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MinnKota or Motorguide?

I'm having issues with my current motorguide tour edition trolling motor that came on the boat (2005). It has definitely seen better days and has a handful of little things that are starting to add up including:

To release the trolling motor from it's rest position you have to push down and pull the string at the same time.
To lift up the motor you have to jerk on the cord repeatedly for it to finally release.
The speed control "wheel" will work fine at times, but other times it will only work at half speed or higher (this is a newer problem)
The prop will loosen up after a couple trips running through the weeds on a consistent basis.
The cables have broken once since I've had the boat, and the wire has come off the wheel at times that seem like the worst timing ever regardless of how I adjust the tension.

I'm sure some of these issues come with the wear and tear of fishing hard for 6 years, but I've heard many issues with motorguides from other people that have them.

At this point, I'm seriously leaning towards replacing the current one with either the MinnKota Fortrex or the Maxxum 101 for my ZX225 Skeeter unless someone here can convince me otherwise. So my main question is, whats your preference and why for brand and model?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on June 16, 2011 at 10:37pm

Never owned a foot control Motorguide, but I recommend MK hands down. I have had good luck with my MK's, and have a 24volt Fortrex that I love. I was going to add lift assist to my older Maxxum, but just upgraded instead. I like the fact that when you step on the pedal, the power does not come on instant. Its more of a safety thing. The Minn Kota's are without a doubt better in the weeds.

Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on June 16, 2011 at 10:43pm

I found that too Chris. I had a Maxxum on my previous Skeeter that I loved. In addition to what you said, it seemed like the battery life was better as well.

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on June 16, 2011 at 10:55pm

Minn Kota Fortrex hands down ....performance in vegetation, lift assist, gradual start like Chris B. mentioned, stability, battery life, ergonomics of foot pedal, quiet power, etc. The Minn Kota isn't perfect, but based on my experience, the Minn Kota is superior to the MotorGuide in almost every way.

Permalink Reply by D.J. LaRoche on June 17, 2011 at 6:24am

I love my MK. I have a Maxxum and it is extremely quiet and powerful. I really feel they are a lot quieter than the Motorguides.

Permalink Reply by Dave Massey on June 17, 2011 at 7:23am

There is that guy at Anglers Choice Inc. that repairs them if you are considering that option at all. Or atleast have an idea of what it might cost to repair. His name is Walt.

https://www.anglerschoiceinc.com/

I just replaced my Motorguide with a used MK All Terrain. The thing I find with this model is that there is quite a jump between the 4th and 5th speed. I miss having the variable speed motorguide. That was nice to have (even if only for a short while).

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on June 17, 2011 at 8:52am

Minn Kota! I have a cheaper model 70lb thrust on my boat and it goes through anything!

Permalink Reply by Dropshot on June 17, 2011 at 10:20am

I've owned top of the line both. I would agree with MK being the better overall motor, but for me, the way the Motorguide steers and handles, was enough for me to go with them. Everytime in jump in another boat with a MK, it just seems herky-jerky.

Permalink Reply by Zackery Shaff on June 17, 2011 at 2:21pm

Having to push down on the head of the MG while pulling the cord is a feature, not a problem. It is the Gator Mounts way of making sure it doesn't deploy when its not supposed to. Similarly, pull cords wear out on both, and should probably be replaced with something more durable (coated wire rope for example). That being said, I am a full blown Minn Kota fan, and the Fortrex is my favorite of all the TMs I've used. Its smooth at all speeds, good steering IMO, and most importantly for me, the mount seems to be more stable than any of the others I've seen in rough water.

Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on June 26, 2011 at 9:22am

To release the trolling motor from it's rest position you have to push down and pull the string at the same time.

Your mount may not be evenly mounted causing a twist in the frame, try loosening the mounting screws and then slowly retighten while testing with pulls on your rope. It has worked for me!

Permalink Reply by Josh Potter on June 26, 2011 at 12:09pm