View Full Version : Electric Motor - Vantage
What is the first hand experience on using the Minn Kota Vantage rear mounted trolling motor. This is the articulated trolling motor with the 4:1 steering, such that a 90 degree handle movement, results in 360 degree head movement. It also has vertical motor stow and deploy. It also means that the motor travels in a vertical position, rather than a horizontal. It comes with a 30+ inch handle, to allow the use of this motor on boats with extended splash pans, and or forward mounted seats.
I was interested in reports on any one that has had them on their boat - what kind of boat - how are they using the motor, and if there are any drawbacks or advantages - compared to using either any type of bow mount, or the use of a conventional transom mounted motor.
Thanks very much
REW
I have Vantage on my 617 Tiller Ranger and love it. Took me
over a year to get used to handling the boat with the quick turn.
Would not go back to the regular trolling motor. Had to take mine
back in last fall after two years for some warranty work that was covered but would not be with out it now.
You indicated that it took a year to get used to the quick turn. Was it because you have fished for so long with a conventional motor, that you were always overturning?
What about the stowing in a vertical position? Does this present any problems?
What about the use of a road cover?
Do you leave your motor on the boat, when transporting to and from the lake?
Thanks again for any heads up.
REW
RumbleFish
02-19-2002, 10:37 PM
Have one on a 1800 Lund Fisherman, i Love mine.
I am wondering if any of you that are running the Vantage, are also running a bow mount electric as well??
Thanks again.
REW
RumbleFish
02-20-2002, 03:37 AM
I run the Vantage and the genesis. They both have worked well for me on my big boat,they are easy and make fishing more enjoyable than it already is.
REW - I was so used to using the main motor or the regular trolling motor that I was always over turning. That was the only problem. Id do not have a bow mount so use the main motor or the Advantage. Do not have a problem in stowing at all. My Ranger boat cover does not cover the Advantage but have never really seen a problem in not having it covered. The motor stays on the boat all of the time eveun on long trips to Canada and so far has not seemed to bother it at all. I would buy one again if I was to change boats and leave my on the old rig.
Thanks for the heads up.
It really does sound like the trolling motor of choice.
It will be interesting to see how this motor works on the big water.
I have seen posts of some folks who use the combination of the bow and stern, to help them slid slip, or to work the waves, if there is a big blow going on.
Take care
REW
Stormsearch
02-21-2002, 05:09 AM
Rew,
Just a heads up, if you have Wave Wackers or probably any other brand be ready to modify them. The brand of wave wackers that I have, the unit would have been wider than the plastic width (no room for mounting) and the height of the motor interfered with the plastic on top since my slit did not go all the way to the top. But, as handy as you are, shouldn't be too much of a problem but would look into it just in case. There was a guy here that did those modifications and was very satisfied with the results.
Goose
02-21-2002, 06:39 AM
I have a Vantage and a Bow mount and do a little side slipping. It works great I can move wideways againts the wind with it blowing up to 15 mph. The Vantage makes fishing really easy. I also have the Vantage and the bow mount attached to the same battery. I did not buy a seperate battery for it just to see if I could run both of the same battery and it has worked so far. Who knows for next year.
Goose
Thanks for all the info.
I appreciate the comment about the wave wackers. Actually, this has been one of my concerns, and you clarified my concerns, with this respect.
Thanks again.
REW