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I have used motorguide trolling motors for nearly twenty years. I am thinking about upgrading to a 54 lb. motor from my current 46.
I have noticed that many of the 54lb. motors have aluminum shafts instead of stainless. The "customer assistance" person said with the new flexible mounting system that there should be no problem with bending of the shaft. That sounds nice but what does your experience say?
Thanks in advance!
Bumblebee
This is strictly an opinion, because I know nothing about the aluminum shafts and I don't have one or know anyone that uses one.
With that said, stainless has its own issues. Think about what happens to an outboard when a stainless prop meets stump ... no give, resulting clunking noise, trip to dealer, serious reduction in checking account. Stainless sure has the durability edge but not the flexibility. I don't know how many times I've cringed when I got too close to a rock or ledge and watched the whole shaft and control head strain against the bolts holding it on :) I don't ever try to use my trolling motor like a 4x4, but that flexible mounting system actually sounds like a pretty good idea to me.
Now on the other hand, it could just be a trick to reduce costs. Wonder why they wouldn't make a stainless shaft with a fexible mount?
....BillH
As someone that had a Minn Kota, then my next two boats had motorguide........
My advice would be to replace it with a Minn Kota
Havign had the opportunity to work with the aluminum shafts on MG. They are fairly thick and don't bend that easily. I would recommend the gator mount for the application your going to use and use the spring mount. You should have no more problems with the Motor Guide than any other TM. Good Luck
Bee,
I would check with Dave Smoot w/ Kentucky Trolling Motor and get his advise(he is the man when it comes to trolling motors).
859-272-3632
Tell Eddie sent U
MINN KOTA just purchased it and wouldnt trade it for two Motor Guides
they should rename it .......TIMEX
I still have a MG PRO 54 for sale used it for a week last year paid $400 for it at BPS will take $225 comes with gator mount. Let me know.
Brad
Thanks to everyone for their input. Last weekend I bit the bullet and bought a 56 lb thrust MG with stainless shaft and variable speed. I look forward to using it on Barkley in May.
Started with Minn Kota, went to Motor Guide for exactly 1 - 3 day trip to Dale Hollow, took it off and went back to Minn Kota Maxxum variable speed 70lb thrust / 24 volt system and LOVE it.