Brand is the ford/chevy debate everyone will have their own name to drop, truthfully I don't see that much difference. Newer technology trolling motors will have more thrust per amps drawn but is it possible for a trolling motor to become less effective over the years? Could be but I'm betting batteries are your culprit. My belief is that the number of recharge cycles factor in and that if you have to replace batteries often its a sign you are getting to fish a lot, use it as a badge of honor and be proud. By the way at present rate mine are going to last me a long time.