Please help me!!!!! 2024
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I just can't seem to catch a break! As some may remember, a couple of weeks ago my trolling motor took a dump on me. I bought a brand new Motor Guide 54lb trust Gator Flex trolling motor to replace it. I get on the lake today for the first time with it on the boat and it takes a dump on me too!
The same thing as the other one! When i push the foot pedal front/back the motor shaft doesn't spin. The cable is not broken(i checked). It worked for about 3hrs before it did it. I paid over $500 for the piece of garbage! My first question is, can i take it back to the store i bought it from(Wal-Mart) and get a refund. Or do i have to call the warranty because it is registered.
Also, can you guys recommend a reliable trolling motor for me. My boat is a 16ft fiberglass bass boat. I want a motor over 50lb thrust and it has to be 12v. My new one came with the Machete III "weedless" prop but it is NOT weedless at all. It sucks in the grass. I need a more weedless prop as well
Your help and experience is greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Glenn reply :
Take it back and get a MinnKota. They're far more weedless than MotorGuide.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteTake it back and get a MinnKota. They're far more weedless than MotorGuide.
Really!?! I have always been a MG user but i am starting to change my mind. Any specific model?
cart7t reply :
I'd look at the 55lb edge model for your boat.
Dock Master reply :
QuoteTake it back and get a MinnKota. They're far more weedless than MotorGuide.
Agreed. I believe that MinnKota's are the best trolling motors avalible.
I almost forgot to say this, but get the Weedless Wedge II prop. This things slices through Hydrilla (and other aquatic veggies) like nothing you have ever seen!!!!
The Next KVD reply :
A 55lb MinnKota Edge would be a good fit. I run a 70lb Edge on my 16ft Nitro and it acts as if it where a 101lb MinnKota!! However mine is a 24v so in your situation go w/ the 55. YOU WONT REGRET A MINNKOTA!!! ;D
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Update: I took the motor back to Wally World and explained the situation and they gave me a full refund! All i have to do now is find a new one. A lot of people have recommended Minn Kota to me. It's just that i have always used Motor Guide with no issues(the old motors).
My main need in a trolling motor is it's ability to stay weedless. The majority of my fish come from flippin/pitchin heavy cover. The motor i just took ack could not even go through scattered grass. For $500 i expected a lot more.
I want the biggest lb thrust i can get but still keep it 12V. Please keep the recommendations coming guys. I need to pick one and try to have by this coming weekend.
fishfordollars reply :
Take it back and get you a hand operated Minnkota. End of cable and all associated problems. I did it 16 years ago and have never looked back
DINK WHISPERER reply :
How about this one guys? Has anyone tried this kind. I really want to eliminate the whole cable/pedal thing!
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91236____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
I wonder if i am doing something wrong because both of the trolling motors broke in the same way!?!
TommyBass reply :
There have been a couple discussions on the wireless vs cable trolling motors in the last month or so. I have several friends with that powerdrive and i honestly do not like it (mostly because of the pedal). You have to just tap each side of the foot pedal to change your direction, its not a traditional rocker style pedal. They also have trouble with the speed adjust (slide style) going out. The old powerdrives stow and deploy sucked.. but it may have been improved as it has been advertised. I personally like the digital steer style though, I had a MG digital steer that was very good but it got taken out by a deer. I recently switched to a Terrova and although I have not tried it on my boat, a friends was enough to convice me it was good. It does have the rocker style pedal but you still get the benefits of a digisteer such as optional remotes, autopilot, etc. plus very easy stow/deploy.
To go over it kinda quickly... the digital steering styles will turn a little bit slower than a cable type. For some this seems to be a problem, but I think it is alot less noticable in new motors than the original digi steers. I believe MG even advertises theirs as a complete 360deg turn in 2 secs (dont quote me on that). Digital steers will use a little more battery, since you are actually using battery power to turn instead of translated foot power. However with the new battery saver tech you get alot more out of your batteries anyways, and from the reviews I have read people go a day or two easy on those digital steers with no recharge and that was easily the case with my MG 24v. Digital will give you more of an advantage for any trolling or remote use. And dont listen to the hype about more to go wrong with a digital steer, your case is perfect evidence that cables steers are not any more reliable... and infact, of the 15 or so digital steers I see alot, none of those guys have had problems to date (other than the pedal I mentioned). Ok that wasnt so quick.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Man, after having a couple go bad it is REALLY hard to settle on anything! I am also looking at the Minn Kota Maxxum models. Any input on those?
TommyBass reply :
Ive heard good things about them, but I believe they are just the 5 speed type. Which translates into having those times when speed 2 is not enough and speed 3 is too much sort of thing. I used to have a 5 speed MG and that didn't bother me, until I got one with variable and now they do bother me. Also harder on battery life than the variable speeds style. Just my 0.02
Edit: Now that I look closer, it appear most MK are 5 speed styles 
Looks like the Fortrex is the only one I see off hand that is a variable cable steer bowmount, I could be wrong though.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Now that i have you helping, what is variable speed control? I have always had 5 speed!
BigBassGuy reply :
QuoteHow about this one guys? Has anyone tried this kind. I really want to eliminate the whole cable/pedal thing!http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91236____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
I wonder if i am doing something wrong because both of the trolling motors broke in the same way!?!
Don't bother with the power drive models, they have more electronics in them and are not known to be very reliable. I owned one with autopilot about 6 years ago and they are nice if you just need to stay on a straight breakline or whatever but if you need to go in and out of pockets and along a winding breakline they are almost useless, the turning speed is rediculously slow. They are better suited for walleye fishermen.
I can't see how you could be doing anything wrong, unless your banging on it or turning it too hard/fast and it hits the stops hard.
Also, don't turn them fast when the motor is out of the water, there is no water resistance restricting the turning speed alowing it to bang the stop. Otherwise they should be the most reliable style of TM around, theirs almost nothing to them.
I do recommend MinnKota though. Edge, Maxim, Fortrex, their all good.
cart7t reply :
QuoteNow that i have you helping, what is variable speed control? I have always had 5 speed!
TM's have either a set settings of speeds or they can have a variable control where the speed settings are whatever you want the TM to run at. While far better because you can dial your speed in perfectly to whatever conditions they're also more expensive (usually $100 more for MK) and also have extra electronic circuitry involved in the speed control that can fail.
The difference between the edge and Maxxum series MK's are in the beefier mounts for the Maxxums along with the availability of variable control on the maxxum and built in transducers. They are more expensive lb vs lb than the edge series. They all use the weedless wedge type prop which is very effective cutting through weeds.
Avoid the Power drives. I owned on and never will again. Great idea but it was never refined for bass fishing.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteQuoteNow that i have you helping, what is variable speed control? I have always had 5 speed!TM's have either a set settings of speeds or they can have a variable control where the speed settings are whatever you want the TM to run at. While far better because you can dial your speed in perfectly to whatever conditions they're also more expensive (usually $100 more for MK) and also have extra electronic circuitry involved in the speed control that can fail.
The difference between the edge and Maxxum series MK's are in the beefier mounts for the Maxxums along with the availability of variable control on the maxxum and built in transducers. They are more expensive lb vs lb than the edge series. They all use the weedless wedge type prop which is very effective cutting through weeds.
Avoid the Power drives. I owned on and never will again. Great idea but it was never refined for bass fishing.
cart7t
Do they all have the weedless wedge II though? Is the Maxxum worth the extra $180 over the Edge? I like the 360 break away feature because i like fishing under water stump fields and hit them often. It doesn't specify if the Edge has a similar feature? I will not be getting the built in transducer though!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteHow about this one guys? Has anyone tried this kind. I really want to eliminate the whole cable/pedal thing!http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91236____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
I wonder if i am doing something wrong because both of the trolling motors broke in the same way!?!
i can make you a great deal on of of those thats been used about 3 times.
cart7t reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteNow that i have you helping, what is variable speed control? I have always had 5 speed!TM's have either a set settings of speeds or they can have a variable control where the speed settings are whatever you want the TM to run at. While far better because you can dial your speed in perfectly to whatever conditions they're also more expensive (usually $100 more for MK) and also have extra electronic circuitry involved in the speed control that can fail.
The difference between the edge and Maxxum series MK's are in the beefier mounts for the Maxxums along with the availability of variable control on the maxxum and built in transducers. They are more expensive lb vs lb than the edge series. They all use the weedless wedge type prop which is very effective cutting through weeds.
Avoid the Power drives. I owned on and never will again. Great idea but it was never refined for bass fishing.
cart7t
Do they all have the weedless wedge II though? Is the Maxxum worth the extra $180 over the Edge? I like the 360 break away feature because i like fishing under water stump fields and hit them often. It doesn't specify if the Edge has a similar feature? I will not be getting the built in transducer though!
No. They have the composite shaft which flexes when it strikes something. I hit a log once going full speed with my old AT, the previous version of the edge, I was using those TM mounting bolts that BPS sells. It nearly ripped the TM off the front of the boat with only one of the bolts still intact but the TM was undamaged. I can't honestly say the $180 difference is worth it if you're talking a 55lb edge vs a 55lb maxxum.
yes, the edge TM's have the WW2 prop.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
So the actual shaft will flex!?! That doesn't sound very reliable! Also, another question for everyone, what would be need to install a 24V motor? Anything electrical or just add another battery?
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteI just can't seem to catch a break! As some may remember, a couple of weeks ago my trolling motor took a dump on me. I bought a brand new Motor Guide 54lb trust Gator Flex trolling motor to replace it. I get on the lake today for the first time with it on the boat and it takes a dump on me too!The same thing as the other one! When i push the foot pedal front/back the motor shaft doesn't spin. The cable is not broken(i checked). It worked for about 3hrs before it did it. I paid over $500 for the piece of garbage! My first question is, can i take it back to the store i bought it from(Wal-Mart) and get a refund. Or do i have to call the warranty because it is registered.
Also, can you guys recommend a reliable trolling motor for me. My boat is a 16ft fiberglass bass boat. I want a motor over 50lb thrust and it has to be 12v. My new one came with the Machete III "weedless" prop but it is NOT weedless at all. It sucks in the grass. I need a more weedless prop as well
Your help and experience is greatly appreciated!!!!!!
It could be possible you bent the shaft on both motors either by hitting something or by the way you mounted it. Is it possible you bent the shaft?
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I highly doubt it! I was fishing open water with no obstructions when it happened. I was cruising along in a straight path when the pedal just went limp on me. At first, it would work if i pushed the pedal backwards only. Then, it went out all together!
cart7t reply :
QuoteSo the actual shaft will flex!?! That doesn't sound very reliable! Also, another question for everyone, what would be need to install a 24V motor? Anything electrical or just add another battery?
Not reliable?
The TM mounting bolts sheared off except one, the TM itself was undamaged.
Not sure how much more reliable you can get. Well, you could go with another MG. Steel shafts that bend on a dime.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteQuoteSo the actual shaft will flex!?! That doesn't sound very reliable! Also, another question for everyone, what would be need to install a 24V motor? Anything electrical or just add another battery?Not reliable?
The TM mounting bolts sheared off except one, the TM itself was undamaged.
Not sure how much more reliable you can get. Well, you could go with another MG. Steel shafts that bend on a dime.
MY MG had an aluminum shaft(probably worse)! No more MG though. I just dont understand what you mean by composite shaft that flexes? Is it the actual shaft that bends or is there rubber inserts inside the latch door that allow the shaft to move?
BigBassGuy reply :
The actual shaft flexes. The upper section is aluminum, and the lower is the composite.
Sorry these are best photos I could get by myself.
No Pressure
With Pressure
And if you get a MinnKota you can get a sweet looking footpedal like this. 8-)
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Guys i really appreciate all your help and input on this! So, it all boils down to this. I have narrowed it down to three choices and i need your help picking one.
1) MinnKota Edge 55lb thrust 12V $499.00
2) MinnKota Maxxum 55lb 12V $679.00
3) Convert to 24V system and buy MinnKota Edge 65lb thrust on sale for $429.00
BigBassGuy reply :
I recommend the 24v You'll be wondering why you didn't step up earlier once you feel how much power you now have. Depending on the layout of the boat if you can fit the 2nd battery and what guage wires you already have installed. 6 guage is fine if running a short distance, 4 Guage preffered. 2 guage is needed if running the entire length of the boat
I also recommend buying the two batteries at the same time, that way you won't kill the new battery if the older one doesn't hold as good of charge.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
The batteries are in the "trunk" and it is 16ft of cable between motor and batteries. There is more than enough room for two batteries. I think i have 6gauge now. How do i convert the system though?
Keep the votes coming guys!
TommyBass reply :
Heck man... if the 24v is less do that for sure! You will never regret the extra power and definately longer battery life. You could get that setup and buy your extra deep cycle and still break even. Its not that big of an issue to change over to 24 v, its mostly just your battery connection has to be hooked in a series.
And about the shaft.... the black shaft between the head and lower unit will "flex" a few inches on impact. It is not like an axle, there is no power transfer down that shaft other than wiring, so flexing isnt likely to hurt anything unless you hit so hard it breaks (as BigBassGuy so kindly illustrated). And most should be guarenteed for life.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
My 12V motors all have 2 wires from pedal to connector and then to battery. Do the 24V motors have two as well or three? So all i have to do is get another battery and a piece of wire to link both together?
TommyBass reply :
Does your current one have a plug up front? Make sure you have a plug that works and hook it to the wires that run through your boat. Be sure that the gauge of wire ran from your bow to stern is appropriate for the voltage or current or as recommended by the manufacturer of the TM. Basically you will still have two wires... a positive and negative for your trolling motor (or comming out of your plug). You will link the positive wire to the positive terminal of one battery and the negative to the negative terminal of the other battery. Your correct, you then connect the left over positive and negative posts between the batteries with a short 1-2ft lead of wire that allows the flow to jump batteries. You then have flow into one battery, through it, into the other battery, out of it back up to your trolling motor... and Voila! an in series 24V system. I would also recommend using a fuse or breaker system inline (usuallly on your positive wire) of the appropriate size recommended by your motor.
cart7t reply :
QuoteMy 12V motors all have 2 wires from pedal to connector and then to battery. Do the 24V motors have two as well or three? So all i have to do is get another battery and a piece of wire to link both together?
My maxxum 65 has only 2 wires on the TM.
CGH reply :
Straight 24V Tm will usually only have 2 wires
On the 12/24 TM most will have three wires.
12/24 Is a TM that has a 12/24 volt switch or setting and can operated
on either 12 or 24 volts
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteThe actual shaft flexes. The upper section is aluminum, and the lower is the composite.Sorry these are best photos I could get by myself.
And if you get a MinnKota you can get a sweet looking footpedal like this. 8-)
Big BassGuy,
I don't suppose the pedal came that way from MinnKota? That looks dam cool man! How did you paint it?
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Well guys, first let me say that i appreciate each and every one of your responses! After much consideration i decided to stay 12V and buy the MK Edge 55lb thrust motor. I talked to BPS about the Edge 65lb and they said it is a discontinued model and does not come with the Weedless wedge II prop. MK told me that it is made just for BPS and does have the prop, who really knows. Anyways, i got *** to price match the 55lb motor for the advertised price on another site. I got it to my door with a free shirt for $455.08. You just can't beat that IMO!!!! ;D
Well, thanks again you guys, i hope this one lasts a little longer!
BigBassGuy reply :
QuoteQuoteThe actual shaft flexes. The upper section is aluminum, and the lower is the composite.Sorry these are best photos I could get by myself.
And if you get a MinnKota you can get a sweet looking footpedal like this. 8-)
Big BassGuy,
I don't suppose the pedal came that way from MinnKota? That looks dam cool man! How did you paint it?
Tackle Warehouse, its called CoolFoot, comes in many different colors.
Scroll to the bottom of this page. http://www.***.com/catpage-TRNA.html
cart7t reply :
I have a 50lb AT on my little boat that I've had for at least 10 years. The Edge is the next generation AT basically. Those models are true work horses. It should serve you well.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteThe actual shaft flexes. The upper section is aluminum, and the lower is the composite.Sorry these are best photos I could get by myself.
And if you get a MinnKota you can get a sweet looking footpedal like this. 8-)
Big BassGuy,
I don't suppose the pedal came that way from MinnKota? That looks dam cool man! How did you paint it?
Tackle Warehouse, its called CoolFoot, comes in many different colors.
Scroll to the bottom of this page. http://www.***.com/catpage-TRNA.html
Thanks BigBassGuy! I will call TW and add it to my order. The motor won't be shipped till Thurs any way.
Donkey punch reply :
This month I just went through 3 motor guide varimax 45's.
Each one was broke out of the box, what a piece of crap.
So I got a minn kota and love it.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Question, does the Edge model i got come with the weedless wedge II or just the original one?
cart7t reply :
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/trolling_motors/freshwater_bow_mount/edge.aspx
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Yeah i saw that but it lists both I and II. It doesn't specify either. I called MinnKota but there reps are useless! One told me no weedless wedge II and one said yes. BPS also said yes. I sure wish i knew which one it is before i get it.
BigBassGuy reply :
It should be the WW2, the 40lb is the only one that comes with the WW1
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteIt should be the WW2, the 40lb is the only one that comes with the WW1
Hope so! Hey i copied you and got the yellow cool foot like yours. I was going to get red to match the back 1/2 of my boat but i decided to color match the MinnKota letters instead. ;D
BigBassGuy reply :
QuoteQuoteIt should be the WW2, the 40lb is the only one that comes with the WW1Hope so! Hey i copied you and got the yellow cool foot like yours. I was going to get red to match the back 1/2 of my boat but i decided to color match the MinnKota letters instead. ;D
Yellow is 8-)
Atleast you didn't get PINK!! LOL
Donkey punch reply :
I got the 40.
It shows a ww2 on the box, but has the ww1 on it.
Now I have to get a new blade.
Does anyone know if the ww2 is way better than the ww1.?
I may wait until I need one to upgrade, unless its worth it to buy it now.
The main lake I like to fish is 3/4 weeds.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteI got the 40.It shows a ww2 on the box, but has the ww1 on it.
Now I have to get a new blade.
Does anyone know if the ww2 is way better than the ww1.?
I may wait until I need one to upgrade, unless its worth it to buy it now.
The main lake I like to fish is 3/4 weeds.
I hear it is but i am not sure because this is my first MinnKota. Are you sure the II will fit the 40lb motor. I read on their site that the 40 is the only one that does not have it.
BigBassGuy reply :
QuoteI got the 40.It shows a ww2 on the box, but has the ww1 on it.
Now I have to get a new blade.
Does anyone know if the ww2 is way better than the ww1.?
I may wait until I need one to upgrade, unless its worth it to buy it now.
The main lake I like to fish is 3/4 weeds.
The WW2 will NOT fit on the Edge40. The 40 has a 3 1/4" dia motor the other edges have a 3 5/8 dia motor.
Refer to this page for more info on what props fit what motor.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/_docs/propSelectionChart.pdf
The only difference I have seen between the WW1 and WW2 besides the size is the tips of the WW2 are flared out which prevents the weeds from tangling around the hub. If you trully are really interested in getting the benefits of the WW2 you may want to try taking a lighter and very cafefully and evenly bending the tips out. Otherwise step up to the 55 or higher to get the benefits. To tell you the truth, they aren't that much greater. The real difference is in the extra power which helps blast the weeds away.
related Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
previous topic
most viewed Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.