MotorGuide discontinued

[craigdritchie]

Some sad news today as it seems that Navico has discontinued the MotorGuide brand of electric trolling motors. Moving forward, new product will be sold under its Lowrance and Simrad brands.  From the official announcement:

Dear Fellow Anglers,

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey. Building on the strong legacy of quality and innovation from our Lowrance® and Simrad®brands, we are transitioning all future trolling motor production under these trusted names. As a result, manufacturing under the MotorGuide brand has ceased.  

This strategic move supports our mission to provide anglers with the most advanced and seamlessly connected fishing systems. We are channeling our efforts into the Lowrance and Simrad® brands, which are uniquely positioned to offer industry-leading trolling motors and cutting-edge innovations for the entire boat. 

Our development teams are working diligently to enhance our Ultimate Fishing System, ensuring you have access to the most innovative, connected, reliable, and high-performance products on the market. We are especially excited about the upcoming release of our much-anticipated Recon™ Trolling Motors. 

Although production under the MotorGuide brand has ended, our commitment to supporting MotorGuide owners remains a priority. We understand you may have questions about where to go for services, warranty coverage, and more. Our dedicated service and warranty teams will continue to provide support to all MotorGuide product owners. Please visit MotorGuide.com for FAQs and more information. 

[AKRISONER]

No shock there, their trolling motors have been terrible for the better part of a decade

[HTHM]

I'm quite happy with mine. 

[benash02]

After 10 years have transitioned to a Minn Kota with spot lock. The motor guide served me well but I think the windings were on their way out. Kept kicking out on thermal trip under heavy load. 

[porkpie]

2 years and a day, motorguide Xi5 gps cut out.  Thankfully had a bass pro extended warranty.  Great motor otherwise.  Then I went back to Minn Kota.  Had the same thing happen, had to buy a replacement GPS head unit.  I’ve also now rebuilt that minnkota, and was told hopefully the motherboard doesn’t crap out on me as they’ve been discontinued for that generation.  They all have flaws, and the only people that don’t have issues are the ones that only use them a few times a year. It’s nice to have variety on the market that doesn’t cost $5k for a motor. 

[AKRISONER]

3 hours ago, porkpie said:

2 years and a day, motorguide Xi5 gps cut out.  Thankfully had a bass pro extended warranty.  Great motor otherwise.  Then I went back to Minn Kota.  Had the same thing happen, had to buy a replacement GPS head unit.  I’ve also now rebuilt that minnkota, and was told hopefully the motherboard doesn’t crap out on me as they’ve been discontinued for that generation.  They all have flaws, and the only people that don’t have issues are the ones that only use them a few times a year. It’s nice to have variety on the market that doesn’t cost $5k for a motor. 

the reality here is that you kinda get what you pay for. I broke a bunch of minkotta's and finally ponied up and havent had an issue in 5 years now. It hurt the wallet but i dont regret it.

Edited October 17 by AKRISONER

[Terry]

I am hard on my equipment, real hard     
I never owed a motorguide trolling motor that didn’t break  

minn kota was far more durable for me and I found friendlier to use

i now  have a garmin force because it will talk to my garmin fishfinder  and it has been bulletproof so far  and very happy with it 

 

Edited October 17 by Terry

[benash02]

I would love to have a Garmin Force but my bank managers love and latitude on me and my account sorta kills that dream. 

[Terry]

As long as I put my house up for the loan I was able to get the money for one 

but they are nice,  I have more money into the trolling motor and the 4 garmin fishfinders and livescope then what I paid for the boat and two motors. Lol don’t know if I should laugh or cry