MinnKota Terrova

[bakerlh]

I am thinking about purchasing a MinnKota Terrova 55 lb thrust (12 v) trollling motor for my 16 foot fishing boat. What is the prevailing opinion of the Terrova? Is the wireless option worth investing in? I know the 55 will propel my boat fine based on the last trolling motor

Bakerlh

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota Terrova

There are a couple of ways to look at wireless. You don't generally use your feet to manipulate a fishing rod & reel as that duty is handled with your two hands. So the wireless fob requires use of at least one hand which formerly had been used for fishing. If you use the wireless pedal, you are back to foot control and you are trading complex electronics for the simpler electronics in the corded foot controller. Batteries are involved so you need an extra set or two in the boat and if you use the fob, that takes a battery as well. I'm a firm believer in the KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple Stupid). In my view, the only benefit to wireless is perhaps lack of a cord. However, the cost of the feature and potential for failure and cost of repair is significant. I've used wireless in the past and was unhappy with the delay in the motors response but that may have been improved in newer units. On the other hand, if your a "gotta have that gadget kind of guy" you will probably like wireless.

 

[gkosel]

Re: MinnKota Terrova

Check out the following thread. I debated this recently and have decided (for me anyhow) that the small number of added features in the Terrova over the PowerDrive V2 are not worth it unless you have the extra money to spend.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=27;gtid=1258522

Let us know which one you get and how it works. We still have ice on most of the lakes here so I haven't pulled the trigger and actually bought my PD V2 yet.

Good Luck!

 

[gkosel]

Re: MinnKota Terrova

BTW, I forgot to add that I would take the Autopilot over the Wireless anyday and have heard many Autopilot owners say the same thing.

Point towards the point you want to track to, enable the AP, and concentrate on fishing instead of messing with a foot pedal or a key fob.

 

[PAkev]

Re: MinnKota Terrova


I have the Co Pilot on a 24V 74# Riptide Power Drive and love it. The original foot pedal has probably been used less than a dozen times in 3 years and still has the orig. wire tie around the pedal. I keep a transmitter on the console which also makes the co pilot easier for another person in the boat to control the trolling motor while you are landing a fish without switching places. I fish about 10hrs/week. The batteries are changed at the beginning of each season and although I keep a spare set, I have never had battery failure (other than the time my one transmitter went through the washing machine - another story)

Ironically Minn Kota had a model similar to the Terrova about 5-6 years ago called the Genesis which seemed to be a flop. Many folks that made this investment found themselves with a lot of discontinued bling bling.

I've always found MK customer service to be A1 as they stand behind the products they sell.