Tm question

[toofuss]

Ok i am looking to upgrade my tm. The boat is a 1985 tournament v-17 and my question is this. Being as my boat has a two tier front deck would a drive by wire style like a terrova or power drive give me any gain over the traditional cable steering?
Also what would you guys suggest as far as lb thrust. I am currently wired for 12 volts but already run two batteries for the tm. Its just the 34lb motor guide that's on there is gutless in anything more than a light breeze.
I have been eyeing the 55lb mk edge but just thought i would ask you guys opinion. Thanks

[jimp]

The MK Terrova is a really nice TM, with Ipilot even better. You don't say what method of fishing will be done, but if you spider rig, longline/troll or pull cranks, then the Terrova with IP is the route to go. If you hang out over brush piles, the anchor lock works but not as well as advertised. I have an 04 Tracker PT175, and put a Terrova 55# with IP on in late 2011. The 55 is enough for me and my styles of fishing (longline 99%, pull cranks and shoot docks the rest) and I never run out of juice. I don't stay out 8+ hours like some, usually 4-6hrs is a trip for me. With two batts already, you could go 24v but if your boat is a heavy one, etc., then 24v may be the choice for you. Going from 34# to a 55# would be a vast improvment, I went from 43 to 55 and could tell the difference. The Terrova has the maximizer technology which helps on battery usage, and the variable speed feature helps as well. You may not need two TM batts then.

Think I saw where Cabelas has the 55 Terrova and IP on sale for like $1300 or so in a flyer I got this week. GL

[toofuss]

Yea the pilot is not that big of a deal to me i guess if the anchor lock is not as good as advertised as most of my fishing up here is drifting or stick thumping lol. I don't have the high end electronics so linking them up is not an issue either.

[Bricks]

I have the Terrova with I pilot and I use mine a lot. For trolling it has cruise control set the speed at .1 GPS or 4 MPH GPS dose not matter what the wind or current does it will hold speed. Spot lock I use a lot. if it is not a gusty day mine will pretty well hold within 4 feet, any time conditions are constant my spot lock works darn good.

[toofuss]

Ok i guess what important asking is just how stiff are the cables on the edge that is the second biggest grip i have about my motor guide

[Cray]

The cables are going to be about the same. But the Minkota does seem to operate more smoothly. I run a Terrova 55 Ipilot and love it but they are not for everyone. If I was you and not knowing your budget, I would look at the 55 PDV2 with foot pedal. 55 because if your used to a 32 you will be fine with 55 or maybe even less. Think they make a 45 but not saving much for added power. The foot pedal cable will allow you to sit in back of boat and still run troller. Then later you could always add a co- pilot remote control or Ipilot if you wanted it. I would get the auto pilot for sure though. Don't think you would be spending much more if anything over same size cable motor.

[toofuss]

Yea i think a power drive may be the route to go..... I have a place here in town that sells used factory conditioned units at a very good prices. Will have to see what i can get. Any problems with the control pedal to watch for?