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Location: Berlin | I am thinking about getting rid of my kicker and cmc lift for a Vantage electric instead. What do you guys think? Anybody got one of these? |
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Location: Neenah, WI | The guys I know who have them like them. I never asked how long the batteries last. If you're thinking of using it for a substitute for your kicker on that 205 you could be asking too much, not sure. |
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| Rich,
You may want to wait a bit for the 36V Main Motor mounted electric kicker from Minn Kota. Dean has been running a prototype this year, and he says it is awesome. They should be available for next year.
Either way, I'm not sure if I would abandon the kicker. I was using my MK AP65 at the Merc, and halfway through the day, my batteries decided they were done. I went to my kicker, and never missed a beat. I'd have been done without it. |
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Location: Berlin | The motor that mounts on the big motor won't work for one of my applications. I very rarely troll over 2 mph ( I barely troll at all). I think I am going to go this route. I just think it is more versitile and quiet. It will also be nice not to worry about losing my kicker in rough water. |
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Location: Fergus Falls, MN | I love my Vantage.
I don't feel it's a replacement for a kicker though if your boat is big enough to be running a kicker. But, if you're going to be going slower and just back trolling you should be fine. You'll need to run your big motor in rough water. |
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Location: Berlin | Matt, I have a 20 ft triton. How fast do you think the Vantage would push my boat wide open? |
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Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Rich - I have an older 24 volt transom mount electric that your more than welcome to have if you want to get an idea of how fast something like this will move your boat. I know the vantage motors are a lot new and may be more powerful than the Minn Kota I have, but it should help you learn a little before you spend a lot of $$$$.
Let me know if your interested. |
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| Shep hit the nail on the Head! Both Tom and Dean are running the Minnkota which runs about 500.00. It pushes the 621 at about 4mph. Now thats a lot of batteries you can put on board when you compare it to a 9.9 price tag. Although river trolling might be a bit difficult with this one. I have heard a few good things about it! I was in the market for a new kicker this year but my contact never came through so I just might be rethinking the expense as I am sure stealth will put more fish in the boat!
Good Luck
Tyee |
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Location: Berlin | Mine is for sale! Thanks for the offer Brad. I am just going to do it. If it does not work out the way I think it will I would just buy a new pro-kicker. |
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Location: Fergus Falls, MN | Rich - I couldn't even guess. I don't use trolling motors that way. Usually it's how slow I can move. But 4mph wouldn't surprise me with the Vantage 101. |
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| Unlogged.I too will be running the new 101 minnkota next year on my 621.I really like the one Dean has on his boat. |
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Location: Berlin | I guess the problem I have with it is it will only work with the big motor trimmed down correct? |
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Location: Fergus Falls, MN | Rich - maybe I misunderstood...the Vantage is a stand alone trolling motor and will work no matter what position your main motor is in. For a 20' boat, I'd get the 36 volt 100 pound thrust model. |
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Location: Berlin | Matt, you are correct. The motor they are talking about is the same as the Navigator which mounts on the cavitation plate of the big motor. I busted up my bowmount on some shallow rocks. I will be upgrading to the 101 for bowmount and Vantage. I also need to upgrade all my electronics. I can't wait until next year!
Edited by Rich S 7/5/2005 7:51 PM
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New User
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| I Have a 2000 74lb vantage and have lots of problems with it the lift belt is $100 + a gears are another $75+ minkota replaced them once the first year. After that you can't even find a dealer to work on them, they say "send it in, have it back in a month or two". I have had to replace the belt and gears every 1 1/2 years sence new. Not happy. Buy the manual lift.
I Have not talked to anyone who hase hade one more then a year or two who will buy another one.
Good luck |
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Location: Berlin | Thanks Tony, anybody else having these problems? Please share so I don't make the same mistake. |
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| I'm into my 4th season with a 101 Vantage. No problems, and I use it a lot. Wouldn't have a boat without one. Had a 74lb. on my last boat for three years and had no problems with it either. |
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| i have a 2002 74# vantage. i sent it in early this summer and got it back in1 week. they replaced or updated quite a bit of stuff and didn't billme for it. i have had a few problems with it but i would and will definately buy another one. minnkota has been excellent to deal with, they took care of my problems and had me up and running as quickly as possible. i would buy another vantage even if i had problems with it every year, i am very impressed with it. the only thing i wish they would do is put a longer shaft on it so it can get deeper into the water when it is rough. it has plenty of power to pull my 1890 warrior into the waves but if it is to rough out it will come out of the water every so often. other than that, great rig! |
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