Trolling Motors

[davisjeremy1981]

I'm looking at replacing my current trolling motor during the winter this year and was hoping to get some feed back/opinions from the forum. I currently have a Motor Guide X3 24v 75lb thrust but I've not been happy with it at all. Its only 7 months old and its been in the shop for repairs twice because the foot kept striping the threads on the shaft, I've had to replace sheered bolts, its noisy, puts off a lot of vibration, and constantly clogs/bogs down with grass when I get in or near mats. Its never been banged or crunched on rocks or stumps or anything of the like and I always make sure its solidly locked and strapped down before making a run so I honestly have no idea why I've had so many problems with it. Anyway....I've been looking at other motors but I was hoping everyone would give me their input, reviews, opinions, likes and dislikes on trolling motor makes and models before I make a final decision. Thanks for any input.

 

[fishinvol]

I switched from a X3 to a 80lb Fortrex. Best money I've spent on my boat.

 

[Oldman]

fortrex is the stuff.

 

[FishingwithRusty]

the fortrex is certainly the best tm minnkota has produced but in my opinion its still second to the tour edition motorguide. the X series tm from motorguide have been a nightmare for them and many of the customers that have them. that plastic pedal is junk! the mercury/motorguide service guy I spoke with this spring HIGHLY recommended I hang on to my tour editions when I asked about the X series.

find ya a 109lb tour edition and you'll be much happier, you can find them used but in good shape for a fraction of the cost of a new tm. if you've got 20' boat id recommend going up to the 109. you can never have too much tm power

in the meantime, motorguide came out with a 2 bladed grass prop and its WAY better than the 3blade machete in the grass. hope this helps.

 

[davisjeremy1981]

Thanks for the input guy. I was looking at the minn kotas when I bought the boat but let my dad talk me into keeping the X3 on there. Went back to looking at minn kota when I started having problems out of it and I see nothing but great reviews on the Fortrex. Only thing I'm worried about is if 80lb thrust might be too much motor for my boat. I've got an 18.5' aluminum and the 75lb X3 will damn near throw you in the lake if you're not careful on high speeds. I've been looking at descriptions of the fortex online. Does it have an easy start feature?

 

[FishingwithRusty]

the motorguides do not have the "easy start." you can always turn the tm down but youll appreciate the power in the wind and current.

 

[djsmarinelectronics]

Take a look at the new Minnkota Ultrex coming out this fall!

Models with i-pilot and bluetooth should be available the end of the month

 

[SHane]

Always been minn Kota for me.