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Trolling Motor Advice

3K views 14 replies 13 participants last post by  Maggiesmaster  
#1 ·
My MotorGuide Four foot control trolling motor is about 12-13 years old and the 43 pounds of thrust has declined and it overheats occasionally now. I am considering what to buy as I have 5 grandchildren and 4 of them expect to fish every week or so once I tag out on turkeys in Kansas.

The newest MinnKotas, Xterra, are overly pricey and I have used MotorGuides anyway on 4 different fiberglass and aluminum bass boats. Maybe the lower priced Minnkotas would be good?

Any of your have experience with the Motorguide Xi5 http://www.basspro.com/MotorGuide-X...MotorGuide-Xi5-Trolling-Motor-with-Sonar-&-Pinpoint-GPS/product/13080206213112/ with Pinpoint? I am considering the 55 pound thrust with a 45 inch shaft for my aluminum bass boat. It is wireless and integrates well with a locator do do some neat stuff. It also has an "anchor" feature, etc. Advice?

Also, Motorguide just introduced an X5 http://www.basspro.com/MotorGuide-X5-Cable-Steer-Bow-Mount-Trolling-Motor/product/2237796/ that is cable steered that some top pros are advocating. It is affordable. Advice?

Minnkota also has the iPilot that is over $2,000 but sounds good except for the price http://www.basspro.com/Minn-Kota-Ul...ount-Trolling-Motors-with-iPilot-or-iPilot-Link/product/1408100812177/#desc-tab Advice?

Thanks,

Steve/"Dermott"
 
#2 ·
Although Motorguide did own the number 1 spot for many years in terms of durability and design, Minn Kota took that spot several years ago and widened the gap. The motorguide x series is china made poop. The question should not be 'which brand' but which model of Minn Kota.
 
#3 ·
Although Motorguide did own the number 1 spot for many years in terms of durability and design, Minn Kota took that spot several years ago and widened the gap. The motorguide x series is china made poop. The question should not be 'which brand' but which model of Minn Kota.
Thanks, QCD, I will check it out. I have used Motorguides since about 1975 except used Minn Kotas on Jon boats when fishing rice reservoirs where bigger boat could not be launched.
 
#4 ·
I use the 70 Maxxum on my 542 War eagle and 80 Maxxum on my 18' 8" Ranger. Except for one exception, Ive used MinnKota from MANY years and been very satisfied. From what I understand, the higher end units will connect to your fish finders (some models) and give you lots of options that you could not experience otherwise.
 
#11 ·
I have one of the original Minnkota I-Pilots and just love the thing. It's a Terrova 80-pound thrust which pretty much meets all my needs. I do a jot of spoon jigging for whites and stripers and the "Anchor Lock" is something that I don't think I can live without now. Great to just set it and I can walk around the boat doing whatever and the boat stays put. Also great when I am after walleye on the shoreline during the Spring spawn. If I hook a fish, I just hit Anchor Lock and the boat stays where it is until I land the fish and get it in the livewell. No drifing away from the fish which I really appreciate. I can hold position with winds up over 15mph with a good chop on the lake. Keep anchor lock in mind if you are looking for a new motor and need to hold the boat in one place while you are doing other things.


Cheers.....