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Forum nameTackle and Boats
Topic subjectHELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=3698
3698, HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by ICSpots, Mon Dec-07-09 09:40 PM
I'm looking to buy a 40-55 lb thrust foot control bow mount trolling motor and would appreciate any input you can offer (the good, the bad and the ugly) which may help me decide what to buy. My "new" boat is 14 feet so a 12v motor should be more than adequate.

It looks like Minn-Kota currently has three different foot controls: (1) Power Drive V2 - updated version of original control, (2) "High Profile" Heel/Toe steering foot control, and (3) "Low Profile" Heel Toe steering foot control on the Terrova.

I haven't been able to figure out the details of Motor Guide's foot controls from their website. In addition, I have yet to find a retailer that carries Motor Guide in my area. Even Cabela's was lacking as they only had hand control Motor Guides in stock.

I've used a friend's old Minn-Kota Power Drive with the rocker switch steering. Over the years we have had issues with moisture getting into the electronics but other than that it worked okay. My friend bought a new boat in 2008 which has a Minn-Kota Edge with the "high profile" heel/toe steering foot control. After using the foot control for a week I still wasn't comfortable with it. I think it came down to the fact that I wasn't used to having my heel off the deck.

Once again, I would appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Thanks!
Tim
3699, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by magmaster, Tue Dec-08-09 08:04 AM
I have a Motor Guide Tour 82 on my 15'5" jon boat. 24v is nice if you fish all day. You have power at the end of the day.

If you cannot find a Motor Guide then go with the Minn Kota. Both motors have thier pros and cons. I prefer the pedal on the MG personally. I don't like the big pedal on the MK.

Tackle Warehouse carries Motor Guides. You can check and see what models they carry.
3700, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by Tm Customs, Tue Dec-08-09 09:31 AM
Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money and get a minn kota maxxum its the best bow mount made ime super solid mount bullet proof design I've I've ownen four with no prolems
3701, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by Sacto John, Tue Dec-08-09 09:55 AM
I loved my Power Drive, but I got rid of it because it did not have enough power for my boat (41 lbs) I have a high profile type now that has plenty of power but I miss my Power Drive.

The benefits of the Power Drive are: (1) Low profile pedal. This really helps to keep fatigue down on a long day. (2) Long cable length. This allows you to operate it from every where in the boat (3) It tracks straight. When you put it on constant, point it where you want to go, take your foot off the pedal and it goes and does not stray. This was my favorite feature and what I miss most

The negatives of the power drive are: (1) Turning speed. With a scissor type motor you can turn the motor quickly, with the power drive the electronic steering takes a while to catch up. This was only a problem on the delta. (2) Cable length. Its a negative because you need to deal with the cable coiled up on your deck. (3) Pedal reliability. Most people who have had these motors for a long period of time talk about how the pedal wear out over time. I personally never had this problem with my motor and I mine was a used unit when I bought it that I used for almost 4 years, but it is something to consider.

Like I said I currently have a high profile scissor type motor on my boat and when I replace it it will be with a Power Drive.

As for Minn Kota vs Motor Guide i am a Minn Kota guy. I feel the build quality is better and will last longer. I have owned both (and currently run a Motor Guide, hey it was free) and Minn Kota is a personal preference.
3702, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by swimbait, Tue Dec-08-09 11:02 AM
I've had 3 of the Minn Kota PD series trolling motors. The pedals, as mentioned, break regularly. I've been through at least 5 pedals. They seem to last about 2 years for me.

When the boards crack in the pedal you can sometimes get more life out of them by spraying the board with WD-40. This helps the electrical connections which are being interfered with and damaged by water/rust.

As much as I hate how those pedals break, they are fantastic for jon boats because like John mentioned you can put them anywhere in the boat and stand flat-footed on them. In spring I'll put mine right on the edge of the tip of the bow. For trolling I'll put it on the floor in the back. It's nice.

When I need to make a quick turn I just reach down and turn the head of my motor with my hand. I'd rather deal with that than try to balance on a Motorguide pedal. My boat is pretty tippy.

I don't think there's a perfect answer to this dilemma on trolling motors. Either brand has tradeoffs.
3713, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by ICSpots, Tue Dec-15-09 05:50 PM
Thank you all for your responses.

I took a quick look online and it appears you can find customer satisfaction ratings ranging from extremely bad to extremely good for most motors.

I'm off to compare various sale prices, shipping costs and sales tax both locally and on-line.

Thanks again for your input.

Tim
3714, RE: HELP! Recommendations For Foot Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor
Posted by swimbait, Tue Dec-15-09 07:00 PM
Cool, good luck. Show us some photos of your new rig!