Minn Kota power drive VS cable steer?

[Aluma-Bass]

I have new Grizzly 1448 and looking into getting deck mount trolling motor. I never used the powerdrive type but have used cable type. I like idea of being able to move pedal around on boat and not have to fight big cable, but i heard steering is diff and takes getting use to. Just wondering what most of you guys have and what style you like better? pros/cons?

[Wayne P.]

I wouldn't have an electric steer. I've used them on other person's boats and they are too slow in changing direction and use up too much battery power doing so.

[firefightn15]

I like my power drive, but I wonder just how much of the noise created by the rotation motor transfers into the water.  I'm guessing that it sounds like a bull in a china shop to the bass.  And yes, it does use up a lot of battery.

BTW, nice hog in the avatar!

[BigBassGuy]

I would never go back to a power drive. They cost more, turning is slow, more things to go wrong, turning is way to slow, use power for turning, way to slow at turning, noisy, doesn't turn very fast, ALOT more difficult to stow and deploy, I should also mention the turning is fricken SLOOOOWWWW!!

[cart7t]

Power drives = a great idea that was never refined for everyday bass fishing.

If you fish a lot of open water or electric only lakes they make sense.  Otherwise......no.

[HPBB]

the greatest day I ever had with my power drive MK was the day I hit a big wave on Erie and it was ripped off the boat. Oh a great day.

power steer.....Never again.

[920R]

I like my powerdrive Minn Kota. I have a Riptide (Terrova) on my Bass/Striper boat. Once I got used to the remote control, I love the fact that I can fish from anywhere on the boat and still control the Trolling Motor. It's really not that slow at turning. My back does not ache anymore from standing on one foot and heel and toeing with the other. I also like that the front deck is practically empty now. I now have 3 remotes and I like that any one of us fishing can control the motor when somebody has a fish on.

[TommyBass]

I have not used a VERY new powerdrive but I have used ones that are a few years old.  They do turn a little bit slower but its not that big of a difference as everyone makes it out to be.  Im not sure why you need to turn 360 degrees in 0.0078 seconds.  If your about to hit something you shouldnt' let yourself get that way in the first place.  I despise the pedal that comes with a powerdrive and they are known to have problems.  The older powerdrives also had terrible stow and deploy.  Both of which are supposed to be improved?  I did use a terrova to much liking and actually bought one for my boat.. just not tried it yet on there.  Terrovas have traditional rocker pedals that are digital.. like the digital MG.  Remotes are nice but not practical for bass fishing, takes your hands off of the reel too much,  but they are great for trolling and restricted HP / electric only lakes.  I have never noticed a difference in battery life with the electric turn, although it has to use a bit more.  The motor it uses to turn the motor is above the water and it just "spins" the shaft.  Its no more noisy below the water than metal cables sliding around and jerking back and forth.  There is just as much to go wrong with cables as power steers.... and most new cables are digital internally as well.  People have trouble with cables just as much as people have issues with power steers... just check back through the last few weeks of posts... there were a couple of cable problems and even a few with plain stern mount problems.... every motor every brand can have a problem.. PERIOD.  It all just comes down to preference and need really.

[ad870]

I just put my powerdrive on. I've used it a half dozen times and I'm still trying to adjust to it. I can't seem to get the feel for the ergonomic foot pedal.

Like some other people have said, the stow and deploy is not great. I miss my rope....except when it broke, I don't miss that.

Hoping I get used to it soon. I have a friend who has the ergonomic pedal and he says he wouldn't go back now that he has adjusted to it.

I do like the speed adjustment dial on it though.