Need trolling motor knowledge please.

[Skinnywater]

I was at a boat show today specifically to study up on my next upgrade, a bow mount trolling motor.
My boats manufacture was there so I stopped there first for thier recommendation on size, thrust, and shaft length.
I then took that info to MinnKota and then to MotorGuide.
I explained to both of them my purpose, price and desires.

The MinnKota that was targeted was the PowerDrive V2 with 12v 55# thrust, 54' shaft, electronic steer, variable speed. It is not wireless. Including the $50 optional quick disconnect mount it came to $540.

The Motorguide W55 is a wireless, 12v 55# thrust, 54' shaft, electronic steer, variable speed. It comes with an integrated quick disconnect mount incorporated into it's design along with an obviously more secure cradle, deploy and set mount. It was $550.

Both have 3 year warrantys, both are new for 2007 models and have equal components, composite shafts, battery meters, prop's etc. etc.
Both are offered by the same dealers (reliable)in the area.

Any info you can add, qualified advice, opinions, and tried and true experiences are appreciated.

 

[troypolla]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

motorguide .

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

$540!!! Not a good deal!!!

You can find these for around $350...$450 for wireless... For that price, you can get much higher thrust or a Minn Kota Riptide (salt water trolling motor but will last forever in fresh)...Price around using froogle and you will find the same motor for 100 bucks cheaper.

 

[JB]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

The Minn Kota guys shorted you, Skinnywater. The CoPilot remote control has a wireless version.

Both are good motors and I think the prices are decent for what they quoted you.

One feature I really like and use a lot on my Minn Kota is Autopilot. . . .set it to go on a particular heading and get back to fishing. I think Motorguide has a similar feature available.

My choice would be Minn Kota, but mainly because of years of good experience. I think the Motorguide is a good prodect.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

dsiedt after an extensive search for that cheap Minn Kota, it appears the 40# is the money you quote but the 55# takes a $150 jump.

JB, the autopilot works with your GPS?
If I remember the CoPilot (wireless) Minn Kota version is another $180.

Basspro has the Minn Kota listed at the same price that I was quoted but has the Motrguide at $510.

 

[JB]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

Not with the GPS, skinnywater. It has a built-in compass. When you set a bearing it locks on to the compass to keep on that track.

First you get it headed the direction you want to go, then click on the AP. It will remain on that heading until you intervene. Very handy for fishing shorelines and bars because you can focus on fishing and don't have to be messing with the steering.

 

[Bass-A-Holic]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

i have a minnkota 40# PD and i think that thought the motorguide was actually a better motor, it was too expensive for me. I've been saying this alot here lately but minnkota does have really good customer service, so IMHO they are about dead even.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

Sorry about that bit of incorrect info...I must have been looking at the wrong model...I did find an interesting deal on ebay for a wireless 75# thrust with wireless for $450. It is remanufactured but comes with warranty.

Item number: 320088189174

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Need trolling motor knowledge please.

Sorry about that bit of incorrect info...I must have been looking at the wrong model...I did find an interesting deal on ebay for a wireless 75# thrust with wireless for $450. It is remanufactured but comes with warranty.

Item number: 320088189174

Thanks dsiedt, that is a good price and I would consider a reman unit if the above units were available.
The 75# model is a 24 volt system and I do understand it's benefits. However, that system isn't practical for me at this time.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Motorguide for three reasons.
1. No one here has provided negative input against the Motorguide.
2. The wireless is standard to the Motorguide and an expensive option for the Minn Kota. The quick disconnect mount is standard on the Motorguide also.
3. My boat is an open deck aluminum river jetboat.
The cantilever style mount on the Minn Kota has a much larger footprint than the Motorguide's cradle mount and will require a lot more modifications to mount it.

Thanks to all for your valuable input.