Traditional vs. Electric Steering TM?

[Stickman]

Was going to buy a terrova with I pilot this weekend, but backed out after a friend mentioned to me that he tried it on a buddies boat and did not like the electric steering. Has anyone that made the switch regret it. I did plan on using the foot controller on the terrova as sometimes I need both hands when spider rigging. Just need some input before I drop the $1379.99 on this thing. Also, I don't want the 60 inch shaft, so going with the 45 incher. See any problems with that being too short on a Ranger? My maxxum is only 45 or so. Thanks.

[Release to the Grease...]

The steering is different for sure but you'll get used to it. You also have to remember that there are a ton of things with that motor that are big improvements over cable steer motors - Infinite speed control, Auto Pilot, Optional remote control of the motor, etc. I still complain about the electric steering once in a while but IMO the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

[MEATGETTER]

for spider rigging its fine i love the auto pilot, but hate it in the woods turnes to slow.

[beagle man]

people that are in my boat and have not used the terrova foot pad do not like it, it takes a couple hours to get use to it, I have had on for long time and had the old power drive before that on the pontoon, I love mine. you will after couple hours honest.

[Stickman]

So if you don't mind, someone with a Terrova give me a little insight as to the foot pedal. I was under the impression it worked same as a cable steer...I'm assuming its different by the responses so far. I have not had the oppurtunity to play with one. In fact, just have seen pictures...saw that it was not like PD, so assumed it rocked back and forth just like cable-steer. Is it push buttons like PD. Maybe I need to rethink this..I still like to chase stripers and bass, where I planned on using foot pedal. Mainly want I-pilot for the spot-lock/anchor app. Somebody please clarify for me. Appears that most of you are running these TM's, but I still need a functional foot pedal too...

[feelay]

The foot pedal operates like the cable steer but different. With the cable you can "feel" what direction the motor is pointing. With electric steer the pedal gives you no feedback, you have to look at the head of the motor to know what direction it is pointing. If that makes any sense to ya?

[feelay]

The 45" shaft will work on your Ranger, but you will wish you had at least 5 or 6 more inches.

[Stickman]

The 45" shaft will work on your Ranger, but you will wish you had at least 5 or 6 more inches.

The story of my life...Thanks for the input. I can only find terrovas with i-pilot in 45 or 60, and I don't want the 60...I see 54, but not with factory ipilot.

[lowe rider]

You can buy a 60" model and have the shaft shortened. I did mine myself but you should probably have it done by a minnkota service center to protect your
warranty. Grizzly Jig Co. is an authorized service center and sells them too, you could by it from them,have them shorten it and ship it to your door. If you decide
to do it yourself you take out 1 bolt at the base of the head to remove it, disconnect the wires at the head and cut off the shaft with a hacksaw, drill a new hole for
the 3/16 bolt that holds the head on and reconnect the wires. BE SURE TO PROTECT THE WIRES FROM DAMAGE AS YOU CUT OFF THE SHAFT, I USED A SMALL PIECE
OF ANGLED METAL SLID DOWN INTO THE SHAFT WHILE I WAS CUTTING IT. It really isn't hard to do, I did mine in about an hour.

[feelay]

Mine was a 60", I cut it down to 50".