-CN-
Well-known member
I had a friend tell me I have the worst luck with trolling motors. Also said they have a long history of being trouble-free. The warranty repair center put on the front that my problems are "unheard of" and I "got a lemon", and "its not something I've seen before".
But, I've been through 3 Minn Kota motors in 5 years. Had one repaired under warranty twice, then replaced once I had the same issue a third time. The one I had it replaced with then had to be repaired for the same issue within 6 months. In the meantime, I also had an Edge 45 bow mount. After one season, only speeds 1 and 4 work. On speed 5 it works but at speed 4. Speed 2 and 3 do nothing.
The issue with my first two motors mentioned, the first of which was a Endura C2 55, and the second being an Endura Max 55, was water infiltration into the unit - mixing with electrical components caused intermittent, and eventually, permanent failure. The "fix" under warranty was to empty out water, let it dry, clean it, and re-assemble. But I would then only get a few more months of service before having the problem again. This happened repeatedly on both units. I have the Max 55 in my possession still - not under warranty anymore of course - and it worked at some point last season. I want to use it now, and it is completely dead. I looked into how the repairs are done on these, and with nothing to lose, I took it apart. There is corrosion inside the lower unit everywhere. First off, is there any hope to fixing this?
I am going to be switching to a 24 volt system this spring and getting a bow mount only. I wanted to sell the two motors I have, but looks like they'll be going in the trash. I'm familiar with Minn Kota's offerings so was looking at getting the Maxxum 70. I am used to hearing and reading more bad than good about Motorguide. But my experience with Minn Kota is nothing but bad, so I'm wondering if there's any good alternative to Minn Kota or Motorguide motors. I'm looking at cable steer, need short shaft (42 or shorter), and spending under $1000. Is any motor out there not junk anymore? I like the Lowrance and Garmin are offering motors now. But they will have to expand their offering to accomodate 12ft - 14ft jon boats before they'll have something for me.
But, I've been through 3 Minn Kota motors in 5 years. Had one repaired under warranty twice, then replaced once I had the same issue a third time. The one I had it replaced with then had to be repaired for the same issue within 6 months. In the meantime, I also had an Edge 45 bow mount. After one season, only speeds 1 and 4 work. On speed 5 it works but at speed 4. Speed 2 and 3 do nothing.
The issue with my first two motors mentioned, the first of which was a Endura C2 55, and the second being an Endura Max 55, was water infiltration into the unit - mixing with electrical components caused intermittent, and eventually, permanent failure. The "fix" under warranty was to empty out water, let it dry, clean it, and re-assemble. But I would then only get a few more months of service before having the problem again. This happened repeatedly on both units. I have the Max 55 in my possession still - not under warranty anymore of course - and it worked at some point last season. I want to use it now, and it is completely dead. I looked into how the repairs are done on these, and with nothing to lose, I took it apart. There is corrosion inside the lower unit everywhere. First off, is there any hope to fixing this?
I am going to be switching to a 24 volt system this spring and getting a bow mount only. I wanted to sell the two motors I have, but looks like they'll be going in the trash. I'm familiar with Minn Kota's offerings so was looking at getting the Maxxum 70. I am used to hearing and reading more bad than good about Motorguide. But my experience with Minn Kota is nothing but bad, so I'm wondering if there's any good alternative to Minn Kota or Motorguide motors. I'm looking at cable steer, need short shaft (42 or shorter), and spending under $1000. Is any motor out there not junk anymore? I like the Lowrance and Garmin are offering motors now. But they will have to expand their offering to accomodate 12ft - 14ft jon boats before they'll have something for me.
