Motorguide or MinnKota??

[tahoejag]

06 Q6 S/F - Looking to upgrade existing hand contr 55lb motorguide motor. It is a good motor (more designed for a calm inland lake), however, the water conditions of Lake Huron and river currents and winds; the 55lb thrust does not cut it at all attached to a Q6. Im looking to upgrade to the Motorguide wireless 75lb or MinnKota PDV2 80 lb. (is this enough motor thrust?) Seems like the 54" shaft may be just enuff, or should i go with 60" shaft. Both motors are within aprx $100 of each other with Motorguide being more. I like the fact that u can be anywhere in the boat and run either motor without being restricted to the front with a pedal where there's not much room. Thru other posts I have seen only the Motorguide wireless adapted to the original mount, but have not seen anything on a MinnKota. Any input and/or opinions in making my selection are greatly appreciated in advance!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Motorguide or MinnKota??

I have ready consistantly better reviews of MinKota products compared to MotorGuides.

 

[mccownk]

Re: Motorguide or MinnKota??

Although I went with the 55lb Motorguide wireless model (you can see my installation in this forum), I would go to the Minnkota if you are upgrading to a 24 volt system. The Minnkota has a new feature called the I-Pilot that sounds like something you could be interested in. I do fine with my W55 in the lakes and reservoirs and delta here in california. I think you could do a similar installation with the mounting plate on the Minnkota as i did for the Motorguide. Another thing you might want to consider is that Minnkota is made in the U.S.A. You will also have to install another battery tray and battery in the battery compartment.
Good luck!

 

[jakeb]

Re: Motorguide or MinnKota??

If you are trolling and using a downrigger I would highly recommend the Minn-Kota with either the Co-pilot or the I-Pilot. I have the Powerdrive V2 80lb with the I-pilot on my Q4 and love it. I have manual downriggers and it would be just about impossible to steer the boat and use the downriggers. It seems like the Minn-Kota's have more options for accessories (auto pilot/co-pilot/i-pilot)

Jake
Oakley, CA