Topic: Minn Kota Talon??? (Read 226 times)

bass11.11 · « **on:** January 30, 2012, 07:10:29 PM »

Has anyone installed a talon on there boat and how do you like it? I understand minn kota beefed up the bracket to a make it more sturdy and have a quick disconnect kit now. I like the idea of the power pole but I have no room what so ever to put the pump in the back of the boat. My 17 ft skeeter is packed full with gas tank, batteries and oil tank. Let me know what your thoughts are on the talon...

bass11.11 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2012, 05:04:32 PM »

no one???

Ron Fogelson · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2012, 03:27:17 AM »

Mike Phar has/had them not sure if he still does or not.

Kent Cella had/has them,,, not sure if he still has them or not but I was told that on the way home from a lake his mom was behind and had to call Kent and Pat to pull over because something fell off the boat and it was a talon. No idea if that is true or the whole story so take it for what it is,,,, dock talk.

I know there were issues with the mounts/brackets but that should be fixed by now. Power pole was the 1st and is the standard, if you are in the area stop in and talk to Big Dave at Bayou OutDoors or one of the Guys at Reeves I know they have them in the store and should be able to fill you in a bit more.

Hope a member that has them still stops in and gives us an update and some pros/cons about them.

bassindude · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2012, 07:03:26 AM »

Funny you should mention this. I was thinking about these yesterday. I saw one at a boat show and they seem much sturderier than a PP, plus they come with some add ons that are standard, where as with PP they are options. All that being said though, I started looking for Pros who were Sponsored by Minn Kota. First of all there are very few, second I couldnt find any pictures of the pros boats that had Talons on them, only the TM's; I did however see some pros that were sponsored by Minn Kota that had PP's on the back of their boats. May have been older pics, but it might tell you something. Jim

bass11.11 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2012, 07:37:38 PM »

Yes there aren't many guys around here running them. I have read the brackets are better and the mount issues have been solved. My brother n law made a bracket for a power pole the other day for a guy and I plan on making my own bullet proof bracket also. I just can't see paying up to $300 for a bracket! I like the power pole just do not have ANY room for the pump and the Minn kota price is a lot better.

~Dwight~ · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2012, 09:53:01 PM »

I had the oppurtunity to get Talons on my boat for almost half the regular price with one of the Pro Staffers and decided to go with Power Poles. The mount issues were a concern and as of last week, it looked to be the same mount that they have been having. (saw one at Bass Pro and at local boat show the week before). I like the ideas, but the few people that I have talked to that runs them had concerns. If you get a chance, go to YouTube and do a search for Power Poles. There is a couple video's on there where they do endurance test stuff with them. One is on a bass boat, but you should really watch the one that has the Airboat in it. All I can say is remarkable. I did look for something on the Talon, but only found installation and operation video's. I like the idea's of the Talon, but will stick to something proven.

bass11.11 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2012, 05:50:11 AM »

Quote from: ~Dwight~ on February 05, 2012, 09:53:01 PM

I had the oppurtunity to get Talons on my boat for almost half the regular price with one of the Pro Staffers and decided to go with Power Poles. The mount issues were a concern and as of last week, it looked to be the same mount that they have been having. (saw one at Bass Pro and at local boat show the week before). I like the ideas, but the few people that I have talked to that runs them had concerns. If you get a chance, go to YouTube and do a search for Power Poles. There is a couple video's on there where they do endurance test stuff with them. One is on a bass boat, but you should really watch the one that has the Airboat in it. All I can say is remarkable. I did look for something on the Talon, but only found installation and operation video's. I like the idea's of the Talon, but will stick to something proven.

Yeah I know there arnt many videos on the talon but I have read reviews and guys that have the talon seem to like it. My problem is that I have (zero) room for a hyd. pump using the power pole. I also read that the power pole mounting bracket will work for the talon. I will have to wait and check it out at the classic I guess.

iClass · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2012, 02:16:47 PM »

You know it also depends on how much your going to use them and in what conditions - not implying they won't hold up...Just saying an 18' boat is much lighter than a 21' and has less area for the wind to push against. The Talon is relatively easy to install and def has the advantage of being a space saver. I would love to hear how it works out.

I have talked with some folks this last tournament and they have had zero issues with theirs (although when looking at the two black PP's on the back of my Skeeter would they say different?

) I use a lot of Minn Kota Products. Of course the trolling motors, Humminbird electronics and also my dive gear (Scuba Pro) is owned by Minn Kota.

bass11.11 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2012, 04:14:21 PM »

Worst conditions I have ever been in is fork in march. I have read good reviews on the talon but im just gunshy to pull the trigger before laying eyes on one. It may be the classic expo but that will give me time to research and save a bit more money.

bass11.11 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2012, 08:17:09 PM »

Found out today the talon is 57 inches tall and mocked it up with a 2x4. It didn't look too dang tall so I may pull the trigger in a week or so.....lol

bass11.11 · « **Reply #10 on:** **Yesterday** at 09:47:19 PM »

Made several calls to marine dealers from Shreveport to Dallas asking the service guys about the Talon. I got several really good remarks about the talon. All dealers admit selling more power poles but have more of them coming back for service due to leaks. They say since Minnkota revised the mount that the Talon is a lot more durable than before. Kinda makes me feel better about the talon.

iClass · « **Reply #11 on:** **Today** at 08:17:53 AM »

Keep us updated, Glad they addressed the issues. When I talked to them they said "we stand behind our engineering and are unaware of any issues". Guess a disgruntled customer finally made them aware of the issues

I'm sure they will be fine. I have my preference and have never looked back. The main thing is, once you start using shallow water anchors - you will wonder how you ever caught fish before!

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Author Topic: Minn Kota Talon??? (Read 226 times)