Bow Mount Trolling Motor?

[CoryTDF]

I am looking to buy a bow mount trolling motor but those Minn Kota motors are so freaking expensive. Anyone have experience with other brands? Been seeing some on Amazon called Haswing?

[CP]

I looked into them awhile back but balked when I found out they are made in China.  But who knows, Minn Kota may be made there now as well.

[3dvapor]

Im still using my minkota bow mount my mom bought me for a graduation present in 1989.  lol they hold up well.

[Sandberm]

Probably not relevant because of how old it is but I've never been happy with Motorguide 40 Pro Series, 43lb thrust that came on my 2001 Tracker boat. It has 5 speeds and I am always wanting a 1.5 or a 2.5 in between speed when trolling. 5th gear is a bigger jump up in speed and is meant to get to places. Problem is I think something gets hot and the motor will turn on and off as you are going along. It doesnt do that in any other gear.

Someday I'll replace it.

[Cylvertip]

Minn Kota has come a long way.  They used to be second tier to MotorGuide.  The true test was saltwater use. MotorGuides had a far better rep than the Minn Kotas did - that was 10 to 15 years ago though.  They may be slightly ahead now.  I haven't looked in a while but Trolling Motor Doctor used to sell used stuff.   

[Reidus]

not sure how I even caught fish without the i-pilot.

[Blacklab]

Yes they are and there worth it imo. Ipilots are 🤑🤑🤑

[CoryTDF]

not sure how I even caught fish without the i-pilot.

I feeling that. I have been getting skunked bad while trying to catch walleye. Been using a kicker motor and drift socks to keep speed down. Think it's time to step up my game but $2500 for a trolling motor is a tough pill to swallow.

[Reidus]

I guess it comes down to if you like to run the boat or catch fish. 

They're really nice and allow you to keep fishing while you do a task. Especially if you're fishing in the wind.
For $2500 you must be looking at the 36v ulterra in the saltwater edition?

[KopperBuck]

Buying a trolling motor is like buying glass... you can skimp, but expect to get what you pay for. It makes a huge difference.

[follow maggie]

I'd be pretty leery of a Chinese knock off on amazon.

[Ironhead]

https://MinnKota.FactoryOutletStore.com

This is the place to get Minn Kotas.

[Blacklab]

Minn recommends 2lbs of thrust for every 100lbs. What you’ll really like. Using your bow mount to steer your kicker

[jbeaumont21]

I'm looking at these as well.  What's the minimum amount of thrust one could get by with on a 21' boat?

[jbeaumont21]

Sorry saw the post above after I added my comment. My boat weighs just shy of 3,000 lbs so I guess about 60lbs of thrust would be needed.