MinnKota TM Advice

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

Looking to upgrade the trolling motor on my 2000 G3 Pro 185. I’m running a 2000 Yamaha V4 115. Pretty much set on the MK Terrova, but I’m unsure if 55lbs of thrust will be enough. I normally fish alone and I don’t load the boat with a ton of gear. Also unsure if the 45” shaft is the way to go or if I should go up to the 54”. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! 

[GaryH]

Looking at the ones I’ve seen for sale most are running 55 lb. if your running 12v I would go with it. If your running 24v and the price is right I’d go for a 80 lb. but it’s not a must have. What length shaft have you been running and did you have any issues with it being too short? 

[jbsoonerfan]

If you are currently running a 12V TM and you don't want to add an additional battery then I would just go with the 55. Otherwise, I would step up to the 80. I can't say I have ever heard any say they wish they would have bought less of a TM.

[E-rude dude]

I ran a 55 lb Terrova on my Triton x18. For 7 years. It does the job but struggles in wind and current to last the day.

I usually fished on 4 setting, but in harsher days 7-9. 
I just installed a 82lb 24v MG Tour Pro on the boat today. Haven’t used it yet. It is much heavier and much bigger than the Terrova so top speed will suffer. As I get older fishing has become more important than getting there 5 minutes earlier. 

[GaryH]

1 minute ago, E-rude dude said:

As I get older fishing has become more important than getting there 5 minutes earlier. 

Bite your tongue.... JK ?????

[BigAngus752]

I bought a Ranger RT188 and lived for exactly one season with a 12V TM.  I was so sick of losing the battle against anything but a light breeze that I replaced it with a 24V Maxxum before the second season.  Second best improvement I have made to my boat.  This winter I scrapped the Maxxum for a 24V Ultrex.  That's the best improvement I have made and I've only been out with it three times.  Game changer.  I can't imagine running a 12V on your boat where I fish, but if that's what you've been using on your lakes and you're happy with it by all means save your money for lures and rods.  

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

I bought the boat with an older model 24V Riptide that I believe was a Terrova model or maybe a different name but had the same features. Not sure of the thrust. Guessing 70 or 80lbs. All of the decals were gone by the time I got it and it never ran properly. The guy I bought it from said it has been giving him problems for a few months before he decided to sell it. I think it was actually a 60” shaft. Way longer than necessary for my boat. Spot lock/anchor mode wouldn’t work and even when I had it set on 10 it struggled pushing the boat. 

I installed new batteries and it didn’t fix the problem... hence the upgrade lol. 

[jbsoonerfan]

If you already have a 24V set-up, 80 lb would be a no brainer for me. 

[Allen Der]

16 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

I bought the boat with an older model 24V Riptide that I believe was a Terrova model or maybe a different name but had the same features. Not sure of the thrust. Guessing 70 or 80lbs. All of the decals were gone by the time I got it and it never ran properly. The guy I bought it from said it has been giving him problems for a few months before he decided to sell it. I think it was actually a 60” shaft. Way longer than necessary for my boat. Spot lock/anchor mode wouldn’t work and even when I had it set on 10 it struggled pushing the boat. 

I installed new batteries and it didn’t fix the problem... hence the upgrade lol. 

 

look for a minn kota service center by you.  I bet they can get the riptide working.  riptide is the saltwater model.  Most walleye boats up north are running 60" shaft.  I have an 80lb 54" terrova on my 16.5ft Lund.  No way I'd go down to 12v 55lb especially with iPilot/spot lock