I've got a bent shaft on my 36V Minn Kota Maxxum trolling motor and am going to be replacing it this weekend when TW starts up its labor day sale. I am not trying to start a war or anything crazy just wondering what brand everyone prefers. I have always had Motor Guides up until this Maxxum which was on the boat when I purchased it. I am leaning towards another Minn Kota so the holes and plug etc. will all match up with what I already have. However; I have always been happy with the performance of my Motor Guides before so I'm not real sure what I want to do yet.

minn kota fortrex is awesome

That's the one I am going with if I get a Minn Kota.

Just replaced my Motor Guide with the Minn Kota 101 and it's so much more quiet and seems to cut through vegetation much more easily.

Having used both, I don't see me buying a Motor Guide again.

If you want a objective opinion, I'd check with some marine electronic folks who service both, and sell both. They can tell you about repair histories etc. Usually don't have a lot of problems with them, but when you do, it is not a good situation, unless you have a spare you take with you.

I've called a couple of shops thus far with mixed reviews. Being that almost everyone down here fishes salt water exclusively Minn Kota rules.

I've had a Fortrex (MK), iPilot (MK) and now a xi5 (MG). Taking the autopilot out of the equation, I'd prefer a MK over the MG.

I had Motor Guides for about 30 years and when we were visiting a relative in an assisted care facility there was a guy who had a certificate for a Minn Kota he had won in a drawing. He had no use for a trolling motor and asked me if I would give $500 for it so I gave him the money. I put it on my boat 5 years and wish I would have changed sooner that Fortrex is a great motor.

MK

MK fortrex

So far all votes for Minn Kota. Surprising but good because that's the way I was leaning.

If you own a Fortrex and had to fish on a boat with a MG, you would understand. The MG is an ancient dinosaur compared to the MK.

You're the second person to tell me that.

Minn Kota for me