Terrova or Maxumm?

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Originally Posted by Iwannafish

Well, let me redirect.... Mine will stay that close when there is no wind. The higher the wind, the harder it is for the motor to hold you. Also depends on the weight/momentum of the moving boat. Heavier boat will have more momentum when it is in motion, and will be harder to stop and then harder to push back onto target. Heavy boat can then overshoot spot lock location due to momentum again. I suspect the answer is to have the correct thrust to boat size. Just as problematic to have to much thrust (overshoot issue) as not enough! I have a polarKraft 176 and am running the Terrova that MinnKota recommends for the length/weight of my boat. many people are over powered when they buy their TMs. and I suspect this is part of their problem. I don't know. Mine works well.

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We are in agreement on everything you just said.I know doing the updates helped with the motor ramping up not as quick which helped alot, but i have a 80lb on my 18 ft alumminummm and that is part of the problem to much thrust, but then again it will run 3 mph all day and not run down.

Great thread with some great subject matter and discussion. I will be buying a boat in the mid to late summer and the 24 volt 80 to 90 lb. Terrova w I-pilot will likely be what I go with.

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Originally Posted by crappielimits

A 12 volt I pilot system draws a lot of power and will not work with most factory wiring. You will have to shorten your wire length or use heavier wire. I highly recommend a 24 volt system for an 18 foot boat. It runs cooler and able to give more power. Remember, these motors use amperage to steer, turn prop, and run the GPS.

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I believe that this could be some peoples problem. I have a terrova 80lb thrust 24 volt trolling motor and have my two batteries for the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. I might have 4ft of wiring from motor to batteries and that is all those are used for. it is also easy to wire a 24volt system.

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Originally Posted by clfarms1

We are in agreement on everything you just said.I know doing the updates helped with the motor ramping up not as quick which helped alot, but i have a 80lb on my 18 ft alumminummm and that is part of the problem to much thrust, but then again it will run 3 mph all day and not run down.

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I have a 12 volt, 55lb thrust Terrova, wired on two deep cycle batteries (in parallel) for added battery life. I do not get the trolling speed you get. I top out around 2.5, but I can maintain 1.5 to 2.0 long enough to wear me out. I have pulled cranks 8 hours with this setup, and batteries still at 50% according to Terrova.

BTW, the 55lb is what the MinnKota website suggested for this length/weight boat.

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Originally Posted by bluedrifter

I believe that this could be some peoples problem. I have a terrova 80lb thrust 24 volt trolling motor and have my two batteries for the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. I might have 4ft of wiring from motor to batteries and that is all those are used for. it is also easy to wire a 24volt system.

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I moved my batteries to the front of the boat as well. I have about a 5 foot run from batteries to TM. This has the added benefit of making my boat sit better (more level) in the water when I pull cranks from the back deck!!!

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Originally Posted by Iwannafish

I have a 12 volt, 55lb thrust Terrova, wired on two deep cycle batteries (in parallel) for added battery life. I do not get the trolling speed you get. I top out around 2.5, but I can maintain 1.5 to 2.0 long enough to wear me out. I have pulled cranks 8 hours with this setup, and batteries still at 50% according to Terrova.

BTW, the 55lb is what the MinnKota website suggested for this length/weight boat.

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I know I am over powered but I never have to run it above 2 or 3 most of the time unless really windy, plus when I bought it I thought this could last me for years and if I ever get a bigger boat it will work on it instead of having to buy a new one.