Trolling motor decision

[Cookster764]

I currently have a Minn Kota Fortrex foot control 80# trolling motor. I am thinking of trading it for a Minn Kota Terrova with I-Pilot. Especially for the spot lock and track back features. Any opinions on the Terrova? Anyone used them? Is it dependable? etc. Any info is welcomed.

Thanks in advance,

Dale

[Further North]

I've used a Terrova since the came out - a 55 lb. model on a Tracker V-14 and a 101 lb, 36 volt system on a Lund Pro-V, a Crestliner Pro-Am 1750 and a Crestliner CMV 1850.  That Terrova has been updated as improvements came along, and now runs iPilot as well as Link.

Love them, wouldn't go back to a cable steer on a bet.

I get why some guys like cable steer, but for the way I fish it works great.  I either program in a route, use an existing route, or simply aim the motor where I want to go, set the speed and I fish.  No screwing with the boat control, except perhaps for slight adjustments every now and then...and I'm free to walk around the boat while I'm fishing.  Better yet, I tell the boat to follow a contour (or offset from a contour) around a piece of structure...and I fish....while the Terrova does the work.

Spot Lock is another great feature that a lot of folks will use.  It's not going to keep you dead on a spot (you'll move 5 ft. or so before the motor kicks in) but close enough.

Someone will likely mention that Terrovas make noise when they turn...they do...but I do not believe for one moment that they effect fish that hear all kinds of noise all day, every day in the summer...maybe on a remote lake where there's no pressure...but Don't see a problem on Canadian Shield lakes I fish.  If you run right over the top of a fish in shallow water...sure they'll spook...but they're gonna spook regardless.

One other thing I'll add: A lot of people recommend going with a 24 volt, 80 lb. system for a bot the size of mine...but If you can find room and absorb the extra cost you will never, ever be sorry if you go with a 36 volt system.  More power in wind and current, and you'll never run out your batteries.

No one I know who has moved to a Terrova (or the competition's copy) and who has not tried to use it like a cable steer has had any 2nd thoughts about making the switch.

[Cookster764]

Further north,

 

thank you you for the comments. That makes my decision a lot easier.

[clh121787]

17 hours ago, Cookster764 said:

Further north,

 

thank you you for the comments. That makes my decision a lot easier.

You gonna sell the fortrex? 

[Cookster764]

I am going to trade it at the boat store where I just purchased the boat in September.

[dwtaylor]

They aren't bad IMO, but they are noisy.  

I noticed a couple of years ago while fishing shallow water in Green Bay, I turned the trolling motor (without thrust engaged) and it spooked a fish from the noise.  This was in my dad's 2025  Pro-V.

I am a shallow water/power fishing guy so I like my cable steers.  If I was mostly structure fishing, I would get one in a heart beat.  I have a 70 lb Minn Kota now that I am thinking about getting rid of if I can find a spot for a 3rd battery in my TR-185 so I can get a 100lb plus motor.  

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.