Minn Kota vs. Lowrance

[needfish]

I was about to buy a Minn Kota Ulterra a couple consoles and various other components.  I called technical support to discuss the install prior to my purchase and they never answered the phone.  The option to press #1 for a call back doesn't work.  I'm now looking at Lowrance.  I'll try calling them tomorrow to see how their support is.  Is support a good reason to go with Lowrance rather than Minn Kota?  That is if Lowrance answers the phone, all the have to do is answer, so there is a good chance they will get my business.  Any thoughts on this? 

 

[Woody B]

I'm not knocking, or endorsing either one.  Sometimes the companies with the best customer support are the ones with the worst products though.  IE, pretty much everyone into guns raves about Ruger's customer support.  Ruger's customer support is really good.  OTOH every single Ruger I've ever bought new had to go back to them for something.   

 

I've never had a trolling motor from Lowrance.  I have Lowrance graphs, but have never needed service.  I had a minor problem with a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor. (that was self induced).   I contacted Minn Kota by e-mail and asked for the part, instead of taking it to a service center.  They sent me the part.   

 

Comparing an Ulterra to a Ghost isn't an apples to apples comparison.   I'd pick the one with the features you like.  I believe reliability is good of both.  

[DogBone_384]

I have a Ghost on my boat.  It's a great trolling motor.  Lowrance's tech support is non-existent: I've called and emailed them and never got an answer back. 

 

 @Woody B is right, don't buy a TM based on tech support.  I chose the Ghost because I already have Lowrance units on my boat and it connects to them through the NMEA network.

 

Get the TM that best meets your needs.

[Cbump]

If you’re looking for the best customer service it’s 

Garmin hands down, then Minn Kota, then Lowrance which is non existent. 
Good luck. 

[Tennessee Boy]

I’ve called Minn Kota one time and was happy with the help they provided.  It’s prime fishing season right now so I’m sure everyone is very busy.

[Jig Man]

I’ve had great luck with Minn Kota support.  Their information was spot on every time and one guy even gave me some good advice about how to sell my control head after I upgraded my Ulterra from Ipilot to link.

[Junger]

MK's support for TM's is really good, both via phone and email. I called HB once, and I got to an agent right away, but I think their website FAQ's and diagrams are pretty good and usually find all the info I need on there.

 

[gim]

1 hour ago, Tennessee Boy said:

It’s prime fishing season right now so I’m sure everyone is very busy.

Uhhh not quite.  Johnson Outdoors is based in Mankato, MN and the season doesn't open here until mid May.

 

I'm sure they are very busy regardless of what season it is though.

 

I have Lowrance graphs and the two times I've need technical assistance, I waited for a minute on hold and then someone helped me trouble shoot the problem.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I really like Lowrance service.  I called them last year on the water and spoke to a young lady on my Ghost.   She stayed on the phone with me while i was on the water and helped me do a full reset and solve my problem.  Cant ask for more than that.  This took roughly 20-30 min. 

 

I'm not familiar with the Ulterra but I went ghost since I run Lowrance graphs and it is brushless.  It uses a lot less power then a brushed motor.  If you get a Ghost run it on 36v.  Its got a ton of power.

[BayouSlide]

12 hours ago, needfish said:

I was about to buy a Minn Kota Ulterra a couple consoles and various other components.  I called technical support to discuss the install prior to my purchase and they never answered the phone.  The option to press #1 for a call back doesn't work.  I'm now looking at Lowrance.  I'll try calling them tomorrow to see how their support is.  Is support a good reason to go with Lowrance rather than Minn Kota?  That is if Lowrance answers the phone, all the have to do is answer, so there is a good chance they will get my business.  Any thoughts on this? 

 

 

Never had a problem with Minn Kota on either technical service or for repairs. They've spent plenty of time with me when I was out on the water whenever I had problems sorting out settings, etc. Repairs typically shipped out the day after they receive the stuff I've managed to break on cypress stumps, etc.

[BayouSlide]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

Uhhh not quite.  Johnson Outdoors is based in Mankato, MN and the season doesn't open here until mid May.

 

I'm sure they are very busy regardless of what season it is though.

 

It is prime fishing season for most of us MK users south of the Mason-Dixon line ?

[Rockytop]

My buddy gave me a Lowrance HDS 7 gen 3 a few years ago because it didn't work. I asked if he called Lowrance and he hadn't. I called and told them the problem and that I didn't buy the unit. They told me to send it in and they replaced it with a brand new one. I've bought 3 more Lowrance units since then. 

[gim]

3 hours ago, Rockytop said:

I called and told them the problem and that I didn't buy the unit. They told me to send it in and they replaced it with a brand new one.

Can't beat that.

[BigAngus752]

I wanted a Garmin trolling motor.  It had the features I preferred.  My boat mechanic is a factory Minn Kota service center.  There is no such thing for Garmin or Lowrance trolling motors.  He sold me an Ultrex for the same price that they cost on the internet or any store you go to.  It's a fixed price.  He installed it for free to make up for the fact that he can't discount the price.  If my Ultrex ever has a problem I just take the boat to my boat mechanic.  Had I bought a Garmin or Lowrance and had a problem I would have to take it off the boat myself, box it up, and ship it somewhere.  You can't tell me that Garmin or Lowrance has better customer service than a guy that I trust with my all of my boat maintenance and repairs taking care of the problem for me. 

[gulfcaptain]

On 4/20/2023 at 4:10 AM, Cbump said:

If you’re looking for the best customer service it’s 

Garmin hands down, then Minn Kota, then Lowrance which is non existent. 
Good luck. 

Motorguide is pretty good....just had to throw it out there and definitely agree with you about Garmin.