MinnKota or Motorguide ?

[MichBassMan]

My old Motorguide 56 lb. thrust bow mount is getting tired.

She's been a pretty good ole gal, but at 15 yrs old  it's time

for an upgrade. I'm looking at a motorguide tour digital,

or a MinnKota Maxxim in about 70 or 80 lbs thrust. So my

question to you fellow Bass guys is what are your opinions

on these two bow mounts ? Cable, foot control steering is a MUST.

And no more 5 speeds, must be variable speed control.

   Thanks for all your input

[K_Mac]

I've had both. My experience with MK has been better.

I bought the an 80# Fortrex last year because I found it on sale with the US2. I don't think you can go wrong with the Maxxim. The digital control is amazing. It is far more efficient than any thing I've had in the past. Good luck.

[Carrington]

minn kota is pretty good, i just bought a used bass boat and it came with a trolling motor from 1986 and the motor still runs find.  so thats almost 25 years old and still going.  when i replace it im going to get another minn kota.

[slonezp]

MK

[smallie.huntin]

Bought an '86 bass boat last year and it came with the original 37 lb thrust Motorguide.  Still running strong but I wanted more power.  I'm upgrading with another Motorguide.

[Jim Grouch]

I upgraded my Motorguide to a MK Terrova... Could not be happier with it. I definately made the right choice.

[MichBassMan]

Just one more question. Does anyone know where they measure to determine the units lenght ? 45", 50" etc. Is this from the prop to the top, from under the top where the shaft starts to bottom of the motor?

[TopDog]

Check out the Minn Kota I-pilot

If it works as advertised, it will be AWESOME!

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/ipilot/freshwater.aspx

[5bass]

MK vs MG is like Chevy vs Ford.

I've owned both several times each. Last year my MG 109 leaked water and burned up the lower unit. I didnt have time to wait on MG to send the new lower unit so I bought a MK Maxxum 101 (There were no 36Volt MG's close by) and slapped it on the boat. I absolutely hated that thing. You had to constantly stay on the pedal or the lower unit would just spin all the way around whichever direction it wanted to if you took your foot off. So when you hit the trolling motor again to move, you had to readjust the pedal because of it spinning around....plus the pedal operation was totally backwards of my MG's.

That never happened with any MG I ever owned. I will say that MK's are a little more 'stealth/ninja like' than the MG's but if I had to pick, it would be a MG any day of the week. 

[BassThumb]

I upgraded a flimsy old MG to a MK Maxxum Pro 70 with Lift Assist and US2 and couldn't be happier with it.  I don't have very much experience with the newer MGs though.

[K_Mac]

MK vs MG is like Chevy vs Ford.

I've owned both several times each. Last year my MG 109 leaked water and burned up the lower unit. I didnt have time to wait on MG to send the new lower unit so I bought a MK Maxxum 101 (There were no 36Volt MG's close by) and slapped it on the boat. I absolutely hated that thing. You had to constantly stay on the pedal or the lower unit would just spin all the way around whichever direction it wanted to if you took your foot off. So when you hit the trolling motor again to move, you had to readjust the pedal because of it spinning around....plus the pedal operation was totally backwards of my MG's.

That never happened with any MG I ever owned. I will say that MK's are a little more 'stealth/ninja like' than the MG's but if I had to pick, it would be a MG any day of the week.

There is a cable/pedal adjustment screw under the foot control. It may have needed to be tightened a bit. My Fortrex stays right were you leave it. 

[IMPY03]

MK all day.

Me and my gramps just replaced his old evinrude brand trolling motor to a 70lb MK edge and it pulled his 19 ft boat everywhere and anywhere with no problems and great power even on lower settings.

[DINK WHISPERER]

For the older motors you can't beat a MG IMO. I run an old 54lb MG Brute and man that thing is a beast! But for the newer ones MK is top dog IMO. I also have a 24V 70lb MK Edge that is absolutely amazing. Especially if you fish weedy, grassy areas, the MK will make salad of it all.

[Siebert Outdoors]

MK vs MG is like Chevy vs Ford.

I've owned both several times each. Last year my MG 109 leaked water and burned up the lower unit. I didnt have time to wait on MG to send the new lower unit so I bought a MK Maxxum 101 (There were no 36Volt MG's close by) and slapped it on the boat. I absolutely hated that thing. You had to constantly stay on the pedal or the lower unit would just spin all the way around whichever direction it wanted to if you took your foot off. So when you hit the trolling motor again to move, you had to readjust the pedal because of it spinning around....plus the pedal operation was totally backwards of my MG's.

That never happened with any MG I ever owned. I will say that MK's are a little more 'stealth/ninja like' than the MG's but if I had to pick, it would be a MG any day of the week.

There is a cable/pedal adjustment screw under the foot control. It may have needed to be tightened a bit. My Fortrex stays right were you leave it.

I was thinking the same thing.

I've owned both and I prefer MK.  I like the slow start and not the sudden jolt on high.  I dont know if the new mg have that option or not.

[basser89]

Bought my jon boat in 97 and put a 43# MG on it then. Finally decided to upgrade to a 24V 70# model. I went with another MG.

[RoLo]

I've owned several Motor Guides (by default) and several Minn Kotas (by design).

I remember when Minn Kota introduced the first ever 36 ft-lb thrust motor,

and from that day forth they remained top dog in my book.

If you insist on an electric motor that can power through maidencane, waterlilies,

spatterdock, matted hydrilla, milfoil and hyacinths, then Minn Kota is your Hobson's choice.

Roger

[bobbyc]

My opinion is gathered by talking to people and research. I have yet to launch the new boat. Minn Kota 'terrova' (55lb. thrust) is the trolling motor i went with.

[Tpayneful]

MG shaft is metal and can get bent.  The MK shaft is composite and will bound right back after impact.

I just ran my 70 Maxxim through two miles of eal grass on Okeechobee in the wind.  I got 1.5 to 1 MPH cutting grass!