Minn Kota problem/opinions

[jgip087]

My Maxxum is not up to par right now, shop says probably a couple shorts in the wiring. I am thinking of a new Fortrex. Opinions? Also, what the motor is doing is any time you turn it to the left it runs on 100%, even if you turn the speed control to off. Runs fine to the left and right. If I do get the Fortrex I am thinking of putting the Maxxum on Ebay as is and describe the problem for like $250, think someone will bid on it?

[Skulley]

Never can tell if someone would bid or not.  If your motor is still under warranty, then I would fix it.  If not, then maybe you should just spend the money and fix it anyway.  Money is tight and the economy is tough.  I would fix it.  Cheaper than a new one and chances are you will get many more years out of it after that.

BD           

[dartag]

what LB thrust is it.   i have an 80 that has a circut board in the pedal that runs everything,  i had to buy one.  i think it was 125.00.  you can call Minn-Kota and talk to them,  they were helpfull when i had problems.  i got the number off there web site. 

[jgip087]

It is a 101. It was about 150 for the board and 75 per hour for labor. Plus the foot control sticks that you push to make the motor run, circle shape, so that is another 70 bucks with labor to fix so we are looking at spending around $300 to fix it.

[Skulley]

So what does a new Maxxum run.........about a grand or so.  $300 is a lot better than spending a grand in this economy.........unless of course you have money to burn.   But I don't think anyone has money to burn these days.  It is all I can do to save money for my kids college fund these days.  Tougher and tougher everyday.


BD                

[Skip Johnson]

A new foretrex is $1300, I think Id fix it unless your loaded bud, heres the # for a minnkota authorized repair facility in Algonac, his name is John and he is good and quick 810-794-5951.

[motocross269]

That is a good motor, I would get it fixed........
I am glad to hear you endorse that guy in Algonac Skip...I have his number in my boat, but luckily haven't needed him yet..

[thedude]

similar issues with my terrova. still under warranty so hopefully it will be fixed soon. I wish i had my old motor guide back. Digital sucks. steer by wire sucks. i'll take my archaic cable steer anyday.... i do like the 36v system and 101lbs of thrust though.

[huston]

Try working on it yourself if you have mechanical appitude. Besides, you never really know how good or bad a product is made until you work on it yourself. I've did all kinds of stuff to my 74 lb. Maxxum. The latest was to  put a deploy assist kit on it. I thought the motor had more metal parts, but almost everything is plastic. The gears, the head are plastic and you better not tighten them screws too tight. The shaft is fiberglass. I learned about all of this by repairing it.

[REEL_MAN]

How long have you had the maxium? The warranty is three years. A new controller runs around $100 and the labor is set by MinnKota if you send it to a repair center. Don't have my pricing here but I think it's around $45. If it's a broken wire they should be able to trace it (sounds like the bad wire is in the shaft). Still repair is a lot cheaper than a new unit.

REEL MAN

[bshaner]

I would get it fixed also unless you have the money just sitting around burning a hole in your pocket.

The guy in Algonac is great!  He is very adamant about sticking to a 24 hour turn around time.  I've had him fix my TM the same day while I fished out on Clair.  Great guy.

B

[jgip087]

Thanks for the advice. I called and had it looked at, Marinas labor is around 75 bucks an hour plus 50 bucks to have one problem fixed and 175 for the other so I might as well get the Fortrex. I am going to try and sell it starting at $200 if anyone wants it. It you put the $300 in it to fix it then whoever buys it gets a 101 at half price the way I look at it. Got a deal on the Fortrex I can not turn down.