I went through a motor guide Great White in 6 months on my aluminum hull before I went to Minn Kota. I had problems with the Minn Kota as well but nowhere near as much as the Motor Guide. To me the Minn Kota is designed so much better, and the fiberglass shaft is better suited for the abuse it takes on the front of an aluminum boat. I installed a bounce buster when I put the Minn Kota on and it really helped with the stability. It mounts in the hole on your mount. Here is the link for one. I don't know if you have one but it attaches to the mount and sits between the upper arm of the mount and the deck of your boat. It’s not too expensive, I got mine at Superior in Lafayette. I am sure you can make something that would do the trick as well, it’s about the diameter of a broom handle. May save you some grief in the future.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Produc...TABILIZER-KIT/