Kind of like the Ford vs Chevy debate on this one. I have owned both and have had good luck with both. They are both good, reputable companies and stand behind their product. You can't go wrong either way. I would buy whichever you can get cheaper, likely the Minn Kota or if you have a dealer close by go with the one they sell for the service aspect.
Real easy to work on.
Bigger prop {compared to equal size.of thrust power.}
Longer handle which is a big deal{Unless ya got foot pedal}
I have a Minn Kota dealer 4 miles away so parts are easy to get.
Easier to change prop if ya break one. Wing nut verses hex nut.
About the same price.
I'll take the stainless steel on a Motorguide over the "composite" (ah hem, plastic) on a Minn Kota anyday. I average about 200 days a year on the water, and my motor guide hasnt failed.
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Dear, Mr. Trophy Hunter - I just shot the buck you passed up.
Proud member of the Quality Deer Mis-Management Association
How dare you disagree with me.Motorguide does look stronger. I bought one by accident and could not imagine bending over all day to stir that tiny handle. That was my big gripe. Also ,I've gone through a few Minn Kotas and am used to taking them apart. You are right though. Those plastic parts do break but I've always been able to make a part for them or JB Weld them .
God bless,
Chuck7
Ditto on what Josh said. And Chuck you got a point on parts,service.You can find them anywhere.
Minn Kota is not a bad troller at all - But IMO if fishing around wood,rocks,
stumps(thats me) they are a throw away at 6-7 yrs.I'm kinda tough on a troller.Very hard to find a Motor Guide around here.MK has the marketing edge in this area.Kinda pushed MG outa the market place.Wally World used to carry them and now is all MK's.No Choice anymore[:-].
BTW one of my biggest gripes with the newer MK's is the freekin plastic clamp wing nuts.Can no longer put a bar lock around clamps.Who the hek at MK had that brain fart idea!
However, there is no question that the MinnKota Weedless Wedge prop is far superior to any prop I have seen / used from MotorGuide. The solution.......... Buy a Weedless Wedge prop and do some grinding to fit it onto MotorGuides shaft. The absolute best upgrade ever.
My brother in law switched from MG to MK on his bass boat last year (very good $$ deal) and within 2 weeks fryed it and needed to replace the main board and switch. Needless to say he will be switching back to a MotorGuide.
As stated by mez "Kind of like the Ford vs Chevy debate on this one" Absolutly true!!
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Nothin' better than the second week of deer camp.
Hey Chuck, get yourself a foot controlled trolling motor and increase your fishing time. I cant imagine taking my hand off my feel handle to adjust my trolling motor.
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Dear, Mr. Trophy Hunter - I just shot the buck you passed up.
Proud member of the Quality Deer Mis-Management Association
Can I get some help with Trolling Motors?
Motorguide does look stronger. I bought one by accident and could not imagine bending over all day to stir that tiny handle. That was my big gripe. Also ,I've gone through a few Minn Kotas and am used to taking them apart. You are right though. Those plastic parts do break but I've always been able to make a part for them or JB Weld them . 
