Eskimo Mako or Stingray???

[TRITC]

OK guys, I have the choice of a brand new Mako or brand new Stingray. I'm having a tough time deciding...

My situation: I fish mobile (foot, 4-wheeler or truck), drill lots of holes. Weight, cutting speed, and reliability are a few main concerns for me. I see that the gear ratio on the SR is a bit higher than the Mako, does that translate into faster cutting?

Has anybody had experience with both (good/bad)?

Thanks,

TRITC

[WallyGator12000]

I got the Eskimo Stingray about a week and a half ago and it worked great for about 40 holes, it cut fast and smoothly, and the engine really ran well. Then all of the sudden when I started it up for the next set of holes this past weekend, everytime I gave it throttle it would just die. I couldn't figure out the problem, so I took it to gander and they exchanged the powerhead for me. So, past the problem I really liked the auger, I didn't feel like it was underpowered at all. That's my two cents, I can't tell you anything else because I haven't used my new powerhead yet. You better believe if I have a problem with this one I will be returning the stingray to Gander, but if I don't have any problems I will be quite satisfied with the auger. So right now I guesss it is a toss up...hope that helps some!

[TRITC]

Thanks for the reply WG!

Anybody out there with the Mako?

[chunkytrout]

I have a 10" Mako and beyond a recoil problem, the thing is great. Lightweight and cuts nicely with a 2 horse TC2 powerhead.

[phishandpheasant]

Chunky,

Does your recoil rope break constantly?? Just curious. Other than that problem, I like my mako. It runs good and cuts fast enough for me.

[WallyGator12000]

Well, my new stingray powerhead was having similar problems to my other one. I called D-Rock and the guy there said they have had a ton of them come back with the fuel line crimped, and that is what it sounded like was wrong with mine. Instead of getting a brand new auger fixed, I returned my stingray to gander and bought a Lazer Mag Express from D-Rock for 270...

[Mr Special]

I have a Eskimo Barracuda 8" turbo with 2hp and Moby1 has a Stingray 8" Quantum design with 1.2hp. Moby1 has cut about 100+ holes and I have cut just as many in the last few weeks. Neither one of us has had any problems with our augers. The Stingray cuts just as fast and is a heck of alot lighter then mine. I'm very impressed with the power and torque of a 1.2hp powerhead. If I would buy a new auger I'd personally go with the Stingray. And it's under $200

Good luck hope this helps

[chunkytrout]

Phish, nope just once. Trout opener. -40F and the plastic gear didn't fully retract from the dogs on the flywheel. Presto, no more plastic gear. That was extreme use for any mechanical device I figure. My boys at Joes Marine had me up and running in two days. Other than that, I love this auger.

[phishandpheasant]

My original rip cord kept breaking. I had it replaced with a different one and it has been good since. Maybe I just need to lay off the weights or the sauce