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Rick from Lafayette	Question for BCB	Lead	[-]
Posts: 60 (05/25/08 08:04) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None What percentage of boats from the factory are equipped with Motor Guide TMs as opposed to Minn Kota? I have used MG's since I've been fishing and I feel like I have bent my last shaft: 4 times on this boat alone! There's too many tree stumps in the waters where I fish and the expense is getting out of hand, not to mention, the loss of fishing time. I had a 3 day weekend of fishing planned and I bent my shaft 45 minutes after launching on Saturday. Naturally, the TM shop was closed for the Memorial Day weekend. I love my Classic and my Optimax but the MG has let me down too many times. Any BassCat family members have any suggestions on the MK models?
fishfafun		#1	[-]
Posts: 45 (05/25/08 08:50) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Rick, Not sure about percentages but you won't bend a shaft on a Minnkota. Unbreakable (according to them) shaft with a lifetime warranty. But, believe me, they will break. I did it on a brand new Minnkota 101US. Was replaced at no cost by local shop. I've run both and the Minnkota is WAY better in my HO. Quieter, easier on batteries and much better in the weeds. If you have a 24 volt system, the 82 lb. would be the way to go. 101 with 36 volts. I wouldn't recomend the Universal Sonar unless you just can't stand the wires strapped to you TM. They look neater but don't come with temp. sensor so you miss one important function when you look down at the fishfinder. Also, I'm not sure about bolt patterns on the change over, I think the newer units have the same bolt pattern for both companies but I sure someone else will know that for sure. Otherwise you should be able to change over without much problem. BTW, not sponsored by Minnkota, just have had 5 yrs. of experience with each and Motorguide still has a long way to go to get me to go back....... Tom
lad		#2	[-]
Posts: 275 (05/25/08 09:37) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Rick--I have a MG--installed the springs a few years back for the breakaway --fish Toledo--haven't had any problem with bent shaft since then--when you wedge on stump the springs give way and then the tension returns the shaft to its original position.
jignpig		#3	[-]
Posts: 1283 (05/25/08 10:38) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	lad is right, if you like the MG and are satisfied with the overall performance, I would opt for the aftermarket springs that can create a "breakaway" mount. You didn't specify the age of your troller so we can assume it does not have a breakaway feature? I ran MG on all of my previous Cats, since 1989. The boat I have now is one I bought used. last year...replaced with my first MinnKota, a MK Maxxum 80, no universal sonar, I like my water temp read out at the bow. Never bent a MG shaft myself and had very few issues to speak of. Went with MK for various reasons, moves through weeds better with it's standard prop, quieter, and like MG, digital. Warranties are same basics, lifetime on the MK shaft. Not brand loyal either (except for the boat). The spring mounts can be gotten at most dealerships or service centers.
jlg309		#4	[-]
Posts: 9 (05/25/08 11:09) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I've used both, and never repaired a shaft on a Minn Kota (can't say the same for my Motor Guide.) The newer universal sonar feature now has a temp sensor as well. Also, the hole patterns are the same between either brand. The biggest difference I've noticed is when I switched to Minn Kota, the "run" switch was on the opposite side of the foot control of the Motor Guide. Having run MG's since I first learned how to use a trolling motor, the MK felt like I was driving a car in England. After a few trips, it became second nature, but was akward at first. I also have no loyalty to either brand, and am currently runnning a Motor Guide because that's what came on my boat. That being said, if the Motor Guide breaks on me, I will likely ditch it and go back to the Minn Kota.
Rick from Lafayette		#5	[-]
Posts: 61 (05/25/08 01:06) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for all your replies. I should have mentioned I have the latest MG Digital Tour / 82 lb. w/ transducer and it does have the springs in the carrier. I tend to run it on high when I'm shooting across the water and it's the high speed impacts that do me in. I also get caught a lot in those cypress knees when I'm near the bank. This last episode was a little different. The TM got wedged between the weight of the boat while it was inside the hollow stump. I couldn't rock it free and it was at such an angle I couldn't unscrew the front knob to free the shaft from the carrier. It bent when I put the boat in reverse. I'm going to wait until Tuesday when my TM guy comes back from HIS 3 days of fishing (LOL) and speak to him. He works on both brands and always had good things to say about both brands but he once suggested for my next TM I try MK at the rate I bend shafts. I'm hoping he can sell or take my MG on a trade-in as he sells a lot of used TM's. Can you spell "stimulous check"?
JSLAW		#6	[-]
Posts: 32 (05/25/08 01:21) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	" I tend to run it on high when I'm shooting across the water and it's the high speed impacts that do me in." If your bending these shafts when running on high power, then the MinnKota is not gonna be your answer either, there is no way any troller is going to be able to stop the momentum of a boats full weight when hitting an immovable object something is going to give, and that is generally will be the weakest link (your trolling motor). Motor guides do bend and minnkotas do "break". It happens. Take your time going thru the stump fields and pay attention to where the stumps are is the only way you are going to save your trolling motor.
Bass Cat Boats		#7	[-]
Posts: 11728 (05/25/08 06:43) Registered User Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	It is about 70% MotorGuide and 30% MinnKota now. Both have their issues and a bent shaft will run, whereas a broken shaft will not. MK has had some motor or other issues this year and MG seems to be through those except for the PinPoint Ready (transducer) models. MK is better inthe grass significantly. We have no preference and offer both.
john1112		#8	[-]
Posts: 347 (05/25/08 07:08) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Oh stop being so politically correct BCB! LOL I'm just kidding. The best guys to talk about this are the independent service guys. Mine has a no doubt which is better and more reliable choice.
LA Elwood		#9	[-]
Posts: 244 (05/25/08 09:10) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Which ever you end up with, the best insurance to having a great weekend is to buy a back up trolling motor. You can find them on line or at your local dealer for a very reasonable price. Even if it is very old and not near as good as the primary, it beats the heck out of waiting for someone to finish fishing for the weekend to repair yours. I found a 2004 65 lbs thrust for $150.00 with a 20.8 mount. I have also started replacing my own shafts, it is very simple and you will save up to a $100.00+ bucks. I can pick up a 45" shaft for $50.00 and fix it my self. Elwood
Rick from Lafayette		#10	[-]
Posts: 62 (05/26/08 08:32) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks again for the replies. Getting a second hand TM for spare is a good idea. Elwood, I tried to remove the shaft but couldn't figure out how to do it once I removed the top cover and plastic drive gear for the arrow. I'm fairly mechanically inclined but I couldn't get past first base on this one. Also, I assume you have to remove the armature in the lower unit to remove the bottom part of the shaft.
Bass Cat Boats		#11	[-]
Posts: 11730 (05/26/08 04:12) Registered User Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	First remove the top gear cable assembly, loosen the bearing collets both top and bottom, remove the wires labeling them (you may have to replace terminals) and drop the small shaft out. The motor threads on the shaft and does not need disassembled. Though you may need a vice.
NJbasscat	Hydrilla Hacker	#12	[-]
Posts: 23 (05/26/08 06:05) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am going to buy a Hydrilla Hacker prop for my MG TR109 this week and was wondering if anyone is using it and if it runs well in the grass. As far as MG vs MK, I have run both and like the MG because it is a little faster and much lighter than the MK in my opinion. The MK is quiet and runs through grass better. It really is a matter of preference as both brands perform well. I have hit stumps and the bottom at full speed with both brands and have never bent or broke a shaft. I guess if I bent a few shafts I would try a Minn Kota or slow down a bit. Tony
Bass Cat Boats		#13	[-]
Posts: 11738 (05/26/08 11:54) Registered User Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The trick set up is to turn down a Minn Kota propeller to fit your MotorGuide. That is the hot set up.
xm sean		#14	[-]
Posts: 84 (05/27/08 09:07) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	turn down a MK prop to fit a MG........... does that really work? does anyone have any pictures of before and after so i can see what needs to to turned down? if this works out i think we need to give BCB an "atta boy" i have the Hydrilla Hacker prop for my MG TR82 and it seems like i get a good amout of grass on it. the Tm that i had before was a MG pro 4700 with a regular prop so it is hard for me to compair but the TM and Hydrilla Hacker prop i am running now keep me from getting to deep into the grass due to frustration. but then again i get frustrated waiting for water to boil
Shap from La		#15	[-]
Posts: 606 (05/27/08 09:25) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Rick, I know what you men about those cypress knees and stumps. Do try and slow down a little though. I agree that neither troller will hold up under that kind of abuse. My personal preference is the Motor Guides, but think both are fine motors. The New Tour editions are pretty much problem free now and are about as smooth as they come. As Elwood said, you may wnat to get a backup and you won't have to worry about wether or not you bend your shaft again. That is what I did last year and although I haven't needed it yet I know I have it if I do. Good luck Buddy and Hope you find one that makes you happy!! Chris Coupel Paulina, La.
NJbasscat	MK prop on MG	#16	[-]
Posts: 24 (05/27/08 04:59) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Ok BCB, you've got my attention. Please explain how to fit a weedless wedge prop on a MG. I have never seen this done or heard of the concept before. Thanks....Tony
xm sean		#17	[-]
Posts: 85 (05/28/08 10:07) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	looks like you now have an audience BCB. you got our attention...waiting for your encore post
xm sean		#18	[-]
Posts: 86 (05/30/08 11:22) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	time for a bump
Bass Cat Boats		#19	[-]
Posts: 11772 (05/30/08 03:51) Registered User Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Yes, you can adapt the center to fit a MotorGuide. That allows the more weed effective MK Prop to work on your Tour Editions.
JSLAW		#20	[-]
Posts: 37 (06/09/08 10:48) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Can someone tell me how to do this the the MK prop??

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