Trolling Motor

[Volvo]

Thinking of getting an Electric for the Boat save the missus a wee bit of work..
Would like recomendations as to brand /Brands
Not so much interested in Remote Deploy , quite happy do it myself if it isnt too hard a task especially if one can save a few $$ in the process.
Boat is a 5.2 Vission so woulld think an 80lb r and just need to suss out shaft length ??..
Appreciate any feed back ey..

[ben475]

I like motorguide, works well with lowrance too.

80lb should work ok for you i'd imagine.

I think you would want a 72" shaft.
I have 80lb 60" on a 4.8m quinny and its perfect, could have got away with 55lb i think.

[NAGG]

80lb - 72' shaft with (2 x 125amp LiFePO4 batteries )


I'm going to suggest Minn Kota - rather than Motorguide because now they have service / repair networks ...... rather than the bad old days of every time there was a problem the motor it needed to be sent to Brisbane .

anecdotally there seems to be an improvement over the years in reliability for the Minn Kota's .

The MK remote is better - LCD screen more features (it is bigger though) .... that said there is a more basic small remote available
The MK app means that you can control the motor through your phone if the remote died - not available with a MG

A big difference is Spot lock is considerably more precise on the MK - doesn't wander as much (MG did have this over MK 4 or 5 years ago .... not now)

About 3 years ago I got to know a dealer who sells & repairs both motors ..... In his opinion the MKs were ahead on reliability , features , sales / technical support (BLA carry pretty well all the replacement parts & ship quickly) By comparison - The MGs were considered good motors but do have more issues - the killer was support & spares - where often parts needed to be sent from the US.

IMO - if you can afford the MK ... go the MK

Chris

[Lovey80]

I’ve had a MK for less than a year. While it worked beautifully the few trips I’d used it, it’s already been back for repairs. That said it was just a bit over a week to have it back on the boat under warranty. So I’m happy about that.

[Corry]

I think this is going to be like the old 'tyre' debates, or 'outboard brand' debates, you will hear the good and bad of everything. I do like reviews like what Nagg has given, there is substance behind it. All I can say about mine is that it's a MK, and I've had it 10 years, and it's never missed a beat, even after being flogged on dirt roads to get to fishing areas (the track out to Roper River mouth at the tail end of wet season). I can't compare, as I haven't owned, or even been in a boat with a MG.

My suggestion is to go biggest you can. I went a 55lb on a 5m Top Ender, so lightish boat, but then found in the big tides that it was struggling big time. I should have gone to 24v, then the biggest I could get at 24v. If you need to stick to one battery for some reason, then biggest possible at 12v. Shaft length, again, go longer, surprising how long you need if you're spot locking in a swell.

[Dignity]

As with Cory my MK0 is nearly 10 years old, hasn't missed a beat although a bit of wander on spot lock in strong tides or if fairly windy. I believe newer models are better for this. What I do like is the screen on the remote, one glance gives me the status. A mate has a MG which he predominantly uses offshore but not in adverse conditions, the remote doesn't have a screen and occasionally he has had to turn it off then on to get going again because he's not sure what mode he's in. This doesn't bother him as he only uses the spot lock function and occasionally the jog function, which my model MK doesn't have. Whereas mine is predominantly in the Pumicestone Passage and I've used every function on one trip or another. I'd love to have one on the bigger boat but have some constraints imposed.
Volvo, is the Vision an Allison?

[Volvo]

As with Cory my MK0 is nearly 10 years old, hasn't missed a beat although a bit of wander on spot lock in strong tides or if fairly windy. I believe newer models are better for this. What I do like is the screen on the remote, one glance gives me the status. A mate has a MG which he predominantly uses offshore but not in adverse conditions, the remote doesn't have a screen and occasionally he has had to turn it off then on to get going again because he's not sure what mode he's in. This doesn't bother him as he only uses the spot lock function and occasionally the jog function, which my model MK doesn't have. Whereas mine is predominantly in the Pumicestone Passage and I've used every function on one trip or another. I'd love to have one on the bigger boat but have some constraints imposed.
Volvo, is the Vision an Allison?

Thanks for the feedback Mate , not an Allison but a Seajay.

[NAGG]

I think this is going to be like the old 'tyre' debates, or 'outboard brand' debates, you will hear the good and bad of everything. I do like reviews like what Nagg has given, there is substance behind it. All I can say about mine is that it's a MK, and I've had it 10 years, and it's never missed a beat, even after being flogged on dirt roads to get to fishing areas (the track out to Roper River mouth at the tail end of wet season). I can't compare, as I haven't owned, or even been in a boat with a MG.

My suggestion is to go biggest you can. I went a 55lb on a 5m Top Ender, so lightish boat, but then found in the big tides that it was struggling big time. I should have gone to 24v, then the biggest I could get at 24v. If you need to stick to one battery for some reason, then biggest possible at 12v. Shaft length, again, go longer, surprising how long you need if you're spot locking in a swell.

Appreciate your comments Corry

And you are right that it often becomes a Yammi vs Suzuki thing ........ but the reality is that it really isn't that close & more a Yammi Vs Tohatsu.

My own experiences with Minn Kota ownership over 16 years - but also knowing quite a few people with Motor Guides ...... reaffirm my opinion .

Electric motors are problematic - so it's really important to factor that in ....... getting your motor fixed quickly & back on the water is important .

But hey there is a $1300 difference between them (80lb / 72" shaft) ..... that's about 45% more .

Size does matter - I got away with a 12 vlt 55lb MK on a 5m Seajay Barramasta ...... but that's because I carried a 200amp AGM - so when it came to spotlocking offshore the leccy could run on 7/8s & not kill the battery . ...... fish creeks etc run rout tides ... it would do the job. When I changed over to an 80lb - I found the motor wold just tick over to keep the boat in place & a much better job when it came to a strong tidal flow .

I think the 520 Vision would really need the 80lb ( specially offshore) & the long 72" shaft to avoid blowing out in any kind of swell - My 60" shaft has issues when there is 10knts blowing - eventually when I do an upgrade it will be the shaft length only.

Chris

[Ducksnutz]

Motor Guide everyday.
All in my humble opinion and someone who has owned both in a saltwater environment only.

I would not even consider another Minn Kota even if it was free.

Again, not brand shaming, just experience.

[Dignity]

Motor Guide everyday.
All in my humble opinion and someone who has owned both in a saltwater environment only.

I would not even consider another Minn Kota even if it was free.

Again, not brand shaming, just experience.

Interesting, have owned a watersnake, know heaps that have owned MK, and as per previous post only experience with the 1 MG. I suspect there is a huge difference between models whether it is MK, MG or WS plus now other brands on the market now. I know mine is 12 years old and the newer models are better. MG had an absoulute crappy reputation initially but has come a lonf way since, Watersnake seems to be standing still, Garmin and others have weighed in but don't know much about them.
Sounds like the ETech debate again.

[NAGG]

Interesting, have owned a watersnake, know heaps that have owned MK, and as per previous post only experience with the 1 MG. I suspect there is a huge difference between models whether it is MK, MG or WS plus now other brands on the market now. I know mine is 12 years old and the newer models are better. MG had an absoulute crappy reputation initially but has come a lonf way since, Watersnake seems to be standing still, Garmin and others have weighed in but don't know much about them.
Sounds like the ETech debate again.

As I said before - Yammi Vs Tohatsu

Compare the best MK vs the best MG ...... the gap is enormous & many of those additional features like "stow & deploy" , "lift assist" or a LCD readout on the remote can make life a lot easier ... particularly on a offshore boat . The accuracy of the spot lock vs pin point is significant . But you do pay for these features & benefits .

I've done the comparisons .... experienced both & how I honestly see it is

If you were fitting a leccy motor to a creek boat or to barra boat for some lure casting in a dam / creek etc ...... then a Motor Guide with it's big price advantage is worth considering.

However if we are talking an offshore boat .... those additional features of the MK come into play & even more so if you have a cabin boat . .... certainly worth paying the extra for.

IMHO

Chris

[Ducksnutz]

As I said before - Yammi Vs Tohatsu

Compare the best MK vs the best MG ...... the gap is enormous & many of those additional features like "stow & deploy" , "lift assist" or a LCD readout on the remote can make life a lot easier ... particularly on a offshore boat . The accuracy of the spot lock vs pin point is significant . But you do pay for these features & benefits .

I've done the comparisons .... experienced both & how I honestly see it is

If you were fitting a leccy motor to a creek boat or to barra boat for some lure casting in a dam / creek etc ...... then a Motor Guide with it's big price advantage is worth considering.

However if we are talking an offshore boat .... those additional features of the MK come into play & even more so if you have a cabin boat . .... certainly worth paying the extra for.

IMHO

Chris

Yeah, Nah.

Not even close to comparing Yammie VS Tohastu Chris.

Wink Emoji all you like but it doesn’t make you or your argument any more valid.

Your biased opinions are starting to wear thin to be honest and it’s no wonder this forum is in a decline of contributors.

Back to the OP, I’ve “also” owned both and wouldn’t bother with a Minn Kota again. PM if you would like to know more.

I’m out.

[NAGG]

Yeah, Nah.

Not even close to comparing Yammie VS Tohastu Chris.

Wink Emoji all you like but it doesn’t make you or your argument any more valid.

Your biased opinions are starting to wear thin to be honest and it’s no wonder this forum is in a decline of contributors.

Back to the OP, I’ve “also” owned both and wouldn’t bother with a Minn Kota again. PM if you would like to know more.

I’m out.

That's OK - say whatever you wish .... yeh, nah

All I'm doing is presenting the reality .

Is it bias when it is substantiated ? .
Everything that I have said comes from my own experiences , those of friends & from someone in the industry who sells & repairs both (so no vested interest)

There is absolutely no comparison when it comes to technology & features ...... none nada zip . MK hands down
The only real claim to fame that MG has over MK - is a wireless foot control ....... but even that has been an issue for owners.

I've said it for years - electric motors are problematic ....... My very first MK knew it's own way back to Hemmant due to the amount of issues , My third one ( first generation spot lock) cacked it's self within weeks of purchasing . BLA sent a replacement so I could continue with my NQ trip ........ Any issue I had with the first 3 motors were fixed (no cost) & returned in typically under 10 days. The second last one was rebuilt after 6 years (sold with my previous boat) & my current one has been fault free(touch wood) after 4 years.

Now I know MG owners who have been off the water for weeks waiting on parts out of the US .
...... How many MG service centers in Aust ? - I think there are well over 30 MK service centers in Australia & as mentioned BLA carry the parts .

Anyhow take what I said with a grain of salt if you think it's bias .



If the Motor guide was that good - why don't I have one on my boat & save myself $1300 ? ....... is it because there are too many compelling reasons not to ?

Yamaha Vs Tohatsu

Chris

PS - I'm fascinated by this statement

Your biased opinions are starting to wear thin to be honest and it’s no wonder this forum is in a decline of contributors.

If you see things this way then you have a real problem .

If I have a strong opinion on something it's usually born out of experiences , research , listening , watching & a lot of facts to back it up.

I'm sure there would have been a lot of ETEC owners who would have appreciated the heads up (not from me) before they went out & bought one.

[Ducksnutz]

That's OK - say whatever you wish .... yeh, nah

All I'm doing is presenting the reality .

Is it bias when it is substantiated ? .
Everything that I have said comes from my own experiences , those of friends & from someone in the industry who sells & repairs both (so no vested interest)

There is absolutely no comparison when it comes to technology & features ...... none nada zip . MK hands down
The only real claim to fame that MG has over MK - is a wireless foot control ....... but even that has been an issue for owners.

I've said it for years - electric motors are problematic ....... My very first MK knew it's own way back to Hemmant due to the amount of issues , My third one ( first generation spot lock) cacked it's self within weeks of purchasing . BLA sent a replacement so I could continue with my NQ trip ........ Any issue I had with the first 3 motors were fixed (no cost) & returned in typically under 10 days. The second last one was rebuilt after 6 years (sold with my previous boat) & my current one has been fault free(touch wood) after 4 years.

Now I know MG owners who have been off the water for weeks waiting on parts out of the US .
...... How many MG service centers in Aust ? - I think there are well over 30 MK service centers in Australia & as mentioned BLA carry the parts .

Anyhow take what I said with a grain of salt if you think it's bias .



If the Motor guide was that good - why don't I have one on my boat & save myself $1300 ? ....... is it because there are too many compelling reasons not to ?

Yamaha Vs Tohatsu

Chris

PS - I'm fascinated by this statement



If you see things this way then you have a real problem .

If I have a strong opinion on something it's usually born out of experiences , research , listening , watching & a lot of facts to back it up.

I'm sure there would have been a lot of ETEC owners who would have appreciated the heads up (not from me) before they went out & bought one.

Yawn…….
you’re not the only one on this forum with experiences, research, listening, watching and a lot of facts to back it up Chris….

I also had an Etec and put 700 hours on it without a single issue. I also owned a Tohatsu 40HP That was an absolute beast of a donk.

Seriously, if you don’t think you’re a biased twat, go back and read all of your posts…. Barcrusher, anti Toyota, Yamaha, BLAH, BLAH ,BLAH!

As I have said, it’s wearing thin….

[NAGG]

Yawn…….
you’re not the only one on this forum with experiences, research, listening, watching and a lot of facts to back it up Chris….

I also had an Etec and put 700 hours on it without a single issue. I also owned a Tohatsu 40HP That was an absolute beast of a donk.

Seriously, if you don’t think you’re a biased twat, go back and read all of your posts…. Barcrusher, anti Toyota, Yamaha, BLAH, BLAH ,BLAH!

As I have said, it’s wearing thin….

Twat ..... Charming .

As I said - you have a problem .

I actually didn't say that Motorguide were a bad motor ....... just that they don't have the features & after sales service the Minn Kota have - That is a reality along with a minus $1300 price tag. ...... argue away

gee - talk about sticking your head up your butt mentioning Toyota

( $2 billion payout because they sold shit cars with known problems for several years).......

The class action alleged Hilux, Fortuner and Prado vehicles sold between October 2015 and April 2020 had defective diesel particulate filter systems, leaving owners out of pocket.

www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/toyota-dpf-class-action-payout-figure-could-be-as-high-as-2-billion-86295

www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-faces-2-billion-payout-over-faulty-dpfs-135064

Really - ETECS ....... we all know about the problems & they earned the nickname EBOMB for a reason ........ Hey btw what ever happened to ETECs

As for Barcrusher ..... I like mine , It serves my need , it's well made ...... nothing more to say. I certainly don't jump up & down saying that it's the best hull out there ..... never .
BTW - I have a Suzuki .... but still think that Yamaha are better (less clunky , less corrosion , better gauges )

A few years ago - I owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlander V6 diesel - It was the best tow vehicle I have owned & driven ....... Anyone who drove it were amazed at the technology , smoothness , comfort - power .. & it never missed a beat ...... several people I know bought one on the back of my experiences . Did I buy another .... nope ! - would I recommend buying one ..... nope! - because the Gen 2 were a piece of crap , the build quality wasn't there & they had issues ...... worst of all Jeeps customer care is woeful . ...... BIAS ?

I now drive a Nissan Navara STX ... my second NP300 . I bought them knowing full well that I would be upgrading the rear suspension because of their soft ass . Both cars have been faultless (touch wood) ....... you know what - I bought these Nissans because those Toyota's had serious mechanical issues (aside from falling apart ) Those DPFs were a ticking timebomb in a Fortuner , Prado & that unbreakable Hilux ........ & here we are Toyota Aust lost a $2 billion class action because they were selling shit cars .

Maybe you should do a little research before you call me out for bias

Chris