Minn Kota vs. Motorguide

[TritonKTB]

I've been using my MG Tour 109 since 2005. Absolutely no problems. Quiet, strong, easy to maneuver(at any speed) and good battery life. I use the aluminum prop on mine which is very durable. MG gets my vote

[elnutsmalljaws]

Boat came with 12v MK. I upgraded to a 24 v system and bought a MG in 2005. Took maiden voyage for night trip to Dale Hollow for 3 nights. First night I knew this was a mistake because it was VERY LOUD. Lasted the 2 additional nights and got back home and called MG. They said to take it back to BPS where I bought it and replace it. Took it off, back to the store and replaced it. Mounted the new one and tried it out on a small local lake, 30 minutes later she was back on the trailer and on the way back to the house. Another call to MG to which they said take it back and replace it for another. I DID replaced it with a 24v variable speed MK and never had a problem since. To each is own and I will only own MK

[jwp]

I just installed a MK Fortrex on my boat. Only had it out for one trip but it ran like a Cadillac. Super quiet and the lift-assist is awesome.

[Duayne]

Boat came with 12v MK. I upgraded to a 24 v system and bought a MG in 2005. Took maiden voyage for night trip to Dale Hollow for 3 nights. First night I knew this was a mistake because it was VERY LOUD. Lasted the 2 additional nights and got back home and called MG. They said to take it back to BPS where I bought it and replace it. Took it off, back to the store and replaced it. Mounted the new one and tried it out on a small local lake, 30 minutes later she was back on the trailer and on the way back to the house. Another call to MG to which they said take it back and replace it for another. I DID replaced it with a 24v variable speed MK and never had a problem since. To each is own and I will only own MK

I only use the Auto Pilot versions of MK. Having said that, I know of MK models that had all kinds of probelms just like MG has. I think the more important thing to do is consider the options and features that fit your needs along with the durability of models from each brand and choose that way.

[TR21Bassin]

I've had MG on every boat I've had for the last 15 years and no problems what so ever. Just put a new one on my boat last year and love it.

I don't like how big MK pedals are.

Charlie

[elnutsmalljaws]

I only use the Auto Pilot versions of MK. Having said that, I know of MK models that had all kinds of probelms just like MG has. I think the more important thing to do is consider the options and features that fit your needs along with the durability of models from each brand and choose that way.

I understand that there are not 2 EXACT trolling motors, one with a MK sticker and the other with a MG. I was more upset that I had purchased and installed 2 MG motors on the same boat and there are jets landing at the airport in Lexington right now that are quieter than either of these 2.

[Duayne]

LOL Don't know if it was a bad model or a bad batch. Either way, that is a bunch of trouble just for a trolling motor.

I'm a MK guy. I like em because of the features. One feature I like is I think they are much more quiet than MG but that may be different in other MG models I haven't been around.

[Raydaver]

I've used a 67lb 24v MG for 12 years and loved it. Had to replace it this year for a bent shaft and alot of noise. Bought the freshwater 70lb 24v only to be disappointed. It was loud, had a loud singing sound at high speeds and it wasn't slow in the slow setting. Sent it back for another with variable speed and haven't been on the water to try it out. Maybe as with everything nowdays, the cheaper they make it, bigger the profit. I hate giving a big price for something that's built cheap. I just like SOMETHING for MY money. Yep, tighter than bark on a tree.

[RICHYD4U]

I had the same question last year...and after some great input from the guys, I went with Minn Kota...I'm sure glad I did! I love my MK Terrova 80lb with AP! MK all the way baby!

-Rich

[LMHunter]

Thanks to everyone for all your input! Looks like I'll be visiting A2O real soon.

[offdtop]

Most of my response for MK has been said already but the one thing about them I love over the MG's I've had is start up - when you hit the button on a MK it doesn't go full blast all at once almost throwing you or your partner out of the boat and if your in a smaller boat using a larger trolling motor you could find yourself in the drink pretty quick. I've had barely any issues with my MK's and in my opinion if it ain't broke I ain't fixing it - JMHO

[elnutsmalljaws]

Most of my response for MK has been said already but the one thing about them I love over the MG's I've had is start up - when you hit the button on a MK it doesn't go full blast all at once almost throwing you or your partner out of the boat and if your in a smaller boat using a larger trolling motor you could find yourself in the drink pretty quick. I've had barely any issues with my MK's and in my opinion if it ain't broke I ain't fixing it - JMHO

Good point which I forgot. The first night that we were on Dale after I had installed my new 24v MG that very thing was an issue. We were fishing a deep grass bed and I like both ends of it better than the middle so I put it on high to move to the other end and just about threw my buddy out into the lake. He ended up stepping on the fuel bulb and busthing it and if not for the Mercury that he fell into next would have gotten wet. The MK, no matter if it is on 1% or 100% will roll into the throttle as to not throw you for a loop. Works very well