I am considering a new trolling motor for my boat and I need some help. Has anyone used/have a Motor Guide Digital? I am looking at a DS82FB 82 thrust motor. I have never used a trolling motor with digital steering, so any information would be helpful.

Also, has anyone used a Minn Kota Riptide handheld with 3X steering? What are the pros and cons of a foot control verses a hand held.

Thanks for the information.

John

As to hand vs foot. Some people find that using a foot controlled trolling motor causes back pain. I personally dont, and cant imagine having to take my hand off the reel to adjust the direction of the boat.

Thanks for the infor

John

What's your boat?  Bass boat or ...? Motorguides with the tranducer in the lower unit are known to get a leak in the housing where the transducer face comes through.  Ruins your motor(and digital controls in this case) and replacement is expensive. Gone through 2 lower units in 2 years at about $400 a pop labor and parts.  That said,  I like the industrial design of the motorguide over the minnkota - just personal preference.  Both are good and reliable except for that little design problem Motorguide still has. Get around that by using a strap on transducer.

Far as foot control...had both - Once you get used to the foot control you will not want to go back to hand control.  if you look around on other bass fishing forums you will see huge threads on this subject - very controversial.

Thanks for reply. My boat is 18 foot fiberglass center console that I use for fishing the bays and inshore. I wasn't going to buy the Motorguide with the transducer in the head of the motor, but thanks for that good information. Is the digital steering very responsive? Does that type of system hold up in saltwater or should I go with a cable system?

Thanks again.

John

Hi Zippy,

Seems like the guys with center consoles and flats boats fishing inshore seem to lean towards the hand control. Less bulk on the deck. Freshwater guys in bass boats seem to prefer the foot control.

I'm not sure where I fit in. Bought a center console but have never fished inshore salt water before. Don't think I need a foot control, I can kick the handle back and forth with my foot and can lean over once in a while if I need to change speed.