motorguide tour pro reviews

MotorGuide Tour Trolling Motor Review

Walker smith.

• Jun 04, 2020

I’ve honestly lost count of the number of trolling motors I’ve had on my bass boat; I think I’m out of room to drill anymore holes for different mounting brackets. While the bow of the poor old boat may look like swiss cheese, this constant swapping and testing has given me a unique opportunity to try a bunch of different trolling motors over the years. I’ve seen some pretty cool advancements and some head scratchers through time.

For the past six months, I’ve been using the newest iteration of the MotorGuide Tour Trolling Motor. I’m a big shallow-water guy, so I’ve been beating the tar out of it. I’ve logged hundreds of hours and have banged it into stumps, grinded it into sandbars and accidentally hit some rocks with it. This trolling motor is built like a tank. I can’t really say it any other way.

I’m going to go over my experiences and share some of the most noteworthy characteristics of this highly anticipated trolling motor.

You’re not going to break it

Now, this isn’t a challenge to drive it full-speed into a bridge piling or something. But under normal and reasonable usage, I can’t possibly see how someone would break the MotorGuide Tour . I don’t baby my trolling motors and admittedly, I’ve been a little rougher on this particular motor on purpose to make absolutely sure it can handle abuse. For the past half-year, it has totally exceeded my expectations.

Just a few weeks ago, I thought I actually broke it, but it turned out to be a really awesome safety feature MotorGuide designed. I had one of my favorite topwater lures snagged on a super-shallow laydown and I kicked that Tour to 10 and raced over to retrieve it. I grinded through pure sand for 15 feet and when the prop bogged all the way down, the motor shut off.

I thought I was going to have to get out and push.

Upon further research, however, I learned that this was supposed to happen to keep me from burning up the motor. To get everything running again, I had to cycle from 10-0 and 0-10 on the foot pedal and everything immediately worked like brand new. So if you’re hard on your trolling motors, I think this intelligent feature will give you some major peace of mind. 

360 breakaway system

I have bent shafts on other trolling motors, cracked mounts-you name it. But the 360 breakaway system on the MotorGuide Tour is specifically designed to absorb impacts from any shallow-water accidents.

A few months ago during the prespawn, I was cranking the edge of a stump flat in some really windy conditions. While I was unhooking a bass, the wind blew me onto the stump flat and my trolling motor hit a stump so hard I thought the shaft was going to break. All I could do was put my hands over my ears and grit my teeth.

Except it didn’t break. It didn’t bend. It didn’t sustain any damage whatsoever. That breakaway system allowed my shaft to get, in my best estimation, practically parallel with the keel of my boat. It saved me from a major mess up. 

No-flex metal foot pedal

The metal foot pedal is back! The original MotorGuide Tour was a huge hit with anglers and a large part of that was due to its metal foot pedal. Thankfully, MotorGuide decided to bring it back and I couldn’t be happier with it.

It’s simple and it’s tough as nails; that’s exactly what I want in a trolling motor pedal. It’s all you need for shallow bass fishing. The button is nice and big so its easy to locate when you’re not looking and the pronounced speed dial makes very small speed changes quick and easy.

On the heel of the pedal, you’ll notice a small, raised ridge. I had to get used to putting my foot just an inch or two higher on the pedal than I normally do because if I didn’t it would catch my flip flop and make me trip. But this adjustment only took me a few trips to get used to.

True cable steer system

With the explosion in technology over the years, a lot of companies have chosen to go the digital route with trolling motor steering systems. While I’ve used them and liked them, there’s just something about a good ol’ cable steer that’s tough to beat in my opinion. I don’t have to worry about things breaking, shorting out or anything like that. Everytime I get in my boat, I know my trolling motor is going to work like it should.

These stainless steel cables offer extraordinary responsiveness and smoothness, which I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout my testing. My 21-foot boat can snake between boat docks easier than ever before and it’s the quietest trolling motor I’ve had by far.

I think a lot of anglers are going to fall in love with this trolling motor because of the cable steer. It’s nothing fancy but again, you know it’s going to work and work quietly every single time you get on the water.

It has saved my back in a big way

About 18 months ago I was diagnosed with three slipped discs in my back at just 30 years old. There were some mornings my wife would have to help me get out of bed and literally walk me to the bathroom. This was also causing my feet and legs to constantly tingle because something back there was pressing on my nerves. I was in physical therapy twice a week, flipping up and down on an inversion table and all sorts of fun stuff.

You know what the doctor said caused it? Lifting heavy trolling motors so much. I’m not kidding. I fish fast and I move a bunch throughout a day of fishing, so I’m always lifting and lowering my trolling motors.

I can’t tell you how easy it is to lift and lower the new MotorGuide Tour and my back is thankful for it. My pain is very much under control these days and I’m hoping this new trolling motor helps it stay away.

They designed this motor with a Zero-G nitrogen gas spring lift assist system and it is the easiest-to-stow trolling motor I’ve personally used. My tiny wife even lifts it with no problems whatsoever. You don’t have to step on the bracket to make it release, either. It has a Bulldog Locking Latch system that releases very easily on command. 

Cable pull is much appreciated

It’s a small feature, but one I’ve really liked throughout my testing. You used to have to buy aftermarket cable pulls for your trolling motor, but MotorGuide included one on the Tour. There have been many times when my old ropes have broken and I just about somersaulted out of the boat. But with this cable pull, I don’t have to worry about that now. 

Sharp aesthetics

To be quite honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the looks of this trolling motor on my boat. The new angular head design had me a little nervous going into the installation. As it turns out, however, this is the best looking trolling motor I’ve had on my boat; by a long shot, too.

The motor just looks tough. Everything on it seems to be overbuilt, from the oversized aluminum outer column to the rugged aircraft-grade extruded aluminum mount. And that bright red spring gives it a nice color pop.

When my buddies come to my shop to visit, they always ask me a bunch of questions about the MotorGuide Tour when they see it on my boat. It’s a major attention grabber in the looks department, that’s for sure. 

Final impressions

I’d be shocked if MotorGuide didn’t sell a ton of these trolling motors. They’re reliable, they’re simple, they’re easy to lift and they’re amazingly quiet. As an avid shallow-water angler, I sincerely think the MotorGuide Tour has everything I need in a trolling motor.

The MotorGuide Tour is available at Walmart.com and  TackleWarehouse.com . Visit Motorguide.com for more information.

An accomplished tournament angler and former fishing guide, Walker Smith has been published in many national and regional publications for well over a decade. His articles and videos have been viewed by millions of people. He has a strong passion for teaching others about fishing while connecting with the human element of fishing as well. When he’s not fishing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, watching the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs and hunting.

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MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov .

Free return shipping is available for all orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States. These orders will include a complimentary pre-paid UPS Ground return label in the box when the order is delivered. If you use the pre-paid return label provided, please allow 7-10 business days for the return package to arrive back at Tackle Warehouse.

Orders shipped to international, APO/FPO, Alaskan or Hawaiian addresses or U.S. territories are not eligible for the free return shipping offer. Drop Ship and Oversized Items are not eligible for the free return shipping offer.

Please use our Returns & Exchange form found on the back of your printed invoice. If you don't have your original invoice you can download our Tackle Warehouse Return Form .

Contact us with any questions or concerns!

Phone: 1.800.300.4916 Email: [email protected]

Tackle Warehouse wants you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Items can be returned at any point in new condition within 365-days of the original invoice date.

Products returned in new, store-bought condition are eligible for exchange, refund, or Tackle Warehouse store credit for the full value of your purchase.

Please note that while we want you to be happy with your purchases, an excessive number of returns within a twelve-month period may limit your eligibility for refund or store credit.

Products returned beyond 365-days from the original invoice date or that are unable to be returned to stock may be eligible for store credit at the sole discretion of Tackle Warehouse.

Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Used baits & tackle are not eligible for return.

Tour-tested, and tour-approved, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar is the most reliable, durable, easy-to-use trolling motor on the market. Loaded with premium features, like a 360 Breakaway system, Zero-G lift assist system, no-flex metal foot pedal, and the industry’s most accurate pinpoint GPS, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar is nothing short of the best. The only true cable steer with GPS anchor, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar uses traditional stainless steel pull-pull cables to deliver smooth steering with twice the responsiveness in turning speed than the leading competitor, along with the industry’s most accurate GPS. America’s toughest trolling motor, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar is equipped with a 360 breakaway system, no-flex metal foot pedal, oversized aluminum outer column, and rugged aircraft-grade extruded aluminum mount. Additionally, MotorGuide’s Zero-G nitrogen gas spring lift assist system requires half the effort to stow than the competition. The Industry’s most connected trolling motor, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar connects the sonar of your choice with MotorGuide’s HD+ universal sonar. Offering a clear view below the boat, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar’s 83/200 kHz traditional 2D sonar is compatible with all sonar brands, and the 455/800 kHz High Definition sonar views are compatible with Lowrance, Humminbrid, and Garmin. Delivering seamless chartplotter integration, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar uses NMEA 2000 drop cable to connect directly into a NMEA 2000 network to gain full on-screen control with compatible Lowrance, Simrad, or Mercury VesselView. Built with MotorGuide’s patented Bulldog Locking Latch system, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar’s stow/deploy latches bite down hard as the fight gets rougher, but easily releases on command. When locked down tight, the latch system minimizes noise and prevents movement when fighting the toughest waves to ensure overall durability and solid steering. Fitted with a high-performance, Katana weedless prop, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar deliver increased power and 30% more efficient than previous props. To top it all off, the MotorGuide Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar is up to 9lbs lighter overall than comparative models from other brands. Features:  -Only true cable steer with GPS anchor -Most powerful Zero-G lift-assist system -Tour-tested durability -360 Breakaway system -No-Flex metal foot pedal -Oversized metal outer column -HD+ universal sonar compatibility -High performance Katana weedless prop -MotorGuide's Bulldog locking latch system Please Note: This item is not available for order outside of the United States.

Pros Using This Product

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Customer Reviews

Previous feedback  .

Comments: I would never buy another. Customer service at Motorguide is a joke! Mine would not spot lock or it would lock and go crazy almost threw me out of the boat! Recalled due to a board issue but no boards are available! Been waiting since October for a board! Last time I purchase any product from the Brunswick Company but they will warranty it for ya!

From: Tim: Dallas, GA 3/23/22

Comments:  The Tour Pro Trolling Motor HD+ Sonar is great,very easy to install, program and use on the water! Make fishing easy buy a Tour Pro!

From: Danny: Tennessee 4/28/21

Comments:  I have been using this new Tour Pro for a month now and all i can say is "wow"! The unit is quick to install and only requires a quick read of the instructions to get you started. Pinpoint Spot Lock is truly that, it holds tight to your target and even in 15mph with 2 ft rollers it will keep you locked on! From: Unknown: 1/19/21

Comments:  True cable steer motor with all the GPS features, like anchor mode and heading lock. No steering delay, like a fly-by-wire motor. Also don't have to look to see where I'm pointed, you can just feel the pedal. Mount is solid with spring for impacts. Anchor mode holds super tight, good for isolated targets in deep water. From: Matt B: Troy, MI 1/15/21

MotorGuide Tour Pro: Common Problems & Fixes

• Post author: Tom
• Post last modified: November 1, 2022

The Tour Pro was released in January 2020 and it is arguably one of the best motors on the market today.

However, there have been reports of problems with its Pinpoint GPS, resulting in a recall, as well as other issues with latching and transducer interference.

In this article, we discuss the most common problems associated with the Tour Pro.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Spot-Lock Problems

The most common issue is when a Tour Pro can’t get a GPS signal. It is very annoying, as your MotorGuide’s spot lock (GPS anchor) won’t work without it.

Interestingly, the problem is not apparent at first, when PinPoint GPS works fine but stops working after some time on the water.

One possible explanation is voltage drop. According to MotorGuide, PinPoint GPS is very voltage-sensitive.

So the very first thing that should be done is to check the voltage, and possibly have the batteries load tested to rule out voltage drop as the source of the problem.

Tour Pro Recall

A far more serious problem when spot lock becomes unpredictable, turning back and forth and engaging at full power. It could potentially throw unexpecting people off the boat.

This behavior is due to a faulty PinPoint GPS system and is the reason why MotorGuide announced a recall .

MotorGuide tells you not to use anchor mode on the Tour Pro and to have the motor inspected by a dealer.

MotorGuide is still working on the fix, and when it’s available, it will be at no cost to owners.

Heading Data Problem

This issue can occur when you have your Tour Pro connected to a fish finder via the NMEA network.

What happens is that you can’t get accurate heading data from a networked Point 1. When you add your trolling motor node to the network, the Point 1 antenna data shows as “invalid”.

The problem happens with Lowrance fish finders and is most likely an interface compatibility issue.

Transducer Interference

Some users find it really hard to eliminate radio frequency interference when using the internal transducer on the Tour Pro.

No matter how far they would move wires away from the trolling motor, interference wouldn’t get any better.

Even ferrite added to each cable wouldn’t solve the problem.

Latching Problem

Sometimes the Tour Pro latches so well, that is almost impossible to pull it up . You may have to pull it very hard several times before it unlatches.

One solution could be to press down gently with your foot on the bracket, although it doesn’t always work.

The issue is most likely caused by uneven torque on the mounting bolts , so try to correct that first.

If that doesn’t work, you can also spray the locking mechanism with lithium grease. More specifically, spray the locking pin and move it back and forth afterward.

Design Issues

The motor is not brushless . It’s true there many trolling motors out there still using the old brushed technology. However, most of these have been designed years ago, and for such a new product as the Tour Pro, we would expect MotorGuide to introduce a brushless DC motor.

It would then be in the good company of Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force, both excellent trolling motors.

Brushless means more efficiency, less maintenance (no brushes to replace), less noise, and transducer interference.

Lift-assist works fine when you want to deploy your motor. However, it doesn’t prevent a hard landing when you want to stow it.

Speed lock is adjustable only down to 1 mph . Anything slower than that means you need to adjust the speed manually. This is unfortunate, as some species require trolling at slower speeds.

Sticky Steering . On some units, the foot pedal felt stiff after disengaging anchor mode.

Frequent Compass Calibration

According to MotorGuide, you need to calibrate your compass every time you go to a location that is 100 miles away from your previous calibration.

Frequent calibration is inconvenient , especially if you tend to go to different lakes.

Of course, chances are your trolling motor will still work, but the compass could be inaccurate.

Warranty Problems

Unfortunately, the recall left some users without the ability to fish and with no chance to have the motor fixed anytime soon.

Apparently, the motherboard on the control unit needs replacing, but as for now, there seems to be no replacement available.

We can only speculate why, one reason could be a global shortage of chips.

It’s a shame really, as otherwise, MotorGuide provides an excellent warranty service.

GPS Reprogramming Steps

According to MotorGuide customer service, some trolling motors left the factory not completely programmed.

They provide codes and actions needed to perform on the water in the following order:

GPS steering program

Remote code M [hold] 284. The motor and the foot pedal will move in different directions. There will be a beep once finished.

GPS foot pedal travel program

Remote code M [hold] 285. Again, the trolling motor and the foot pedal will keep moving during the process, which will finish with a beep.

Compass calibration program

Remote code M [hold] 111. Drive your boat with the outboard, making two full circles. The calibration process will end with a beep.

PinPoint GPS program

Remote code M [hold] 112.

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MotorGuide Tour Pro 82lb 45" 24V with Pinpoint GPS and HD+... › Customer reviews

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MotorGuide Tour Pro 82lb 45" 24V with Pinpoint GPS and HD+ Universal Sonar, 941900040

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Motorguide Tour Pro - review

quote: Lift assist does little to soften the downward movement. I crushed a spinning reel.

quote: Don’t put your rod and reel underneath where trolling motor sits

quote: And are people so dang out of shape they need lift assist to deploy and pick up a trolling motor smoothly?

quote: hell my string broke I have to pry the locking rod back with a screwdriver and pick it up by the shaft

quote: I'm not sure we are talking the same thing, but maybe we are. Look at pic below. The black "cup guard" mounts to floor of boat and receives the stabilizing support (it is fixed, never moves). It just prevents you mistakingly laying your rod in path of stabilizing bar.