted behind the skeg which protects it.  

[Bass_junky]

I prefer MK - max pro is best I have ever owned, it has helped reduce back fatigue.  The only TM I would "not" buy is on with electric steer, go cable steering.  I had one last year (wasted 1K) and hated it, too noisy, slow reaction time, etc...

Glad i sold it.

[Hung up Paul]

I'm very close to ordering a Bass Pro Shops Prowler 55Lb. trolling motor.  Anyone here have any opinions on this?

Can't beat the $200 price tag for a 55.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98208____SearchResults

[fishfordollars]

I'm very close to ordering a Bass Pro Shops Prowler 55Lb. trolling motor. Anyone here have any opinions on this?

Can't beat the $200 price tag for a 55.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98208____SearchResults

Remember, you get what you pay for. I'm sure it will do the job for a while. Just not the staying power of the MK or MG. JMO.

[Hung up Paul]

So for the extra 40 bucks you're suggesting I splurge for the MK 55 it seems.  Anyone have any personal experience with the BPS motors?

[dman]

So for the extra 40 bucks you're suggesting I splurge for the MK 55 it seems. Anyone have any personal experience with the BPS motors?

I have honestly heard a lot of bad things about Bass Pro brand products including the Trolling motors.

Thank you very much for all your opinions...really appreciate your time for the input  8-) .....Ive pretty much decided to go for a MK Edge 55#.....Im just not sure if i need a 45" or 52"shaft  ?   Is the extra 7" needed for something?  I have a 17' Basstracker if that even matters

[fishfordollars]

You do not need the 52" on that tracker.

[dman]

You do not need the 52" on that tracker.

Thank You!  I actually just looked at the tracker website and all the 17 footers there have a 42" shaft so......thanks again!

[Garnet]

If you price parts for MK against the MG you will find the MG parts very pricey as much as 300%.

Garnet