Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Motorguide vs. Minn Kota
jignpig.
Im sure this is going to start a heated discussion with people on each side, but here is what I would like to know. I am replacing my 71 pound thrust tour edition Motorguide that came on my BCB because I slightly bent the shaft and it drives me nuts when you try to steer at full power! I was thinking that I would replace it with a Minn Kota unit because it has an unbreakable shaft (which also doesnt bend), you can have your transducer built into the head of the motor, and I like how they gradually increase in speed rather than stepping on the button and it throwing you out of the boat. It is my understanding that the Newer Tour Edition Motorguides now have this feature as well. Is this correct? I also noticed that Motorguide has started putting the transducer inside the head of the unit. Has anybody used one of these? Will I need to buy an adapter cable? I run a Lowrance X38hd. I had a MinnKota once and it seemed like you couldnt fish as shallow without the blade hitting the bottom, so I sort of lean back to the MotorGuide. But then I was reading the reviews for each on Bass Pros website and it seemed that the Motorguides had several more bad reviews. So I am sort of leary about them for that reason and because I have had problems with them in the past (bending the shaft and breaking the steering cable and having to replace the bearing in the shaft). I also remember that the MinnKota was much larger and heavier in size back when I had one previously. Anybody have any input on this?
Tfox, Both TM;s have good points; I have run both, and since MG went to the Digital guardian process of sealing their electronics, I have had ZERO problems with my MG Tour Edition. Assuming that your BCB has a 24V system, I can strongly recommend the TE82 Tour Edition motor. You can order the unit with a transducer built into the motor end of the unit (foot), and you then use a short adapter cable to connect to your LCX 38. I run a 37 up front on my FTD, and have exactly the same setup. I much prefer the brackets on a MG unit, and you are correct, the MG is several pound lighter than the MinnKota Maxxum 80, which would be a corresponding unit. Mike Whitten/Germantown, TN
I have the Minn Kota Maxxum Pro with lift assist and like it. Very easy to use and the prop goes thru weeds very well. I love the lift assist.
Isnt the shaft height adjustable on MinnKota?
I have had four Minn Kotas and all had small problems. One with the shaft not being properly attached to the motor lower unit and water getting in the unit. The last one had the cables come off the pully and damaged the wiring. Small problems that were easily fixed. However, on my new P2 I ordered a Tour 82 Motor Guide. The weight of the MInn Kota and the overall size is much larger than the Motor Guide. The lift assist feature on the Minn Kota is a nice feature to have. The Minn Kota has more plastic pieces and the Motor Guide seems better built with more steel parts. They both are not perfect and I am sure they both will have problems along the way. Buy the one that you can get service for closet to your home.Last edited by Bama96 on March 25th, 2008, 12:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
is adjustable both bu raising the motor and locking it at a higher height and by cutting the shaft down to the height you need. Cutting the shaft, though possible, isnt as easy as it may seem. They have 42, 52, and 62 inch shafts available so finding the right one isnt that hard. Put me down strongly in favor of Minn Kota in this debate. For every reason imaginable.Bill Spence St. Albans, VT [url=mailto:billspence@yahoo.com]billspence@yahoo.com[/url] http://www.twinstatebassin.com Bass Cat Boats http://www.basscat.com Vexilar Marine Electronics http://www.vexilar.com
I have the TE82 MG also and like, BUT I do have a problem with the arrow on top never lining up and my speed knob is broke. Other than that I like the stiffness in the pedal. Billy
I have had both and know quite a few friends who have both brands as well. Both brands have strengths and weakness. My 2001 Jaguar had a MotorGuide but this was prior to the Digital units they have now. I had quite a few problems with those units. I went with Motorguide on my new Puma. I like the digital features of the newer MotorGuides and really like the MotorGuide mount (with the spring breakaway feature) over the Minn Kota. The new Motorguides have a 3 year warranty. Besides the unit on my boat, I have a new spare that I keep in the truck. Having said all this, I have to be honest and tell you that one of the new motors had a defective armature from the factory. Of course they replaced it under warranty but still, I was disappointed to see this on a new un-used motor. You may want to check with your local trolling motor shop and see what their thoughts are and try both brands before you buy if you can. Good Luck!
I have had both in the last 2 years and they both have things I liked and disliked. Motorguide: I liked the metal foot pedal and smaller size overall of the entire unit. I did not like that it takes off without ramping up to speed and it seemed louder then when running at normal or medium to low speed settings. Minnkotta: I like the gradual ramp up to speed, the flex that the shaft has when I bump into something, the bigger button on the foot pedal, and how quiet it is while running at medium to low speeds. I do not like the bulky size of it or the plastic foot pedal.
Basically, both are very good products. Both are now digital. Both are featuring built in transducers, though I think the MK has a universal one. The lift assist is a good point for MK, the lighter weight goes to MG. MK has 3 yr warranty as well. Steel shaft vs composite is an old debate..steel bends, composite breaks, either way will be down time. Unless something weird happens, both are sturdy for their job that they do. MK has the Weedless Wedge prop as standard. The Hydrilla Hacker is an option on MG. I ran MG for all of my previous Cats, but now I have put on a MK Maxxum 80 on the Eyra. Same with my brother and his last 2 FTDs–started with MG on his 03 FTD, then went to MK. His 06 FTD he ordered the MK. I also used MK/MG on my old flatbottoms for pond hopping. In reality, the final decision is up to the individual, as both are on a level playing field. Good luck with your choices.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
