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

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.

Further north,

 

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

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? 

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

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.