MinnKota ,

I have a 3x , I basically stole , no problems with it , but it takes a wee bit getting used too. I have ran them all and I stick by Minn Kota.. I would prefer the piston assist model(don't know correct name) and 80 pounder for you...

 

A wee bit to get used too.. What does that mean lol.

 

Minnkota Riptide

 

Riptide

go with the riptide, handles the salt water great. The motor guide has way more parts that salt water can mess up. I have had mine for 3 years now problem free. Just because i said that it will probably mess up on me this weekend....lol

 

Motorguide Hand Control 82# 24v with 60" shaft. Gel Cell batteries with onboard charger. Been absolutely no problem on my last two boats.

 

My dad ran a Motorguide, I run a Minn Kota. His is a huge 36 volt job that seems to conk out every few trips. He had a ton in it in repairs before Katrina submerged and corroded it to it's final depth. With all the trouble it gave, I got a Kota riptide. I use a 12 volt 40 lb. I had it specially made with a superlong shaft, it's a transom mount I put on my bow and had it made so the lower unit points the right way. It's a bit small for my 18 footer, but it gets the job done and lasts a good while on a charge too. If I had it to do over again, I'd toss more money for a little bigger one. I'm sure there are great motorguides out there, but dad had a lemon and I've been very happy with the Minn Kota. - Coach

 

Ditto the Riptide. That's what we have on our Mosca.

 

Go with a Riptide. Have had one for 5 years with no trouble

 

If you move the handle a lil ,it means a lot. If you move the handle a couple of inches she will turn several inches (3X) . I am used to it now , but it still takes a lil getting used to. You sure don't need reverse thats for sure! You can move the handle 6 inches and be going backwards..

A wee bit to get used too.. What does that mean lol.

 

They all break equally well. Had good and bad luck with both, past 2 years been running a M.G. 12v 54lb no problems at all. A little corrosion block on the mount once a month.

 

I have had the Minn Kota 42" shaft 55# 12v on my little Flatscat for five or six years and the only bad thing is the way the head attaches to the shaft. It's a cheezy little plastic fitting that fits over the shaft with one small machine screw through bolted both. It wobbled even though I kept tightening it and finally broke so a year ago I epoxied the head/controls on the shaft.

 

I second the Minn Kota ,3X steering . It is a great product, love mine!
I have a 72# on a 21' Skiff and it throws it around just fine. The only problem I had was with the plug. It looked to be in great shape ,no corrosion or anything but it just quit, so I have it wired direct now with a resetable breaker inline.

 

I purchased the RT Pro 80 (50% lift assist) from WWW.trollingmotordoctor.com for around 650.00. Great service.