[Greenmonster]

Hey all -

I just posted an ad for my less-than-1-year-old Minn Kota Riptide SP 55lb 48" shaft with Co-pilot. I under bought for my boat (trying to stay w/ a 12 volt system) and am going to upgrade. Take a look and let me know if you are interested.

I am about to upgrade, but cringe at the $1479 price tag on the Minn Kota Riptide 80lb 60" shaft I pilot that I am going to buy. I know they've got a rebate on them right now ($80) and West Marine has a $50 off promotion running right now. Anyone have a better recommendation?

I MIGHT consider a Motor Guide Xi5, but think I've settled on the MK.

 

[canoe]

I would stay with MK. What kind of boat do you have? It does seem that the pilots are weak for the lb thrust they say the motor is. But I do love the motor.

 

[AHODGES21]

I think you have made the right choice. Can't beat the anchor option, better than a powerpole.

 

[Greenmonster]

Thanks guys. The boat is a 1987 18.5 Maverick Master Angler. The 55 is fine when lake fishing but in a strong current it struggles to make headway.

Anyone have any suggestions to get the MK at a lower price? I know MK is tight on it's retail pricing, but I know individual sellers often have promotions (like West Marine's $50 off for purchases of $300).

 

[Aquahallic]

Just upgraded mine , but got a used one at a deal. Shop around though as you could save a few $'s. Here is one online 100$ cheaper
http://www.okefenokeeoutdoors.com/M...olling-Motor-Wipilot--24v-80lb-60_p_4307.html.
Guy I got my used one from bought the same one a little cheaper, just texted him to see where he got his and I'll post back.

 

[Greenmonster]

Dang - that IS good - free shipping too! Thanks Aquahallic! Let me know what you find out from your buddy, otherwise, I will probably pull the trigger on this one!

 

[canoe]

http://www.motortechva.com give Tom a call and see what he can do. I am not sure where you are. This place is in suffolk va. He has done me very well through the years. Not a fly by night comp.

 

[sundrop]

I have bought a lot of refurbished things in the past and as long as they come with a good warranty I am fine with that. I haven't had a real issue with anything yet. Here is a refurb unit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minn-Kota-i..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f5da02c4#viTabs_0

 

[Aquahallic]

Looked where he got his from and they no longer have them available. They also carry this one
http://www.okefenokeeoutdoors.com/M...pilot-No-Foot-Pedal--24v-70lb-54_p_11693.html
not trying to talk you out of the 80 because more power is always better, but I would think a 54" shaft would work so
this is another option that's a lil cheaper. They may even have an 80lb with 54" shaft but didn't see it.

 

[trigger22]

Contact Capt Dave Stewart at Minnesott Beach Bait and Tackle and let him know what you're looking for and see what he can do for you. He's a forum sponsor and a Minn Kota dealer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[yellowdog]

If you have a Gander Mtn, Bass Pro, etc near you, check out their credit cards. You can sign up for their cc and then charge the TM and they will give a discount for using the card. Pay the card off and cancel the card. I bought a Lowrance 111 unit that Gander Mtn had as a display unit when the new version came out. Talked the manger into selling to me at a discount and then signed up for the cc and got an additional 10% off.

 

[rollcast]

X2 for Dave Stewart at MBB&T. He installed the Power Pole on my boat and did a top notch job.

 

[Curly Pelican]

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/bpo/4872373728.html here is a used one.

 

[Clawhand]

GreenMonster, there is another Minn Kota ASC and dealer in the area also. Used to be in another recently departed business, but now at "East 70 Pawn" . The repairman has an excellent rating with Minn Kota, 9 years experience, and able to get Factory Refurbished motors, New motors, and Does a lot of rebuilding used motors on their own. There are a lot of anglers that have used the service! Kind of surprised it wasn't mentioned. Phone: 252-633-1129 from 9 to 6.

 

[edred]

I am buying a trolling motor to put on a skiff and did not know the difference between Minn Kota's SP and SK series. I sent a question to MK and this was the answer. I asked about 70lbs. thrust and 80 lbs. thrust which I did not think significant until I read the answer. I am getting the SE 80 54" ipilot. ipilot is great. I have one on a bay boat.

info about Minn Kota SP vs ST :



The ST motor stows the same basic way as the SP, by grabbing the shaft of the motor, depressing a lever, and tilting the motor into the boat. However, it utilizes a fall away ramp system that actually makes it easier than the SP. The motor diameter of the ST80 is larger, making it more durable and better able to displace heat. The 10 lbs. of thrust difference adds 500 lbs. of weight that it can handle.
Regards,

Dave H
It looks like Walmart has a good price on the :

 

[Clawhand]

EdRed, There are other pros on the ST than the SP. The ST is designed to accept any upgrade, bell and whistle option that Minn Kota conjers up. It is more so of a plug and play upgrade system when it comes to options. The SP can take some of the options, but takes a little work and sometimes it causes a loss of other options when upgrading. I don't mind explaining the difference before you spend the money on the difference. Call the shop and we will talk. Several things to think about. 252-633-1129.

 

[Greenmonster]

Clawhand - thanks for the tip, I'll make a call. With the right warranty, I don't mind refurbished. I'm confused by your last post though, are you the owner of the shop or affiliated with it?

 

[JWarren]

Capt Dave put a MK on my boat a few years back, he did a great job and was reasonably priced.

 

[speckhunter80]

To the OP....you could save a few dollars by not buying a 60" shaft. No reason that a Maverick would need something that long. Even my Mako bay boat didn't need a 60"

 

[edred]

Sorry, I miss typed. Should be ST not SE