RE: Minkota or MotorGuide?
having to replace switches is common with any trolling motor especially if they are used alot, also if they happen to get wet even though trolling motors are designed to be around water, I dont care any electrical switch that gets wet will corrode. replacing switches you will just have to expect.
And you will have to evgentually expect the motor to burn out too, theres no magic trolling that has armatures and brushes that never wear out. atleast brushes are pretty inexpensive to replace. Armatures on the other hand can be quite pricey.