Thread: Trolling Motor Opinions

Minn Kota. If I recall correctly you spider rig; if so an electric steer is the way to go in my opinion.

If you don't use a remote and are currently using a foot control MG. I strongly recommend that you go with a new Digital Motor Guide. The power button on a Minn Kotta is on the opposite side from MG's and it will drive you crazy. Especially if you are use to the Motor Guide foot control. If you want a remote unit I agree with the other recommendations.

Like others have mentioned, it's more about what options you want and how much you're willing to spend. MG seems to behind the times on technology. My wife was in shock that I'd spend what I did on my MK Ulterra, but it's worth every penny when I back my unmanned boat off into the lake and leave it while I go park, then remotely drive it to the dock. Saves a lot of getting in and out of the boat just to get it off the trailer. The remote stow/deploy saves my constantly hurt back. I can't speak for it's longevity yet, but so far I'm 100% pleased with my choice. If MG made a trolling motor with the same features for less money, I would have given it a shot.

It's not the cheapest route, but I have the Minn Kota Terrova paired up with the Humminbird Helix 9. It is nice to run auto pilot routes with the Lakemaster card, especially spider rigging. It's worth it if you fish a lot.

I have had the MinnKota iPilot and currently the MotorGuide Xi5. IMO, the remote on the MK is superior because it has a LED display to tell you what mode and such you are in. The MG has no display, and the learning curve in that respect has been steep, but it is getting easier. Both held the boat well using the anchor feature. The MK was on a 22' pontoon, and the MG is on a 23' Carolina Skiff. On calm water, with no current, the MG will work itself to death fighting itself back and forth to keep me on spot. I do not remember the MK doing so. Lastly, occasionally when trolling for crappie at 1.5 mph, the MG has suddenly taken off at what appeared to be the high speed setting. It immediately responded to the remote to cancel, but the initial acceleration was uncommanded by me. There are other incidents like that that you can find on the net. I have wondered if by chance there was another boat around with same frequency but I think that possibility is slim. I chose the MG because I run Lowrance and I wanted them to be able to communicate together. If I didn't need the communication between the two, I would have the MK. All that said, even with the hiccups, the MG is a good product, and the issues I'm having so far are not enough to keep me from enjoying it. I'm usually on the water 3 to 4 times a month from 6 to 12 hours and am giving it a good workout. Tight lines!

I have had both and I rather motor guide only because of the foot control . I just could not get use to minn Kota .

It "Depends" Slip!


I use MG. Because of price for the most part.

Thanks for the feedback. Not much spider rigging in my neck of the swamp in sola but I do head uphill on occasion. I'll just have to look into both and make a decision knowing that either are fine. Thanks Again.SLIP

In the lower priced models the minn kota is far superior. I currently own a minn kota 40lb and a motor guide 70 lb. I hands down prefer the minn kota. They Mount is much stronger and quieter on the minn kota. The MG has a aluminum shaft that will bend where as the MK has a lifetime warranty composite shaft.

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

In the lower priced models the minn kota is far superior. I currently own a minn kota 40lb and a motor guide 70 lb. I hands down prefer the minn kota. They Mount is much stronger and quieter on the minn kota. The MG has a aluminum shaft that will bend where as the MK has a lifetime warranty composite shaft.

^^ this ^^