MotorGuide TM

[MikeEiden]

I'm looking at upgrading my current TM and had been looking at the 71# 24V variable speed MotorGuide (FW71FB). Well after seeing a bunch of bad reviews on BassPro I wanted to get more feedback. My other choice has been a MinnKota Edge but I would really like to get the variable speed.

I currently have a 52# 12v Motorguide that came factory on my 17' Tracker Targa WT. It has worked flawless but would like to have a little more sustainable power. My current TM has the same pedal and controls as the new model I've been looking at. My only complaint is with the 5 speed there are big "gaps" between speeds and many times I wish there was a gear inbetween so that's why I would prefer to get a variable. I would love to get a much nicer TM but I know it won't happen anytime soon.

Any insight appreciated.

Mike

[Esox_Magnum]

I'm a MinKota guy but used a MG digital on a buddies boat, while nice I wouldnt trade my power drive for it. We run a 80# Terrova on our Tracker V17 Targa and is nice, would have went 101 but no room for the 3rd battery. I know MG has improved in the last year or so and I also hear mixed reveiws on them.

Since we run about the same sized boats I'd recomend at least a 24 volt at 74 or 80 pounds. Pedle style is a personal choice I like the flat style personaly add an auto piolet and your set.

[MikeEiden]

Thanks for the response. I haven't seriously looked at the PD just because I have heard so many pedal problems. Where people are going through a couple a season and have to carry extra on hand. At ~$80/ea that just seems to be to much. I really can't over look all those bad reviews from Basspro on that MG. With that many poor reviews there has to be some merit behind it.

I'm open to trying a different pedal and control style. The cable steer has limited range for pedal placement and of course you can't just set it in a direction and take your foot off. So there are disadvantages but I'm just used to them.

Thanks again for the reply EM. I'll have to determine how much I'm willing to sink into this upgrade.

[Esox_Magnum]

The new PD's, V-2's have been alot better, my current PD pedle is 4 seasons old not a issue. I was going through them untill I replaced the controll board since then not 1 problem. As far as the cable steers, if you like them go for it, our muskie boat came with one and if it was mine it would be laying on the bottom of the lake. Not a bad motor just has a mind of it's own and as you know your limited to where you can put it. I like to point the boat and fish not fight the motor, of course thats just my opinion.

[RK]

Hiya -

I've run Motor Guides since the mid-90s. With Motor Guide, you really, really get what you pay for. the lower end models are just that. But I've run Tour Edition cable drives for years and the only issue I had was the first year they came out with the built in transducer - water got into the lower unit a couple times. MotorGuide replaced it no questions asked, then actually contacted me to let me know they'd found the root of the problem and replaced my lower unit even though the one I had was working fine at the time.

I don't have any experience with the servo steer motors from MG - I've always run cable drives. I just prefer them. But the ones I've had have been bullet proof - even the one I bent a shaft on when I smacked a rock in Canada. Straightened it (sort of) in the fork of a tree, and went on fishing.

If you're thinking of MG, it's worth your $ to go up to a top end unit like a tour edition.

Check with the Motor Clinic in Bloomington - they're a MG service center, and from time to time they have really, REALLY smokin' deals on refurbed units. Buddy of mine got a Tour Edition servo steer for about half of retail.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[bemidjibasser]

Motor guide all the way for me. I don't know how many minnkota auto pilot's I went through before I got sick of replacing foot pedals(flat ones). Since I went to a cable steer motor guide, I haven't looked back.

[MikeEiden]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I'm just going to have to determine what my budget is and look for that sweet deal.

[CraigM]

I've got the Power Drive on my boat. Since I added the co-pilot I don't even use the foot pedal. My boat had a cable steer unit on it when I bought the boat and while I liked the quick response, I couldn't stand not being able to set a direction and take my foot off of it. It's nice to be able to move around the boat.

[MikeEiden]

That's where I'm at with my cable steer Craig. I like the response and I'm just so used to knowing which direction its pointed without even looking at the indicator. Kind of nice for night fishing but I'm confined to the bow. With wife and kids I wish I could set a direction and let it run while I run back and help someone out. I'll have to read into the autopilot more. I know what it is but never researched it.

Thanks again for the help everyone.

[CraigM]

The auto pilot is nice for when you need to pay attention to things other than direction of the boat. The co-pilot remote control is great for steering the trolling motor from anywhere on the boat with no foot control or cables in the way.

[Whoaru99]

Never had a MK, but MG treated me right by replacing, at no charge, the wireless pedal on a motor I had purchased as a refub. It was well beyond warranty (as in years beyond) so I was pretty happy with that. All I had to do was send back my old pedal and they paid the return shipping as well.