minnkota trolling motor question

[acm95301]

My motorguide trolling motor has now broken twice since I bought it in 9/2010.
I can fix it , but its beat. and I'm deciding to look into a minnkota.

The Powerdrive 55lb 48" 12v with I-pilot or
the terova 55lb with i-pilot

any opinions on the units or the i-pilot

[fish_food]

I can't stand any of the motorized units--they're noisy and very slow to react. I like the simplicity and instant reaction of cable-steered units. Having no motor in the unit = one less thing to go wrong.

Motorized steering might be ok for some types of boats but for a bass boat cable steering is the way to go.

[buddy brown]

My friend has the Terrova and he has had problems with the foot pedal. He has replaced it twice. There were some mechanical issues with it as well. I'd go with a Minn kota maxxum they are built tough and are quiet

[Turkeyman]

I can't stand any of the motorized units--they're noisy and very slow to react. I like the simplicity and instant reaction of cable-steered units. Having no motor in the unit = one less thing to go wrong.

Motorized steering might be ok for some types of boats but for a bass boat cable steering is the way to go.

I agree with this 100%, most of the time when I had one I would turn the head with my hand because it took so long to turn.

[acm95301]

Well, glad I asked. The idea of the i-pilot is awesome, but if its noisy or prone to break, then Thats not for me then.

Sounds like the maxxum 55lb variable speed 12v is best.

How hard is it too change from 12v to 24 or 36v? is it just batteries or more than that?

[Greg_Cornish]

I have a Terrova 101 and love it. its got like 20 speeds and is noisy when its set on high but the fish don't seem to mind, they know when you are there anyway. Its nice to pull up to a spot and hit e-anchor and stay in one spot while you get ready, then use the e-anchor again when you're in a zone. Auto pilot is great and it memorizes 3 tracks up to 2 miles long in both directions.

Minnkota of any kind seems to be outperforming motorguide

[Jeff C.]

I've had the Terrova with I-Pilot for over a year now on my bassboat and I love it. Sure it turns a little slower and it's noisier when it turns but the advanced autopilot and anchor feature more than makeup for those issues. I think it might depend on the type of fishing you do. If you are primarily flipping the delta, then the electric steering models are out. However, if you primarily fish lakes and like to anchor over deepwater points or fish a bank from a comfortable casting distance then you've got to try the I-pilot.

[DeltaBassBuster]

I've got the 55 lb. thrust Minnkota PowerDrive V2 w/48" shaft, 12 volt and have been very happy with it on my Custom Valco "BASSBUSTER1". Hopefully some day with todays technology I'd like to see a 100 lb. thrust on a 12 volt system that would be radically cool. What I really like about my trolling motor is the built in transducer, now I have 2 transducers working off the front and back of my boat.

[allmovin]

I had a Powerdrive V2 and found it too slow for bass fishing. Great for trolling and looking for trout but very dififuclt when fishing next to structure.
I went from the PD V2 to a Fortrex and thought the new motor was nice if a bit noisy. Now back to MG tour 109 since you need all the thrust you can get in the delta.

[TeamBeefmaster]

get the highest voltage trollin motor u can affort..... it will increase the total capacity (time u can run on one charge) and also thrust (101lbs 36VDC vs 55lbs 12VDC). Your trolling motor wiring may be OK to increase the voltage, but check it out. using to small a guage wire on a 36VDC system will limit the current u can pass or create a fire risk....

FYI i have a 36VDC on my 18' Nitro and I can waterski behind it

mechanical steering is the way to go. if it breaks, its $30 to fix vs god knows how much....

[acm95301]

Well, I went crazy. Decided to throw caution to the wind and go against common sense, and bought a 24v 70lb thrust, 52" shaft powerdrive V2 unit. I barely fish the delta, and the while I strongly believe the Maxxum and Fortrex units are probably superior, I really think the I-pilot feature is neat.

I had a 12v 46lb thrust , 42" shaft motorguide so Ive dramatically increaced thrust, shaft length, and upgraded to 24v.

I'll let you know if the motorized unit is subject to failure or if its too slow or noisy next week.

I find that 90 percent of the time I fish deep clear water resevoirs and can see many benefits to the i-PILOT.

[bassindon69]

The 24v is a good choice. I had the same as you with a 46 lb thrust. On my 17'. IT SUCKED! So I thought the 55 lb thrust 12v would be better. NOPE it SUCKS too HAHA! One day I will get a 24v.