Need opinions: Minn-Kota vs Motorguide vs BPS Prowler

I'm about to purchase a new trolling motor to go on my boat (actually, I'm picking up the boat, a Tracker topper 1542 LW, next weekend!:D). I'm looking at one of the following 55 Lb thrust motors:

1) BPS Prowler T55/40 for $199.99 (+ $18.99 shipping).

2) Motorguide VariMAX V55 HT for $224.99 (+ $10 shipping).

3) Minn Kota Endura C2 55 for $249.99 (+ $18.99 shipping).


Looking for educated opinions, experiences, etc. These are all in the same price and power range, so which is the better deal?????

Any and all input will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

The MG is a variable speed motor, which will give you longer battery run time and finer speed control.

The MK has a composite shaft that is guaranteed for life so will be more durable.

I believe the Endura currently has a $25 rebate, so don't forget to factor that into your decision.

Thanks! I'm leaning towards the MG because I really prefer variable drive, but I figure there are guys here with lots of experience dealing with the pros and cons of various trolling motors, so I decided to "consult the experts". So far, The MG is still in the lead!

The BPS Prowler is made by MG. The MinnKota will be a lot quieter and from my experiance with both of them.....I like the MinnKota better. Just seems like they hold up better and last longer.

Prowler is crapola

Some MK's have a maximizer that really improves batt life. Really makes a difference. My buddy has a mg 70 lb & doesn't get near the hrs as my terrova 80 with the same batts.

I'm done with MG.....thats all I ever had for about 16 years (70# & 82#) and the quality just seems crappy....my next will be a MK Fortrex (sp ?)....

Minn kota's are quiter and have a much better, tighter mount.

MinnKota

MK Traxus. Composition shaft,, and variable speed few more dollars but worth it in the long run.

I've had three Motorguides that came with Tracker boats I bought new. All three had bent shafts after a trip to the lake bouncing around in stumps. All were replaced with Minkota motors with the composite shaft. Have hit stumps hard with them and they just bounce back. The minnkota runs slower with a bigger prop so it is also a lot quieter.

If you can afford it consider the MK with Ipilot.

Gonna have to check the price on one of those! A variable speed MK might just be the ticket (since it appears that the expert opinions here lean heavily to Minn Kota's).

Has anyone here tried rigging a pair of trolling motors to a single tiller-type handle, so that both motors are working in tandem (ie. 2 trolling motors that will steer together)??? Seems like that would be the best rig for getting across the lake(if it can be done), then use a bow-mounted, foot-controlled motor for fishing once I get to "my spot". My boat is going to be electric-only, so I do need to maximize my open-water speed as much as possible.

Ouch!! A variable speed MK is $400 (plus shipping) MINIMUM. The MG variable (same thrust) is about $250 (with shipping).

Of course the same MK, but in a 5-speed configuration, is only $299!!!

The more I research and look at these things, the harder my decision becomes!!!!

Buy the best you can afford with the money you have.
I've had both MG & MK I've liked some of each for various reasons and disliked some of each for various reasons. I have MG now and I have SS shaft and don't have any problems with the shaft bending. If you decide to go with MG and you happen to bend the shaft, you can always replace it with SS at a later date if needed.
I hope you enjoy what ever model you choose.

I've never owned a MG but looking and reading about the price differences I suspect there are some serious quality issues as why one is so much more expensive over the other. I'd look into those differences and decide if theyre that important to me. All I can tell ya is that during my 35 years of fishing all I've ever owned are MK motors and I have yet to wear one out.:o Good luck with your decision.

Well, I finally just went ahead and made a decision, for better or worse! I decided I could spring for a Minn Kota TRAXXIS 55 for the transom. I'm looking at either a Minn Kota 55 Edge or a Minn Kota 55 PD V2 for the bow. Both are about the same price. Also just saw that the Minn Kota 50 PD V2 is on sale for $60 less than the 55!

Oh well, I'm gonna get the transom motor when I pick up the boat Friday for sure. If enough is left over I may go ahead and get the bow motor also, although that money may go towards a good fish finder, then I can get the bow motor sometime in a week or 2.

Thanks for the input guys!!!! I feel safe in going with the MK now, and feel I've (hopefully) made the right decision!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Well, I finally just went ahead and made a decision, for better or worse! I decided I could spring for a Minn Kota TRAXXIS 55 for the transom. I'm looking at either a Minn Kota 55 Edge or a Minn Kota 55 PD V2 for the bow. Both are about the same price. Also just saw that the Minn Kota 50 PD V2 is on sale for $60 less than the 55!

Oh well, I'm gonna get the transom motor when I pick up the boat Friday for sure. If enough is left over I may go ahead and get the bow motor also, although that money may go towards a good fish finder, then I can get the bow motor sometime in a week or 2.

Thanks for the input guys!!!! I feel safe in going with the MK now, and feel I've (hopefully) made the right decision!

---

Just get the PD with Co-Pilot and mount it on the bow.....you won't need one for the transom....you can use the remote and run the PD from anywhere in the boat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

I'm about to purchase a new trolling motor to go on my boat (actually, I'm picking up the boat, a Tracker topper 1542 LW, next weekend!:D). I'm looking at one of the following 55 Lb thrust motors:

1) BPS Prowler T55/40 for $199.99 (+ $18.99 shipping).

2) Motorguide VariMAX V55 HT for $224.99 (+ $10 shipping).

3) Minn Kota Endura C2 55 for $249.99 (+ $18.99 shipping).


Looking for educated opinions, experiences, etc. These are all in the same price and power range, so which is the better deal?????

Any and all input will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

---

I recently went thru the same thing, IMHO, for TM only boat-- go 24V .. I went to the cheapo, BPS.. It does work fine, I replaced the prop with a 2 blade MK prop. its less noisy and more power.. ( today I bought a 24V variable 80# for my 16"tracker) ( and may still use the 55# BPS on transom)

BTW, I do believe MK makes a better product overall ( friends boats)