dabear Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 I will be needing a replacement trolling motor for my 18 HPX . I want another hand control bow mount without any bells and whistles . I have been using the Great White series Motor Guides 82 thrust for 30 years but dont think that model is still manufactured. I have read a lot of terrible reviews about the 24 volt hand operated Minn Kota motors . Anyone out there still using the hand operated trolling motors if so what seems to be the most dependable ones made today . Need something with 70-85 lb thrust . Thanks for any suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabear Posted March 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 I ordered the Fortex 80 saltwater bow mount 52 inch shaft . I had two major trolling motor distributors recommend it . I wanted a hand operated motor without all the bells and whistles . The Fortex has way better reviews than the other hand operated series . Couldnt find a old stock great white like I have been using for 30 plus years this and this fortex 80 seems to be the closet fit to that out there . . I didnt think I needed a remote control model or one that had a auto pilot or anchor system just wanted to be able to point it and hit the throttle. I went with my K.I.S.S. Theory ( keep it simple stupid) . Could find one in 52 inch shsft locally so I orderd it . Seemed to me like everyone listed the same suggest list price so BPS got my order . Didn't get much feedback from the forum. Seems like a lot of people are purchasing trolling motors that have built in everything . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted March 16, 2023 Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 Sorry I couldn’t give you any input. All of mine have been electric steer for years with spot lock. I have a motor guide that came with this 18HPX. It’s quieter than a MinnKota but that’s about all I see at this point. At 75 years old the Ulterra will be my next one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searing Posted March 16, 2023 Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 Same here, I've not used a tiller trolling motor in 30yrs so I couldn't give any input specially regarding reliability or use. I fish around docks and other structure with a lot of current to much by myself to not appreciate the anchor function. From the TM research I've done all the popular brands are overall pretty reliable but like Headhunter said Motor Guide is quieter. I don't know if any of them are using a brushless motor but that would be even quieter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaSerpent123 Posted March 16, 2023 Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 Its a remote but man that new Power Pole trolling motor looks insane. That's my next one when it's time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Troy Posted March 16, 2023 Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 I still have a hand control TM on the Maverick. 24 volt Minn Kota replaced 2 years ago. Got 8 years out of it and it outlasted 2 250 Yamahas. I am on my 3rd engine so you figure how many hours I put on it. I have had plenty of the remote ones on my promo boats and just have no need for anymore gadgets for my use and worrying about another remote hanging around my neck. Spot lock is too noisy for flats fishing in less than 2 feet of water IMHO and the remote ones make twice as much noise with the turning drive motors. Really depends on how and where you fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabear Posted March 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2023 I am definitely in the minority buying a old faithful hand operated trolling motor again . It the past I could find the motors locally and even hunt for a better deal . With this purchase after getting information from a couple distributors it was struggling to local the exact motor needed . Its been a different world the last couple years . Thank you all for your input . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted March 17, 2023 Report Share Posted March 17, 2023 I’m with you. Still love the simple no frills hand controlled. Hard choice between the MG and MK 80 thrust. Have always used great white and varimax. Next one would be a MK because dealer/repair shop five minutes from me. Otherwise MG. Last one was 13 problem free years. Hard choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil Bingo Posted March 17, 2023 Report Share Posted March 17, 2023 I love my hand control. Minn Kota 80 has lasted a long time now. It gets bounced down dirt roads, choppy seas, and dragged though the mud. Still going... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabear Posted March 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2023 20 minutes ago, lil Bingo said: I love my hand control. Minn Kota 80 has lasted a long time now. It gets bounced down dirt roads, choppy seas, and dragged though the mud. Still going... That's great news Lil Bingo . P.B.S. Called a little while ago and said that my salt water Fortex 80 will be here tomorrow so we will test it Tues or Wed . That to everyone for sharing your time and experience with me . Capt. Troy and fin-addict not to many of us around any more that doesn't want our trolling motors to synchronize with the moon , make our coffee , anchor our boat or steer itself around . I just want a dependable trolling motor that will go in the direction I point it and move when I twist the throttle . Hope you all have a great weekend . 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted March 18, 2023 Report Share Posted March 18, 2023 There's still a bunch of folks using hand controls, my son is one of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HewesYourDaddy Posted March 18, 2023 Report Share Posted March 18, 2023 I was a die-hard hand control trolling motor man until i got the chance to actually use one with spot-lock anchoring. I could understand still using a hand tiller model if the area you boat in doesn't have large currents or tide swing like we have here in SE Georgia (7-10ft swings, depending on moon phase), but the immediate spot lock feature makes our waters much more fishable with a lot less work involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueyonder Posted March 18, 2023 Report Share Posted March 18, 2023 I too was a die hard tiller steer man until I put a remote control Minn Kota on my 2200. Not only is the spot lock feature great but the remote steer models have the ability to maintain a heading with the push of a button. This allows you to track a straight line down a bank while fishing hands free. No more minor adjustments while stopping to reel with the tiller steer. That said, the minn kota 80lb thrust tiller controls were great on previous boats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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