Minn Kota vs. MotorGuide

I bought a Minn Kota 80 lb HAND control bow mount 3 years ago and had to replace a part because it was shorting out last year. Basically several speeds stopped working. Very aggravating. I noticed last week water was running out of the top of it each time I pulled it back into the boat. I took a look and the composite shaft has a crack pretty much going down the entire length. Needless to say, I'm not happy. I can get if fixed but I'm sure a few hundred $$ in labor as I've already called around. The shaft itself ain't but about $30. Just looks like a pain in the rear to take it apart and install. And I'd probably mess something else up. Plus I"m not sure I have down time NOT to fish and wait on it getting fixed.

I'm curious to feedback regarding Minn Kota vs. Motor Guide. Please don't tell me to get a foot control. I single pole jig fish ONLY and absolutely no way to use a foot control in the stuff I fish.

MotorGuideX5-80FW Fresh Water Digital Hand Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor - 80lbs-50"-24V [940500220]

https://www.mygreenoutdoors.com/moto...yABEgLZ6_D_BwE

Minn Kota Maxxum - 80 lb Thrust, 52" Shaft, 24V - Hand Control 1368640 WHAT I HAVE NOW.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/minn-kot...l-1368640.html

I have owned two Motorguides. The first one bent at the shaft to where I could not slide it up or down. I bough another one, the transom mount variable speed. When I increase speed over 50%, it suddenly cuts off and takes a few seconds to turn back on. Thought it was the breaker, but changed to a 60 amp breaker and it does the same thing. I've only used it 4 or 5 times. Gonna ditch it and get a Minn Kota transom mount. I don't use a transom mount very much, because the two boats I have have a Terrova on them. One is a removable bracket that I take off and install my hand control if i ever jig fish. You are correct....to me, a foot control is useless for hand jigging.

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Originally Posted by duckhunter

I have owned two Motorguides. The first one bent at the shaft to where I could not slide it up or down. I bough another one, the transom mount variable speed. When I increase speed over 50%, it suddenly cuts off and takes a few seconds to turn back on. Thought it was the breaker, but changed to a 60 amp breaker and it does the same thing. I've only used it 4 or 5 times. Gonna ditch it and get a Minn Kota transom mount. I don't use a transom mount very much, because the two boats I have have a Terrova on them. One is a removable bracket that I take off and install my hand control if i ever jig fish. You are correct....to me, a foot control is useless for hand jigging.

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Copy. I'll have to say, I've put that Minn Kota thru some "stuff"! Just wouldn't expect the shaft to crack like that.

Do you run through the gears(speed settings) or use a power button I used this set up for years, should have went to a 24 volt earlier, but miss the hand control . Attachment 299496

I use the hand controls. I had a foot control button and took it off after a week. Served me no purpose. I pretty much have one hand on my trolling motor and one hand on my jig pole most of the time unless I stop to hold onto a limb or something. And I'm right up front of the boat. I couldn't fish with the seat back like most and how you have yours. You see I moved mine up about 2 feet. It came with a foot control. First thing I did was take it out. I like to be up front! Note the hand saw I have in floor. LOL. The limb pruners under me (hard to see) come in VERY handy too!

Attachment 299499

May be the black sheep on here but fished minn kota all my life up to 3 yrs ago. Switched to a motor guide and really like it better. Mostly used the foot controls and could never keep cables on the minn kota.
Can't afford all these new toys with gps. I'm sure they like Ford and Chevy, you can get a bad one in any brand.


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Take it to American petroleum on Stateline road they do warranty work for Minn Kota won't cost you a dime shaft has lifetime warranty.

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Originally Posted by slabin

Take it to American petroleum on Stateline road they do warranty work for Minn Kota won't cost you a dime shaft has lifetime warranty.

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Even to replace it? Labor and all? Thanks for the input!

I think Slabin is right. The shaft should have a lifetime warranty. Call Minn Kota customer service and ask. 1-800-227-6433.800.227.643 3

From their website. Guess I'll have to pull my credit card history since I doubt I have a receipt anywhere that I can find anyways.

Minn Kota offers a limited two-year warranty on the entire product and lifetime warranty on composite shaft. If you have questions regarding warranty work, contact American Petroleum Marine Division and we will be happy to answer them for you.

View the Minn Kota Warranty Details here.

If product is defective customers must present proof of original purchase together with the date of purchase. Customers must present their proof to Minn Kota’s Authorized Service Center. The purchaser is held liable for damages and charges if there has been fallacious and erroneous activities done outside Minn Kota Authorized Service Center or factory

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Originally Posted by slabin

Take it to American petroleum on Stateline road they do warranty work for Minn Kota won't cost you a dime shaft has lifetime warranty.

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I really appreciate your help. Gave em a call and said its under warranty but I'd have to pay for labor but probably under $100 in all. I can live with that. Thanks again.