Bow mount trolling motors

[Larry H]

All of my bow mount trolling motors(3)have been Minn Kota power drives. I'm thinking of switching to a cable drive motor. I'm tired of bending over and lifting. Anybody have any negatives to share about cable drives?

[Huffer]

Yes....now you will get tired of having to steer every second and oversteering.

[M2]

I have a radio controlled motorguide and I really like it. It`s better than the cable controlled ones I have had but it still suffers from the same basic probs of the previous post except the cramps are in your foot. JMO. Good Fishing!

[Tyler Campbell]

Larry,

I would choose a trolling motor depending on your style of fishing, not lifting it out of the water. If you are on big water, fishing huge structure, or you fish controlled drifts, go with the auto-pilot. If you are a shallow water, tight structure bass fisherman, the speed and accuracy of a cable drive is preferred. The bottom line is you spend more time fishing, not lifting. So I would go with the motor that makes your presentations easier and more effective.

Take it easy,
Tyler Campbell

[Steve]

I think the new minn kotas have an auto stow opption, I don't know how much extra it costs but that would solve your problem.

[Ranger1]

The new Min Kotas that are coming out have the auto store with the touch of a button. I saw this at the Chicago show the other day and I was impressed. It puts itself into the water and takes itself out the the water. Depending on the thrust you want or voltage 12-24-36, it can cost up to $1,500.00 or more.

Ranger1

[FJH1]

In my opinion you can't beat a cable drive. I have a MotorGuide RF motor in my rafters. I know that plenty of guys on this board love their auto pilot motors and if the motor fits their needs - great, I am not going to knock them. However, for me I hated having to constantly look at the arrow on the motor to know which direction the boat is going to go when I push the button. The reaction time to turn the motor is slooooow. I like the feeling of being in total control of my trolling motor, if I feel the slightest tap I can get off the motor and concentrate on the strike. I'm not pushing bottons waiting for the motor to stop running. I currently have a MinnKota Maxxum 74# and love it. As one post said, if you are fishing vast expanses of water you may like an auto pilot. Personally most of my fishing is precise structure fishing and the "auto pilot" style was not for me.

Best Regards,

FJH

[eyewinder]

Amen to FJH's comments. I've mentioned here previously that Motorguide replaced the electric steer bow mount that I bought last year with a cable steer. Life on the water is MUCH better.
On the negative side, cables will break, but that's rapairable (by someone who knows what they're doing)--frayed nerves (from fighting the electric steering) are another matter.
Good motorin'!
eyewinder

[Herky]

I second your second. Motorguide also replaced my Lazer with a cable steer two years ago and I'm never going back. Can run my motor by feel without looking...priceless. Wonder how many times Motorguide had to do this???
Herky