Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Minn Kota versus Motor Guide Trolling Motors
Thomas.
My Motor Guide trolling motor quit working over the weekend and now in the market for a new one to put on my Cougar. I know trolling motor brand is a personal thing but would love to have a few opinions from my fellow Cat owners. I am leaning toward the Minn Kota Fortrex 101 with the universal sonar. Opinions?
I am a Motor Guide fan and have only owned MGs but did have the oppertunity to run a Minn Kota 101 on a 07 Puma for 4 trips and two were tournaments while my boat was in the shop. I just put a 2010 MG Tour 109 with the built in sonar on my Sabre…yes it is over kill but how many times have you heard the old saying “You cant have to much trolling motor”. I love it and I am extremely happy with the power to go through anything out there.Likes for the MK:Quite to operate…..the mount does not rattle like a year old MGEasy to deploy and redeploy, you have to bring your man card to deploy the MGWeedless operationLikes for the MG:It is stronger than the MKMetal foot petal…MK foot petal is all plastic and felt cheapNot as weedless but could power through everything the MK did.Looks 200% better on the boat.Instant start up….MK soft start is real cool until you get to close to a wasp nest and need to get the heck out of the area, it was touger to operate in high wind also Until recently I have never had any trouble out of the MGs but I burned up my 04 71lbs thrust and thought the same as you….I am happy with my decision right now but only time will tell if my purchase was the right one.ElwoodLast edited by LA Elwood on October 25th, 2010, 1:29 am, edited 1 time in total.Elwood…..Bass Cat Proud
I have about the same opinion as LA. Ive ran MotorGuide for most of my life, but have used a Minn Kota from time to time to know the differences. While I get a new one every year I can only remember one that gave me a problem and it was due to water seeping into the motor from the built in transducer. Motor Guide: weighs less…………considerably less stronger in power and faster in speed instant start vs. MK soft start metal foot pedal vs. MK plastic button is on the correct side of the MG foot pedal bracket is better built and you can store rods beneath the bracket without adding shims to the bracket looks better will go through the weeds just as good if not better if the standard prop is changed out to one of the weedless types If I were in the market for a new one I would get what I had. Have you looked in seeing what the problem is with your current troller?
First two TM were Motorguide, this one is MK. Im not going back. Spent to much time taking apart and fixing the MG but they were older models with one cable steering with plastic gear. Dumb design built not to last. Im sure the newer ones are better and should be for the price. Still, after experince with two MGs I wasnt happy with either and Im happy my MK so far after one full season. MGs were 67s and Mk is a 74.
Most differences in the motors are personal preference….in my opinion….but….If youre looking for an opinion rendered on quality, no fisherman has enough information to render a complete opinion. The reason is because we only have a couple of motors ownership to speak from.Id ask a local authorized trolling motor shop what their opinion is. Around here, in NC, Fishermans Friend in Concord is probably the most well known trolling motor shop. I, and several of my friends, have asked the quality question to them…..MG v/s MK. Fishermans Friend tells me that in spite of what some folks may say, their repair business is about 50/50, MK v/s MG. They can tell you what lasts and what doesnt on most every make and model…..old or new……and Ill bet theres a shop near you that can do the same. I asked them about 3 yrs ago this question, and thats what they told me……50/50.Personally, I like Motorguide, even though I had to have my 36v MG rebuilt by Fishermans Friend. I like the metal foot pedal and I like where the on/off button is. My brother has a MK on his new boat…..and to me, the plastic pedal feels too flexible and a somewhat cheap. Also, recently, my brother had not fastened down the motor good when moving from spot to spot, hit a wake, the trolling motor flipped down, and the shaft snapped off like a twig. My father did the same thing a few years ago with a MG and nothing happened, other than having to reset the gator mount.I do believe a MK is quieter than a MG….that I do like in a MK.CB2
I prefer MK, the Composite shaft is bad arse, seen many bent shafts in the day. I also prefer the way a MK Spools up to its power band. If Im shallow it makes a much smaller if any soot trail compaired to MG. Also is easier to sneak up on bedded fish! I prefer the button location on the MK too, but I dont have duck feet. Dont let the composite pedal bother you if the tension is set correct it will not flex on-bit. It took one year for my last MG (2007) to squeek not only the shaft but also the motor. Give both a try and get what is best for you.
I have had both and i never want anothe MG… LOud and a pain in the tail to lift. Button sticks alot when its wet and the cables wear out fairly easy. I have a MK 101 fortex and couldnt be happier. To me a MG looks prehistoric with a metal footpetal tats really slick in the rain. JMO i think Minn Kota is a much better product and the lift assist is great.
mk fortex all the way
MK!!! I had a brand new MG 70lb model. It had plenty of power, but speaked. Steering cable broke in the firt 6-7 times out on the water. And the break away system is a pain in the but to release!!! Ill take a MK any day!
I would run with CB2s suggestion and speak with a reputable repair shop in your area. I can tell you, my friends with MGs usually have a longer wait for warranty parts than the MK owners. I personally run a MK fortrex 101. The shaft is incredibly strong and the motor well built.
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