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Question: MinnKota Bow Mount Motors

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I'm thinking of buying one to replace a Motor-Guide bow mount.

Can anyone tell me the difference betwen the MinnKota Terrrova and the Power-Drive? The mount seems different but that is all I can see beside the price.

Does anyone have Terrova or Power-Drive with the I-Pilot?

The terrova is basically a fancier power drive.  I havn't used a new power drive but I do have the terrova and I believe its has a different stow/deploy mechansim (the terrova's is very easy).  The foot pedal is different on the terrova ( I like it, more like a conventional pedal). Both accept the autopilot and US2 (sonar) funtion.  I have the AP and sonar built into my terrova and like it alot.  I havn't ventured toward the iPilot feature so I can't help you there.  Great motor though, the AP is very handy.

The Terrova also has a much larger diameter shaft compared to the PD.  I believe it is a larger motor housing as well.  Much more heavy duty.

I have the Terrova on my boat.  I'd prefer the PD pedal though, more compact.  Granted I'll be pedal free once I add the iPilot this spring!

  • Author

Thanks guys!!

The Terrova also has a much larger diameter shaft compared to the PD. I believe it is a larger motor housing as well. Much more heavy duty.

I have the Terrova on my boat. I'd prefer the PD pedal though, more compact. Granted I'll be pedal free once I add the iPilot this spring!

Really?  I'd say if your used to the standard TM pedal the terrova is VERY similar.  The powerdrive pedal works completely different.  I've also heard alot of people having trouble with the PD pedal speed adjuster.  I have the co-pilot remote steering for my TM as well (not as fancy as the ipilot) and it works great for trolling.  However its basically useless for bass fishing.

  • Author

The Bass Pro catalog says the PD with the I-Pilot does not come with a pedal. The Cabela's catalog says it does. Does anyone know which is correct?

If there is no pedal I would not want one. I see there is an option for a wireless pedal. Does anyone have any opinions on the wired vs the wireless pedal?

  • Author

I just got off the phone with Minn-Kota. The Power Drive with the I-Pilot does not come with a pedal and cannot be used with a pedal.

If I want a Minn-Kota with both I-Pilot and pedal I have to buy a Trrova with the I-pilot and the two models available are too big for my boat.

The best option for me would be to buy the basic 55lb

Terrova and the seperate I-Pilot.

Tommy Bass - In regards to the pedal, I find I only use the left and right arrows and the on/off button on the bottom of the pedal.  AP is always on, and I keep the motor constant on at really low speed (1 or 2).  That way I'm not cycling the motor (noisy and unstable).  Because of this, I have this enormous pedal that I'm only using a small portion of while I fish, waste of deck space...

I think the cable style full foot pedal is a mistake for the Terrova.  The feeling of pushing two on/off switches toe and heel is much more vague than the feedback from a true cable steer.  Balancing on the foot pedal on the Terrova is very difficult.

In regards to fishability, SPECIFICALLY BASS FISHING, this motor has revolutionized my productivity.  First thing, being in the northwest fishing mostly natural lakes, I don't fish a lot of heavy cover/timber.  In those conditions the steering response time of a cable steer can't be beat.  However, I've been able to use an electric steer for many other benefits I didn't see coming.

Because of the way that I've changed the way I use the motor (autopilot and constant on), the way I use the pedal has changed as well.  I'm only providing input to the motor during maybe 5-10% of my fishing time.  Before upgrading with the cable steer, I was on that thing 80% to 90% of my fishing time.  100% in the wind!

The upgrades going to electric steer have really maximized my fishability. Once I add iPilot this year, I'll be able to position my boat on a dock or structure, bow into the wind, and fish from the back if I want!  Now I'm to 1-2% input!  This is why I feel that you could easily run without a pedal.  Any inputs required could easily be done with a hand held, especially convenient if your casting angle has you on the back deck!

There's a huge paradigm on cable steer for a bass boat.  Heavy cover is an important consideration, but Minn Kota's innovations are changing the game.

Now if only they add a cable between my iPilot and my 797...hint...hint...

I chose the Terrova because I wanted the 101 lbs. thrust. I was a little hesitant about the electronic steering because I was so used to the cable steer...now I don't ever see myself turning back to cable. The auto pilot is very convenient. Just set the direction you want to go and the unit will compensate for the wind and the waves. I find myself adjusting the speed at times and but thats it. No more constantly turning left and right all the time while trying to fish. It makes it really nice when you want to fish parallel to the shore. It's pricey but you won't regret getting one after using it the first time out.

I have the 'terrova', 55 lb. thrust, no AP, no sonar. Did i make a mistake in having just the foot pedal to operate the boat?

  • Author
I have the 'terrova', 55 lb. thrust, no AP, no sonar. Did i make a mistake in having just the foot pedal to operate the boat?

No, you will be able to upgrade to the I-Pilot. That would give you the Autp Pilot feature.

I am going to buy the 55 lb Terrova and when I get the money I'll buy the I-Pilot.

Looks like an upgrade is the way to go. For now, is operating the Minn Kota by foot something i will be able to do (and fish) or should i upgrade right away? Could you explain the differences in boat operation? I am a first time boat owner with no experience with trolling motors.

  • Author

You do not need to upgrade at all. The pedal has been here for a long because guys like it and it is very convenient for fishing.

The I-Pilot is new technology. I want it because it will be an advantage for some of the fishing I do. I could live without the I-Pilot but not the pedal.

  • Super User

Want to hear a strange one?  I have a brand new Terrova 80 with US2 and iPilot mounted on the bow of my boat - and I can't get it in the water.  I HATE THIS FARGIN WEATHER!

  • Author
Want to hear a strange one? I have a brand new Terrova 80 with US2 and iPilot mounted on the bow of my boat - and I can't get it in the water. I HATE THIS FARGIN WEATHER!

I have been debating whether to buy the new Terrova or an ice auger. I think I'll get more use out of the ice auger this year. ;D

Thanks for the info. Speaking of augers, a friend took me ice fishing in early January, i couldn't believe the size of the crappy we caught, and in good numbers. Great fun.

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