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Member
Posts: 46
| Hey everyone, first I hope everyone is having a good year. I plan to replace my older Motorguide tm soon and wonder what seasoned anglers think about when deciding between Motor Guide and MinnKota. I'm looking at an 80#-24V unit with a long(60") shaft. I don't want a cable drive(pull-pull or push-pull), I want freedom to move around in my 1650 Crestliner Fishhawk tiller and be able to control the rig from anywhere in the boat. Internal transducer(universal) would be nice but not absolutely needed. Doesn't have to be wireless. Must be dependable, rugged, have a good track record so to speak. I would like to spend under $800 if it is possible and still get high quality. I know some folks are sponsored by said mfg'ers and I respect that but I want personal preferences based on ownership, know flaws, and warranty issues. I thank everyone in advance for their input and look forward to reading your replies. Steve Lambert |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Minn Kota 70 PowerDrive™ V2 AutoPilot™ Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
18 ft. cable
24 volt system
70 lbs. of thrust
60" shaft
Universal Sonar
$969.99 at Cabela's
or
Minn Kota Terrova™ 80 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
24 volt system
80 lbs. of thrust
60" shaft
Universal Sonar 2 (with temperature sensor)
$1,069.99 at Cabela's
I have owned an auto pilot forever with no problems. It is great for open water trolling. My next boat will have a Terrova. It has had great reviews from friends. |
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Member
Posts: 1040
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I would also concur about the Terrova. But I would also take a look at the Motorguide Wireless. Had one last year and was bulletproof, wish the boat I have now had one. Next years boat. The foot pedal for this motor is nice and slim, but more dependable than the Powerdrive pedals imho. Have multiple friends who have these and never an issue in three years. Also, priced a little more accordingly to what your looking to spend. The 60" shaft with built in sonar is $799.99.
Motorguide Wireless:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?...
Minn Kota Terrova:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?...
Edited by TJ DeVoe 7/27/2008 5:45 PM
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Member
Posts: 10
| Just bought a 50# 54inch cordless Motor guide from cabelas. 439 with free ship and free foot pedal. One problem, foot pedal not avail. until end of aug.
Edited by dbl a 7/27/2008 5:54 PM
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Member
Posts: 46
| One reason I want to hear comparisons is I've read on another site of some MG wireless(W75)units that had the motor case "crack' or "split" to some degree. I've never heard of this happening anywhere but on that site or to anyone I know. Likely another case of someone not happy for some reason and trash talking the mfg. From what I've looked at in the brochures and websites of the big two I'm leaning towards the W75 but I hope to upgrade boats soon and would like the 80# Terrova on the bow of an 18 ft deep V. I'm sure the W75 would suffice on an 18 ft'r but like they say..more is better until the chargecard statement arrives that is. |
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Member
Posts: 1040
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I know multiple rigs that are 19 feet and even one that was running a Motorguide Wireless on his 620 Ranger for awhile. He then moved to the Terrova with more power and the new foot pedal. The 75lb model is more than enough on an 18 footer imho. |
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Location: Rhinelander | I have run three of the MotorGuide Wireless motors. Bulletproof for me, and I just ordered another for my 2009 rig. |
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Member
Posts: 46
| My older 43 Motor Guide has had one issue with the speed control but was repaired(out of warranty I might add) and too has been bullet proof though under powered for my set up. I wonder why the big cost difference between similar models of the big two though..are Minn Kotas that much"better" for the difference in cost? Regardless I still have the tendency to lean towards MG. Thanks for the input guys.
S L |
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Member
Posts: 3899
| I had a MK Auto Pilot on my last boat(2002) and have a Terrova on the new boat(2007). Only issue I had was with the AUtopilot, I had to have Ed Schilling calibrate the compass the first year. Other than that, they have been flawless for me. Add the copilot for wireless control on the Terrova, and you have the best TM offered, in my opinion.
If you are upgrading boat soon, and are not going to keep the TM from your present boat, I might lookinto a less expensive option to get you by. |
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Member
Posts: 46
| My current MG 43 still works good so I would put that one back on if I were to sell the boat. |
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