High Cost of MinnKota Replacement Parts

[Animal]

Does anyone else think that MinnKota is gouging them on replacement parts and not supporting products with parts for (not very) older models?

I've got a 1996 (new in 999) BM 48lb AutoPilot and the plastic side mount broke where the motor rests. I first went to my local repair shop who told me that the motor was obsolete and that MinnKota did not support it with replacement parts. I went online and found the parts at Trolling Motors Parts dot COM. and I called their 800 number. They had the part and wanted $179 for a piece of plastic with an antenna wire. The motor only cost about $450 new. When I balked at the price the clerk told me to be glad the control board wasn't bad because that was $275. The motor works like a charm and I'm not going to junk it for new one because of a broken piece of plastic. I've had some other repairs on my transom motor and thought that parts were very expensive for those repairs as well. I guess you can get away with some gouging, if that's what it is, when you are one of the only games in town.

Is there anyone with MinnKota that would care to comment?

[Valv]

I would go directly to factory in Mankato.

I wanted a mounting plate for a Genesis, they priced it at $ 52.00, when I got there to buy it, the guy at desk just gave it to me. He said they had some laying around, not to worry.

I think the expression on my face was worth a prize....

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Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[Phred52]

Animal, I have to go along with Valv. I have a motor where the power wire was getting real HOT. Took it over and the tech ran it for 5 hours, noting the Amp draw, voltage and temp of the wire every 1/2hour. He called when he was done, I figured "this is gonna cost pretty". The total was "NO Charge" and he suggested what I check to correct the problem. He diagnosed the problem and the motor is running fine. Check some of the other threads regarding Minnkotas, There are 2 current ones with my e-mail addy. Drop me a line and I'll send you the phone # and address of the Minnkota Factory. Phred52