On October 14, 2024, iconic trolling motor manufacturer MotorGuide announced they will cease production. All trolling motor production going forward will come under the Lowrance® and Simrad® brands, which their parent company, Navico, says will allow them to “provide anglers with the most advanced and seamlessly connected fishing systems.”
MotorGuide started operation in 1947 and has been building trolling motors ever since. Their motor gained popularity in the 1960s, thanks to its easy-to-use nature. They helped pioneer the use of wireless controls, freeing anglers to walk about the boat. The Tour Pro was the first true cable-steer trolling motor with GPS anchor capability, making it an angler favorite. They have had a significant presence in the bass scene, but Navico is looking to their other brands for trolling motor production going forward.
END OF AN ERA
“We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey. Building on the strong legacy of quality and innovation from our Lowrance and Simrad brands, we are transitioning all future trolling motor production under these trusted names,” reads a press release from Navico. “As a result, manufacturing under the MotorGuide brand has ceased.”
Navico says this strategic move supports their mission to provide anglers with the most advanced and seamlessly-connected fishing systems. With all trolling motor production under the Lowrance and Simrad brands, they believe they can offer better integration of the companies’ sonar and navigation tech.
“This decision is part of our broader strategy to advance fishing technology and deliver a seamlessly integrated, whole-boat solution,” the press release continues. “While we have ceased manufacturing under the MotorGuide brand, we are channeling our efforts into the Lowrance and Simrad brands, which are uniquely positioned to offer industry-leading trolling motors and cutting-edge innovations for the entire boat.”
The increased attention to connectivity should lead to better user interfaces, and ultimately, a better fishing experience. Navico is dedicating resources to that end, and anglers should see the benefits shortly.
“Our development teams are working diligently to enhance our Ultimate Fishing System, ensuring you have access to the most innovative, connected, reliable, and high-performance products on the market,” says Navico. “We are especially excited about the upcoming release of our much-anticipated Recon™ Trolling Motors.”
IF YOU HAVE A MOTORGUIDE MOTOR
Don’t panic if you have a MotorGuide trolling motor. Though production of new motors is ceasing, Navico has committed to supporting the owners of existing motors.
“We understand you may have questions about parts availability, warranties, service contracts, etc. Please know that we will continue to supply customers with service parts as needed to the extent practicable and honor our manufacturer’s limited warranty coverage and service contracts,” Navico states. “Our dedicated sales, service, and warranty teams will also continue to provide the same level of support you’ve come to expect.”
STAY TUNED
Limited stock of select MotorGuide units is still available, so scoop one up now if you want one. Check with your local retailer or distributor as soon as possible. Time will tell what will hold for the future of trolling motor tech at Navico, but what I’ve seen from Lowrance so far has been impressive. It should only get better.
