[capt'n slim]

Springs getting close i'm thinking this year gonna put a new trolling motor on been looking at the Minn Kota and the Motorguide 70lb saltwater trolling motors. Just can't make up my mind, and was wondering if i could get a little input. The Minn Kota is a little cheaper about $50 has a shaft length 2in longer, but the Motorgide just seems tougher it has a stainless shaft and Anode. Just wondering what you guys liked as far as brands go.

 

[Splittine]

Minn Kota< we've had 3 of them and no problem at all. Not a big fan of Motor Guide.

 

[capt wade]

Minn Kota all the way! I bought a motor guide GW 105 early last spring, fished it for 6 months and it broke 3 times in 6 months. I kept braking the bottom housing on the head (tiller steer). They got a stainless shaft and stianless bolt going through CHEAP PLASTIC to conect shaft to tiller handle which creates a very obvious week link in the system(especially in a high impact, high vibration environment as say the bow of a boat).

Just my $.02

 

[Jighead]

I get slammed everytime I say this... I'd go hand control for salt water. The electrics control, on the Minn kotas, have a tendency to short out. I've had 4 foot pedals and 2 auto pilots.



How big is your boat? I have 22ft CC and I wish I had more than 70lb. 70 is OK for flats unless wind gets up 15mph or more. I'd. Like to have more for icw and jigging around perdido pass.

 

[Cobiacatcher]

I have the 82lb thrust 24v motorguide on my 20ft flats boat and it's not enough power on a windy day at all.

I am going to be switching to the 102lb thrust 36v MinnKota. The motorguide shaft bends and its almost impossible to straighten out. Motorguide's shaft is composite and will not bend it just flexes.


If you have over an 18ft boat get the36v 102lb thrust, also I would recomend the longest shaft you can get, I belive it's 60". This will help you back on long days of fishing. STAY AWAY FROM FOOT CONTROLS on a saltwater boat, I have had 3 that have shorted out and its pretty tough to use them when you flats fishing.

Hope this helps, let us know what you get and how you like it.

Thanks Chad