So I elected to replace my co-pilot trolling motor with a tiller model so it would be more reliable. I was pleased with the Minn Kota outside of reliability because of the salt water so I got another 80 lb thrust model. I mounted it to the boat and noticed that the skeg was 15 degrees off of center. How do you let something off of the production line with such an obvious defect? I decided to use it anyway since it was mounted and I really wanted to get back off the anchor. While headed across the water, I noticed that the tiller head was loose as all get out and annoyed me all day. Then I deployed the unit and was greeted with 3 times the noise as my co-pilot 80 lber. What a surprise, it also doesn’t have as much thrust as my 55 lb thrust motor. All for $1000! Now I have to take it off, box it up and send it back. What’s the gaurantee the the new turd will perform better? Can you tell I’m not happy? My other option is to have it repaired under warranty. Any suggestions?
Thanks, O.C.
Sounds better than motor guide.
fish today work tomorrow
I agree. Don’t want another Motor Guide.
BOB
motorguide versus Minnkota has been kinda like Ford vs Chevy, it depends on who you talk to and on luck. I had a Motorguide freshwater 46# on my boat for 12yrs. Fished about 50/50 salt/fresh. Never a problem until this year. That being said, what you do depends on where you got it. Bass Pro Shops will NOT take one back for anything other than repair. If you don’t like it and want to get a different model they told me I couldn’t.
Hopefully you got the “monday” or “friday” built motor. I have a 55lb thrust tiller variable-speed Minn Kota that has, so far, performed flawlessly, except that it totally interferes with my fish finder (the vs frequency throws it for loops).
As for Motorguide, and the Ford/Chevy debate, I don’t think Motorguide earns the right to be compared to either Ford or Chevy… it’s definitely the Chrysler of the trolling motor world. Lots of people love them, but when I hear or see a breakdown, it’s usually a Chrysler or Motorguide. I actually count the number of broken down vehicles I see on the side of the road when I take long trips, and inevitably I see around a 50/50 ratio of Chrysler/Dodge products verses EVERYthing else. Don’t get me wrong, my GM’s have left me stranded two or three times, but in 20 years, I can say “two or three times” quite literally.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
The skeg/motor housing being off center is reason why it was making a lot of noise and thrust was lacking. The permanent magnets are mounted on the inside of the motor housing; on one each side. since the housing was off center, the magnets were not in phase with the windings. This equals low power, noise, heat, a probably a lot of brush wear and commutator arching.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
Matt i love chrysler. they keep me in business!!
Thanks for the information Hairball. It’s headed back to Cabelas. They were very good about the return. I’ll be glad to get one that performs as intended.
O.C.
“Junk always sounds best.”