View Full Version : Minnkota Vector
Sakakawea
03-29-2009, 08:27 PM
Just bought my first boat. It's a tiller and currently has a 74 lb Maxxum on the back but would like to upgrade. How is the vector as a motor? Any pros or cons?
Hot Runr Guy
03-29-2009, 08:47 PM
I just replaced my 65# Vector with a 80# Traxxis (the new transom TM from Minn Kota). Haven't got it wet yet, but the new tilt-in bracket sure does work sweet! If you haven't seen one yet, go take a look.
HRG
Sakakawea
03-29-2009, 09:52 PM
I looked at the traxxis and it looks like a nice motor. The one thing I noticed though is that the head of the motor is facing the bow like your going forward, instead of the vector where you can switch it for backtrolling. Is that going to be a big factor, or won't it matter. other wise it looks like a tough motor
Hot Runr Guy
03-29-2009, 10:01 PM
I looked at the traxxis and it looks like a nice motor. The one thing I noticed though is that the head of the motor is facing the bow like your going forward, instead of the vector where you can switch it for backtrolling. Is that going to be a big factor, or won't it matter. other wise it looks like a tough motor
Like most Monn Kota motors, you can remove the shaft mounting screw and rotate the head 180 degrees for back-trolling use.
HRG
sorry, didn't realize that the Vextor 3X models had the pull-pin for backtrolling.
stinkycat
03-30-2009, 07:06 AM
I also have been looking at the Traxxis for my Dads boat. It looks fantastic for deploying and stowing but I was wondering why they did not put the 3X or 4X steering in this model?
SlimTastic
03-30-2009, 01:29 PM
Just got a new Vector this spring...had it out a few times and it backtrolls like a charm. I think if you'd go back and forth from front to back trolling you'd want the Vector over the Traxxis...the Vector changes in seconds and I wouldn't want to mess with the shaft mounting screw on the water. Plus the 3x stearing is great. Maybe in the future they'll combine the Traxxis mount and the Vector's steering...but until then I'd say the Vector is a winner.
Sakakawea
03-30-2009, 05:06 PM
Overall I like the traxxis better, but that 3x steering to me seems way easier. Not sure yet though.
I don't think I'd be without the 3X steering, it's critical for boat control in tough conditions IMHO, and let's you spend a lot less time and energy on steering that you could be spending on fishing.
I've got 4X on my Vantage and I love it.
Waxy
Sakakawea
03-30-2009, 08:22 PM
Whats the difference in 3x and 4x?? Is the 4x a lot better
Tim_Kelly
03-31-2009, 05:52 AM
Whats the difference in 3x and 4x?? Is the 4x a lot better
That's worthy of Spinal Tap! :grin:
Sakakawea
03-31-2009, 07:10 AM
Hahaha. Where do you find this. I can't seem to find it on the minnkota web site?
Hot Runr Guy
03-31-2009, 07:15 AM
Hahaha. Where do you find this. I can't seem to find it on the minnkota web site?
The Vantage motor has 4:1 (4X) steering, the Vector is offered with 3:1 (3X). The difference is that with 4X steering, you move the handle less to get the same amount of lower unit rotation than with 3X.
HRG
Sakakawea
03-31-2009, 12:38 PM
Ah. Yeah the vantage is more than I want to spend. Might be going with the vector
The Vantage motor has 4:1 (4X) steering, the Vector is offered with 3:1 (3X). The difference is that with 4X steering, you move the handle less to get the same amount of lower unit rotation than with 3X.
HRG
Yep. I'm not sure you'd really notice the difference between 3X and 4X, but you'll sure notice the difference compared to 1X lol.
The beauty of the 4X is that you only need subtle inputs on the handle and you can basically steer 180 degrees by giving the handle less than a 1/4 turn, which means the handle is still easily in reach.
Waxy