View Full Version : Minn Kota Vantage 80
richf
12-11-2008, 10:39 AM
I considering putting the Vantage 80 on my tiller fishing boat and I'm looking for comments (good and bad) relating to its performance, relability and how the stowed position effects the boat. I've owned 5 Minn Kota's and have had poor experience with the last two. Thanks.
I LOVE mine, but the up/down can be a little finicky at times.
Overall, the good far outweighs any bad. I wouldn't be without mine.
Waxy
I purchased my Vantage 80 this past Spring and within weeks had a problem with the tiller deployment switch (the rubber up/down switch cover fell off). Rather than sending a replacement part, Minnkota told me that the entire tiller handle assembly needed to be replaced and wanted me to box and return the motor for some unspecified amount of time (not so positive) but I was able to remove and drive the motor to a repair center in Mpls (Fish Lectronics) and have the motor repaired while I waited (very positive). This is an expensive trolling motor and the neat deployment feature means more moving parts. I would recommend that you ask about the seller's return policy or make sure you have a repair center reasonably close to your home base before spending the $$. Otherwise, I've been happy with the unit. It moves my 1825 Pro Guide just fine and has been pretty easy on the 24v system. It has plenty of up/down adjustment during the initial set up so it shouldn't interfere with your boat's performance while stowed and underway. Keep the unit clean because dirt and grit will interfere with the deployment and lift and reverse features.
walleyejohn
12-13-2008, 02:49 PM
richf,
I have one on my 618T and it has worked very well for me the last two years.
One addition I put on was a bracket to hold the head in place while traveling.
Easy to install and pretty beefy.
The one in the attached picture is a earlier model and is not rubber coated like mine is.
Troy from Warrior Boats helped me get mine.
Shoot him an email I am sure he will help you out.
troy@warrior-boats.com (Ask for a Vantage motor bracket)
Good Luck,
walleyejohn
I purchased an 07 Boat midway through last summer with a Vantage on it. I have not had any problems with it, but I expect the Vantage will be more problematic than the Maxxum 3X model - there are simply more moving parts. I really like being able to turn off the big motor, turn my seat, push the down button, set the speed and start fishing. It's a very convenient motor when everything works. Mine is a 101 model, so I can't comment on things that are specific to the 80.
The worst thing - is I expect one day I will leave the motor down when I take off with the big motor, and snap the shaft. It happens. I request everyone that gets in my boat be sure the Vantage is up before we take off.
I like it. There is a big price difference, and I don't know for sure if I would pay it over a Maxxum 3X motor off the shelf, but I am kind of glad the boat came with it...
Brekk
12-13-2008, 10:01 PM
Buy a 3X, it'll save you alot of head-aches if you fish in the fall when its cold. They've had problems with them units more than there should be. Guy have been known to take off with them down. Just my own thoughts for now.
toolboy
12-14-2008, 07:41 AM
I have had the 80 for four years and would not trade it for anything. I have had a couple of problem, but Minn Kota took care of these quickly. I, too, have a bracket to hold the motor in place while traveling. I made mine out of a scrap piece of Lexan(polycarbonate). I had a Vector with 3X before the Vantage. It worked fine, but reaching over the seat and transom in rolling waves on Mille Lacs was not fun. After almost falling out with my 6 and 4 year old kids in the boat, I spent the money for safety and convience.
Mark R
08-23-2010, 08:30 PM
My transom mount trolling motor just gave out on me & I'm considering a Vantage. I have a couple questions. I didn't leave my prior motor on the transom all the time or when traveling. How heavy is the Vantage can it be taken off & on easily? I also had the head reversed on my old motor so I would get more power going backwards. How is the Vantage for backtrolling? How easy is it to go from forward to reverse?
eyecatcher01
08-23-2010, 09:32 PM
I have a vantage 101 and I love it. As previous posts stated you need to put the 'rest' on it. As with most transom electric motors it has winged bolts for easy removal or attach a padlock to the hole in the wings for security. To pivot the motor 180* just simply pull up on center cap and rotate...whala you have turned motor 180*'s without affecting handle orientation. Pretty slick unit.
walleyejohn
08-24-2010, 08:42 AM
Mark R.
You will not remove the vantage while trailering.
It is just too beefy & cumbersome.
That said it is an excellent motor, takes a bit of getting use to the 4 to 1 steering ratio.
To set it up for backtrolling just lift the top head and turn it 180º, very nice.
To go from reverse to forward just turn the handle 90º.
As eyecatcher01 indicated, get the rest for it, well worth the extra pennies down the road.
It is a 3rd party option for the motor, here is what we are talking about:
http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=242&pictureid=2132 (http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=242&pictureid=2132)
Good Luck,
walleyejohn