RangerClay Posted June 2, 2008 Report Share Posted June 2, 2008 I'm buying an aluminum boat and an electric motor for me and the kids this summer. I have never used an electric motor and I know absolutely nothing about them. Could you please share with me what is the best brand and anything else I should know or look for when shopping? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted June 2, 2008 Report Share Posted June 2, 2008 Motorguide and Minn Kota combined have about 90% market share. I've owned both and they're both good motors. I assume you'll be using a hand operated version. For that, I'd probably say Minn Kota would be your best bet. Something in the 35 lb range. If you fish waters with a lot of vegetation, see if you can find a motor with the Weedless Wedge II prop. Those things are amazing. I've got a 101 lb Minn Kota on my Ranger and when I switched to that prop, all sorts of good things started happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 I own a Motorguide for my boat. I would try to get the biggest pound per thrust you can afford. Not knowing what size boat you have. Is their room for two batteries? If so, then a 24 volt system might be what you need. If not, then you will have to look into a 12 volt system. At the time I bought mine, I got the biggest 12 volt motor, Motorguide made. It is a 54 pound thrust. Naturally, the bigger the motor, the more juice it will eat. But yeah Motorguide and Minn Kota I would say are the best, I lean towards Motorguide. They both are coming out with better motors every year. Mine is now 8 years old and still running great! You will also need a battery charger to go with the deep cycle battery or batteries you will be using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 I've got a Minn Kota 30lb thrust that I take into the bass lakes, it is great! Lots of thrust to push a 14' aluminum boat around, good on juice, really short and really light. Once you get over 40lb thust they're a lot longer and heavier, and eat the juice up a lot quicker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeafWiper Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 I would 100% buy Minn Kota over Motor Guide. Last summer i bent the shaft on my Motor Guide trolling motor and it took almost 3 months to have repaired at a authorized Motor Guide repair center. Their customer service is horrible!!! The shop blamed Motor Guide for the delay in shipping. Minn Kota's shafts are indestructable are gaurenteed for LIFE! After i got the trolling motor back from having the shaft fixed, 2 weeks later the speed control went out. Took another 4-5 weeks to have repaired! Needless to say, buy a Minn Kota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 I have a 30lb thrust Minn Kota on my aluminum boat and am suprised how well it pushes it around. Got that and a battery at Dicks for $180.00 before the $20.00 rebate. Works for me.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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