Breaking the Curse of the Trolling Motor?

[Dougfirtree]

Well, I've blown out another transom-mount Minn Kota trolling motor. Try as I might, I can't seem to get them to last more than 2 years. I'm really careful about getting fishing line near them. I take it off the boat when not in use and put it under cover... Has anyone tried other brands of transom mount motors? Did you have a good experience? I'm having trouble getting my wallet out for another Minn Kota.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I have a Newport NV series, 55 lb thrust. I purchased it because it came in a 30" shaft length. I also bought the quick disconnect accessory with it. I will say I run it on a canoe with a lithium battery and it does what I want it to do. I've ran it all summer on small lakes and rivers with no issues but it is also less than a year old. It was also cheaper than a Minn Kota which is what I had before I bought the Newport.

 

[hunter3270]

What's failing on them? I've had 3 minn kota trolling motors. I have a fortrex 101 that is over 15 years old that's been abused and used hard over it's life. Other than changing the seals one time it's been perfect, now the rails are starting to wear out from picking it up and down so much.
I've had two edge models, and neither has had any problems over several years of use.
I have a traxxis transom mount as well that has been great. They seem to be the most durable brand out there from what I've seen