Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Which Should You Buy?

The extensive number of trolling motors on offer is almost overwhelming. With more than eleven manufacturers actively participating in the market, anglers are spoilt for choice.

Two of the largest manufacturers of electric trolling motors are Minn Kota and MotorGuide, each of which has an established footprint and a well-earned reputation for the motors, foot pedals, and spot locks they produce.

An important consideration to know beforehand is what size trolling motor and which trolling motor battery you need. This will help you make an educated purchase choice.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Background Of Minn Kota And MotorGuide

Both electric motor manufacturers have a long and storied history.

The name Minn Kota is an amalgamation of MINNesota North DaKOTA.

O.G. Schmidt, who formed Minn Kota, was the inventor of the first gear-driven electric trolling motor.

The first motor was designed and manufactured in 1934. The idea proved very popular with boaters who wanted more accurate control of their vessels while fishing.

Over the past 89 years, the company has set the standards in the trolling motor industry and holds 13 active patents on the technology they have developed.

Today Minn Kota is owned by Johnson outdoors (who also owns Hummingbird).

The history of MotorGuide and its involvement in trolling motors can be traced back to the early 1960s.

The founder, G.H. Harris of Jackson, Mississippi, partnered with a grandfather clock manufacturer to design and manufacture a steering mechanism for trolling motors that could be actioned by the angler’s foot.

By the decade’s end, the trade name “MotorGuide” was established, and the company had patented a rack and pinion steering system for trolling motors.

In 1984 the company was sold to the Brunswick Corporation, after which the brand was incorporated into the Mercury Marine operating company.

Product Range

The MotorGuide range electric trolling motors tend to offer better value for money. The price range of both manufacturers’ products is listed below.

Minn Kota Model	Freshwater Models	Saltwater Models
Ultarra	1	1
Ultrax	1	0
PowerDrive	1	1
Tarrova	1	1
Pontoon Trolling Motor	1	0
Fortrex	1	1
Endura Max	2	0
Edge	1	0
Traxxis	1	0
Maxxum	1	1
Vantage	1	0
Riptide Transom	0	1
Totals	12	6

MotorGuide Model	Freshwater Models	Saltwater Models
R3	8	2
X3	18	2
R5	3	2
Xi3	19	8
Xi5	10	8
Tour	4	0
Tour Pro	4	0
Totals	66	22

Motor Features

The higher up the product range from each company, the more extensive the features which are offered.

But Minn Kota beats MotorGuide due to the substantial number of features offered as standard equipment on their high-end products.

With the hallmark being Minn Kota’s