I have a 20' alumacraft modified v tunnel hull that i use farily often in salt water bay fishing and also catfishing and crappie fishing. I also use it for bowfishing a few times a year and plan on using it flounder gigging. Im thinking about upgrading trolling motors but im not sure what to get. Im running a minn kota maxxam 101lb but im not a big fan of foot control, espically for coast fishing. I do think i would like to go with a saltwater model. I know 101 is overkill for my boat but im not sure if i want to go smaller to 24 volt because of battery life. I see minn kota and motorguide both offer 80lb and 100lb for about the same amount of money. With the 36 volt a little higher. Id also consider a terrova or something like that but i dont want to spend more than about 1200-1300. Im not really sure how a terrova or i pilot works and it may not be necessary for my fishing.

Just looking for advice on size and type and brand prefrence from people that have more experience and knowledge than i have on them

I was told by a guy at a repair facility that as soon as a black motor hits the salt, it's on it's way out. The seals and bearings in the saltwater motors are made or that environment.
Wanting a smaller trolling motor is like waking up one morning and saying, "Man, I sure wish I had less truck". You can use less power than the max, but you can't add to it when you need it. If you are already set up for the bigger motor, that's what I would stay with. For the small difference in cost I would have a 36V but I didn't have a place to put the extra battery.
With what you are wanting to spend, you are limited to foot or tiller handle control. Before you nix a motor with I-pilot, you need to fish with someone who has one. The features far outweigh the price, especially when linked with the Humminbird and Lakemaster chip.If you are not running Humminbird, either brand motor will work. Unless I'm mistaken, MG does not interface with Humminbird.

I have a 80 lb Motorguide on an 18 ft Ranger with two Interstate batteries. I can be on the trolling motor all day in a howling wind and have plenty of battery. I just make sure the batteries have the proper water level and leave it on a charger that will do maintenance.

Any prefrence on minn kota or motorguide? For about 100$ more i can stay with a 36v but i need to make sure shaft length is not too long cause the motor im runnin now is borderline too long for my boat

I think they are pretty close. I've had em both and don't see any difference.

I've had my Motorguide XI5 for a few weeks now and love it.. I have it link to my Lowrance units and it's keep me on waypoints in 30mph winds all day?.