Traditional vs. Electric Steering TM?

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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?

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feelay

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.

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.

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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...

---

You will throw away a cable control after you get used to the terrova. It is different but after a few hours you will be used to it. I just added the i-pilot to mine and so far it is awesome. the foot pedal turns 2 ways. you can push down on back and front to turn right and left just like cable control or it has a button for right and 1 for left which ever you want.

I was told buy a guy that uses both that the Terrova is great for spider rigging, and not worth a darn when you are in Timber. From what he said it sounded like when you are in timber and used to cable steer, you'll hate electric based on the slower responsiveness. If he's going to do nothing but troll, he'll put on the Terrova, if not he rana Maxxum.

The trick set up if you have deep pockets is to have one of each type and use a common quick disconnect and swap it out as need be. My bet is unless your a BIG timber fisherman the benefits of the Terrova far out weigh the cable steer model (any of them).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yikess

The trick set up if you have deep pockets is to have one of each type and use a common quick disconnect and swap it out as need be. My bet is unless your a BIG timber fisherman the benefits of the Terrova far out weigh the cable steer model (any of them).

---

Ditto

There is absolutely no back and forth slap with the terrova and I don't consider the electric steer "slow". The foot petal takes a little getting used to but it's well worth it. I got the 54" and added the l-pilot, love it.

Bit the bullet, ordered a 80lb Terrova with US2 and i-pilot for my Ranger. Probably won't be in for a couple more days, but getting anxious. As far as install, anyone have any tips or lessons learned that might help me out. This is my first TM installation. Pulled the maxxum off tonight. If anyone wants to share any pictures of their terrova on boat, I would love to see them. I did go ahead and order the 45 incher, I'm young and can reach down to stow it. I just didn't want my TM head up in my rods when trolling. Appreciate it guys. Thanks for the encouragement on electric steering...it cost me 1379.99 plus US2 cable! I think I will love it though.
My wife is about to kill me though...new rod holders, double seat mount, HDS + structure scan, now a Terrova. I told her I couldn't think of much else to buy...any ideas?

Your fish should be around $5,000 per pound now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FAADAN

Your fish should be around $5,000 per pound now.

---

:D :D Is that for now on, or does the cost per fish go down as long as you don't buy anthing else for a while?

Hey Man you will love it!!!!! got one just like it on my boat but 60", But I"m old , LOL

On the steering foot control pad you have the option of a rocker type or if you sit while you fish like me, the bottom part of the foot control has a left, right, and on button. I love that feature. I hardly never use my rocker. I set the direction with auto pilot and tap the bottom buttons to correct direction. It took some getting use to. Also no Quick Reverse so you have to pay attention to the man in the back. My boat is stick steering and I sometimes forget I have someone back there. I tell them to break the line and I will retie it for them.
BillyE

If you're going to mount a transducer to your terrova check out the sticky at the top of this page.

One thing you might want to consider when mounting is to use one of minn kota's mounting plates. This makes trolling motor removable. If you pull your boat with a cover your cover will not fit very well as this motor sticks up higher. Also is nice to be able to lock it to the boat using this plate. I cut 8 inches off of shaft. Very easy to do. Once you get the head off just slide a piece of copper tubing insde shaft to protect the wires from getting cut. It does void your warranty if you do it yourself but my motor was already out of warranty.

Thanks for all the info. I got one with US2 so no transducer routing, and I got the 45 inch shaft, so no shortening. I was wondering about positioning more than anything. Does the manual provide all needed info? I know there is a lot of overhang. Do you try to rotate head out as far as can without it sticking out of boat when stowed? Sorry for all the questions. Just want to get it right the first time.

Directions are good. The motor has to stick over enough to miss rub rail on boat. You need a helping hand when installing this motor as it is a little heavy on motor end. Reason I took 8 inches off shaft is it put the trolling head back flush with the edge of the boat but you should be fine with the 45 inch shaft. I also have the ram mount that attaches to the motor at the head. Makes a world of difference when running the lake or traveling. Just take your time and you will do fine.