Trolling Motor Advice

[KyPit71]

Alright guys,got a question.I'm planning on buying a new trolling motor for my little 14ft jon boat.It's going to be a bow mount but don't know whether to go tiller or foot controlled.Minn Kota or Motorguide?I've looked at the edge series and the powerdrive.Ive read that the powerdrive has problems with the steering motor needing replaced often.I want between 40-55# of thrust.What would you recommend,MG or MK? Thanks for posting,Chad

[18'stratos]

Get the 70pound minn-kota maxxum. Foot controlled. Foot controlled frees up your hands for better fishing and go to the 70 pound so you dont leave yourself "wanting" when it comes to power. Its well worth the extra money.

[Col Forbin]

I guess it would all depend on how close you would be sitting to where it will be mounted. I know that foot controller will take up a good chunk of space in the front of a smaller boat. With a boat that size small adjustments will move it pretty good, so I don't see a tiller/hand steering being that bad of an option. If I would always be in arms reach, I think the tiller would work out better. I just think they are easier to make small adjustments on.

I would decide on MK or MG solely on which I could get for a better deal. They both are good. The MK is supposedly a little more stealthy, and MG is supposedly a little more rugged, although I would be happy with either.

[MsgMills]

I bought the foot controlled 50 lb thrust Minn Kota Wal-Mart had when I owned my 14' John Boat. This Boat was decked out from front to back in Plywood and carpeted up like a real Bass Boat and had a 9hp outboard on the back. The 50lb thrust TM got me and my two sons or my (good) B-I-L (who weighed in at 400 lbs) around real nice and I didn't have to worry about the wind either....

[birdstrike]

I got a 24 volt, 74lb thrust foot controlled MK Maxxum on my 14 footer. You need the power if you are fighting wind or current. If not, go with a 12 volt and save the weight & expense of an extra battery. I've owned MK and MG and I must say I think the MK is built better. I reallly like my set up by the way!

[RoadToad]

My used 14' jonboat came with a bow-mounted MK, not sure of the thrust on it but I wish it was more. Don't skimp on that. My boat's narrow, even for a jon, but the foot control really is only in the way climbing in or out over the bow. Once you're in and situated, it's not a problem. I've only owned 2 trolling motors, but I'm totally sold on MinnKota.

[KyPit71]

thanks guys for all the info.I still can't decide on the foot controlled or tiller.O n one hand the tikker would be out of the way but hands free would be alot easier to fish with I would think.My boat is a 84 alumacraft v-bottom that is decked out with carpeted landing of front and back.She's not the most stable but have yet to fall out of it....knock on wood..lol Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?Thanks again guys,really! 1 more question,Can you catch them big ole marble eyes from the bank as I don't think my boat would be safe in that turbine wash??? Chad

[DaveR]

... Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?.... Chad

I don't believe you need 70, if cost or weight is a concern at all. I run a 55 lb 24 volt motorguide on my 19ft Fiberglass and it gets the job done for me. Within the last 10 years there has been a huge jump in popularity of high thrust trolling motors. Probably because they are now selling alot of 20-22 foot boats.

I would believe one can do fine with a 12 volt system and a 40-50 lb thrust unit for a 14 foot boat. Just my opinion to respond to your question.

[stockcars6]

if you are trolling motor only, get as much thrust as you can afford, if you have a engine to push you around, go with a 45 or 50, seems like much more than that will kill a good 12v battery in a day

i recently traded my 45 mk edge for a 80 mk maxxum, the guy i got it from was down sizing and i was looking to upgrade... 45 pushed my 16' lowe well but i also had an engine

absolutley no tiller steer! if the wind is blowing and you want to throw a crank bait, 20-30 seconds without power is way to much, go with a foot controlled model (i did that too long to make that choice again)

the power drive v-2 is a pain to opperate, bought one and sold it after only 5 uses, hard to change the habit after a lifetime of traditional opperation, the pedal is flat out wierd... if someone was new to a foot control they *may* be able to learn how to use one though even then it makes major adjustments with only the slightest movement

[BigB]

thanks guys for all the info.I still can't decide on the foot controlled or tiller.O n one hand the tikker would be out of the way but hands free would be alot easier to fish with I would think.My boat is a 84 alumacraft v-bottom that is decked out with carpeted landing of front and back.She's not the most stable but have yet to fall out of it....knock on wood..lol Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?Thanks again guys,really! 1 more question,Can you catch them big ole marble eyes from the bank as I don't think my boat would be safe in that turbine wash??? Chad

I've got a motorguide pro 54 that is like new with gator mount that i'll sell you at a reasonable price. check them out as BPS and let me know something.

B

[KyPit71]

Thanks guys for all the replies!I found a MK AT65 for $399 at BPS.Are they as rugged and dependable as I have read and if so,is that a good price.Says they are regularly $499.Pm me BigB with what you want for that TM.How old is it and why are you selling? Thanks,Chad