I'v got a 16' 1977 Skeeter w/150 Merc.I know alot of hp but it came this way runs great and (HAULS BUTT)!!! Anyway i have read that both are good but also read that motor guide has bracket slippage what do ya'll have the least trouble with and most run time on the batterys? I was told 24 volt is the way to get more run time. Also it seems 70Lbs.of thrust is the lowest i can get on a 24 volt set up. Should i go with variable or 5 speed? Digital i read is slow on turning. would 70Lbs on low still be to much for this size boat?

24v/70lb should do you just fine. I run a 16"with a 65lb and wish I had a little more on occaission. But mine does catch alot of wind. I run a Minn but that is my preferance. MG is good too.

I use a Minn Kota Maxxum. Read about the Digital Maximizer. It only uses the power from the batteries that it needs. Where MG uses 100% of the batteries at whatever power level you are on.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/motors/detail.asp?pg=fbm_maxxumpro

As far as I know you can't get to much power (I use a 101lb 36v). You can go a slow as you want but not always as fast as you want.

I've had better luck with MK than MG, but they both have strong and weak points. I agree with getting the most thrust you can get for your wiring. I melted some wiring once by putting on a bigger motor than the wiring would support and had to pull new wire. Check on the requirements listed for the big one and check your wiring in the boat. Good luck.

Thrust is an important consideration but also you need to consider shaft length. Typically 42" is the length that comes on lots of boats. If yours has problems staying in the water on windy days, increasing the shaft length will make a big difference.

Personally, I like MG because of the foot pedal. I have friends with MK and I really don't like to run their tmotors at all. My MG TE82 has over 3000 trouble free hours on it.

I have ran both units and would say buy the one you can get the best deal on.24v 70# thrust @ least.

Minn Kota for me.

24 for sure or even 36 and definately get a lot thrust you want it for sure on the windy days or through the grass. Variable is also for sure thing, that way you can control the speed to your liking rater than have it split in to speeds like the tranny on you car. On my MK if we get shallow I can adjust the shaft by turning the knob and raising it you can probably do the same thing on the MG. The MK you can't brake the shaft. Atleast I caint and I've tested that plenty of times because mine don't break away.