My Motorguide x3 bow mount hand control 55 lb thrust burned up the switch today. I have not had any problems with it till today at Lake Wood. I was not reversing the motor fast or had bogged it down with weeds, it just quit. The switch melted into a ball and also damaged the the head cover. I will need to buy a new switch and head housing. After looking at the switch it is rather cheaply made and has china stamped on it. Where can I order parts for it and what would have caused this?

I researched this particular model and have found out that the reviews were very low. The switch seems to be an issue. I fish every weekend somewhere and don't like to be broke down. What do y'all think of the Minn Kota Maxxum 55 lb hand control motor and will it mount up in the Motorguide holes? The Motorguide is a 2014 model and has 4 rubber isolation mounts.

I prefer the hand control because it keeps the front deck of my boat open and is easier to use when throwing a cast net to catch bait.

I read up on the warranty thru Motorguide and sounds like I would have to box it up and ship it to them for warranty. Do they repair and send back or replace the unit?