motorguide vs minnkota

[pilchardjones]

hello all,
i am about to fit a bow mount electric to my 445 side console glass project boat.
i was thinking of a 55lb minnkota, but a good friend of mine told me a lot of people are going for the motorguides now. one of the main reasons is they can rotate so much quicker for fast changes in direction, and they have a better tilt mechanism.

it is for use in salt water (barra and jacks etc hinchinbrook / townsville) and i want to stay with 12V.

does anyone have any info to the contrary? what would you choose?
thanks for anyones comments.
steve

[pilchardjones]

2

[davo]

My mate and I have had a lot of problems with our Minnkota's Basically everything except the motor itself. Auto pilot is good but maybe the Motorguide is more reliable?

[Finnatical]

Have had my Minn Kota 55 pound bowmount for about a year now and cannot speak highly enough of it. I run it on a 455 Top Ender and it does a great job. Lifting it is very easy and the autopilot is a great feature which I use all the time.

Sofaras the speed of turning I cannot comment on the motorguide but the Minn Kota seems plenty fast enough for me. Sometimes it is a little too fast and can catch you off balance if you hold the pedal down too long by accident (ie when you are not paying attention with a fish or snag etc).

Also no problems to speak of yet (touch wood).

Looks like a great set up you have there. I look forward to seeing it completed.

Good Luck,
Jason

[pilchardjones]

thanks for the advice guys.
steve

[tiges]

A bit like asking guys what 4WD is better, Patrol or Landcruiser. You'll get guys singing the praises of one, and writing of the other. But as in this scenario you'll find that both products are quite good. I've got a 54lb digital motorguide, and I'm more than happy with it. But in the saltwater variety you'll probably pick up a minn kota riptide 55 cheaper than a motorguide 54 great white, so that may be the better otion. Gotta say I seem to see quite a few posts regarding probs with the minn kota's, but that's more than likely due to the number of them out there.

[banshee]

Don't discount the new Jarvis Marine Sea Snakes (or is that Water Snakes),due out in October and about half the price of the competition.

[Archer]

Banshee do you ahve any further info on these as yet? Models available, features etc?

Joe

[banshee]

G'day Joe,just spoke to the boss and he's expecting them in two weeks time (Lismore NSW),can't remember all the features as the brochures are at the shop but do know that there are three tiller steer 12v models,a 34lbs, 44lbs and a 54 lbs, the smallest has an alloy shaft and the other two have stainless these should start at $300 ish,there are two 12v foot controll bow mounts with composite shafts @ 44lbs and 54lbs RRP for the 54 is $699 but I think the boss is going to try and better this, the other bowmount should be about $50 under that again,there is also an 84lbs in 24v and a 110lbs in 36v but don't know anything about these as they're not our thing,another thing I remember is all units are preasure tested before leaving the factory.hope this helps.

edit-that should have been 110lbs not 110v

[pilchardjones]

thanks banshee,
i had heard about some new cheap electrics coming onto the market but was a little unsure about being amongst the first to get them. but half price is attractive.
i might look into them.
the 55 minnkota seems the standard most saltwater fishos end up with so most probably i will go this way.
thanks,
steve

[Archer]

G'day Joe,just spoke to the boss and he's expecting them in two weeks time (Lismore NSW),can't remember all the features as the brochures are at the shop but do know that there are three tiller steer 12v models,a 34lbs, 44lbs and a 54 lbs, the smallest has an alloy shaft and the other two have stainless these should start at $300 ish,there are two 12v foot controll bow mounts with composite shafts @ 44lbs and 54lbs RRP for the 54 is $699 but I think the boss is going to try and better this, the other bowmount should be about $50 under that again,there is also an 84lbs in 24v and a 110lbs in 36v but don't know anything about these as they're not our thing,another thing I remember is all units are preasure tested before leaving the factory.hope this helps.

edit-that should have been 110lbs not 110v

Cheers Banshee, Thats a big price diffrence from the curent competition. Aslong as there decent quality it should be great for making the current manufactures drop there prices. Be very keen to check them out once there released.
What Store are you from Banshee? PM if you don't want it public. ;)

Joe

[Stumpthumpa]

The new Jarvis electrics were on display at the AFTA trade show last weekend and at first glance looked pretty good.

[woolybugger]

Steve,

I personally have a Motorguide and have had it for about two years now and have found it a very good electric motor and like what your mate says, the best feature is the quick/fast response of it especially when fishing in the sticks or locked into a big fish.

A few of my mates have Minnkotas and yes they are great electrics also, however after they have trialed mine, do find it easier and better to use.

Another big factor these days with the ever increase of fuel costs and interest rises, the cost is a big seller.

Again, horses for courses or however the saying goes. So try them out and get get what you prefer.

Good luck and nice boat there mate.

[Dodgy_Back]

I have a 54lb motor guide fresh water. I use it atleast once a week in the salt and can't fault it at all.
In the two years of constant use I have had to replace the rope a couple of times and the switch in the footcontrol but it only cost about $20.

After using Minn kota's and Motorguide ,I like the cable steer better purely for the quick responce.

Mick

[Runaway_Bob]

I have a cable steer motor guide, but will change to a minn kota for the new boat I think