Thoughts on Minn Kota Maxxum Pro 101??

[Steve Ericksen]

Switching from Motorguide to Minn Kota. Does anyone have any positive or negative feedback for the Minn Kota Maxxum Pro 101?

Also, has anyone swapped from a motorguide to a minn kota on a late model 520? I've heard conflicting statements from several trolling motor mechanics as to whether or not I'll have to drill new holes when mounting the new Minn Kota. One says yes, other says no!

Thanks for any input.

[EGBASS]

I recently switched from Motor Guide TE107 to a Minn Kota Maxxum 101 and have been extremely happy (I'm sure the Pro will be even better). The Minn Kota I bought (used) has several hole patterns in the base and there was a set that matched up to my Motor Guide mounting. For some reason, two of the holes had a slightly smaller diameter for the bolt head (not the treaded part) and I had to slightly grind the outside of the bolt heads (easier for me than going to buy a bolt with a different head on it). The good news is you can dry fit everything to verify the motor ends up where you want it. Good Luck..

[TTCal]

I've not made the switch on a late model, so I cannot answer your question on the holes, however, I have made the switch in the past from Motorguide to MinnKota. The biggest difference i felt then (and still feel today on some friends' boats that run Motorguide) is the slower start up on the MinnKota motors.

The MotorGuide motors I've used have a tendency to really jar you when when you touch the foot pedal. The MinnKota motors tend to start more quietly and build up quickly to the speed you're running.

This has been my experience, but at the same time, I may not have been using comparable models. My current MinnKota is a 74lb Maxxum.

[Phil]

JUST SOLD MY 462VS RANGER, HAD A 101 ON IT ONLY A YEAR OLD.......WOULD ALMOST THROW YOU OUT OF THE BOAT IF YOU WERN'T CAREFUL EVERY TIME !! ADDED ANOTHER BATTERY WEIGHT TO THE BOAT. THE WIRING WAS EASY.........THINK I WILL GO BACK TO 24V NEXT RANGER I GET !

[Long Nguyen]

The Minn Kota unit is physicaly heavier than the Motorguide. Go with the MinnKota and you'll never look back.

The hardest thing to get used to on the Minn Kota is the button on the foot pedal. You're used to it being on the opposite side on the Motorguide units. After a day of fishing you'll train your brain to switch sides.

In my experiences, the MinnKota performs much better in weed environments like the Delta and Clear Lake. If those are areas you fish, you need a Minn Kota. It's also a lot quieter.

Long

[Lance]

Long,

What Ranger are you thinking of getting?

[Phil]

488VS

[SABP]

It is the best trolling motor I have ever used. I have used both brands over the last five years but no more. The MK 101 is the best by far for power, cutting through weeds, the lift assist, just everything. Your will be evry happy with the 101.

[fishwithron2]

If and when I have to replace my MG i'll go with a MN as stated it goes thru the weed better,quiter and I notice on my buddy MN the battery last longer.

[Big Red Ranger]

I have this unit on my Ranger 520 and believe me it will take that big boat anywhere, I have been 100 yards back into the tules at Clear Lake and there's just no stopping it. The lift asist is a good plus after a while you just forget about it until it helps you put it's self away. My last boat has a motor guide and I don't think i'm going back.

If I have a negative it's about the built in transducer which #1 has a interfearnce problem with my lowrance units (I've been told humming bird units work better with these?)

#2 There's no water temp built end so you hang one or go without.

I have put an outside transducer on mine as has other guys in our club so good luck with your's.

[Steve Ericksen]

Thanks for everyone's replies....my Maxxum should be here early next week.

[NaCl]

I had a 101 on my last boat and I have a 101 on my new one. They are absolutely the best trolling motor on the market. Powerful. Weedless. Quiet.

HOWEVER....my most recent one has the built-in transducer. I am running Hummingbirds and the interference is terrible. Plus, either the Hummingbird on my bow is a piece of crap or the built-in transducer is a piece of crap. I'm pretty sure it's the built-in transducer. The sensitivity of my bow unit is terrible. I would NEVER buy the 101 with built-in transducer again. I'm going to mount an external transducer to see if I can get better sensitivity from that bow unit. If that doesn't work, then I'm going back to Lowrance.

.....NaCl

[SABP]

I have the unit with the built in trans and am running a 332C Lowrance. I do not have any interference or sensitivity problems at all. It has been great.

D