12v vs 24v that is the question

In continuing my search for my new trolling motor, my thread about MG vs MK spot lock was very helpful and informative but I still have one question which keeps running through my head and it's power.

Everyone's opinion is welcome but who I'm really hoping to hear from is guys in aluminum boats. My boat is a 17.5' alum Tracker. I've used a 55# 12v TM on it most of it's life and have been pretty happy. One year I did have a cheap 70# 24v 5 speed and I hated that thing, it was too much power for my boat. (That's why it only lasted 1 year too.)

I'm leaning towards a Terrova at this point but torn between 55#12v or 80#24v. Either way I'll probably run 2 batteries, it's just a matter of hooking them up in series or parallel. Cost is only a few hundred dollars between the 2 so it doesn't matter. Most of the guys telling me to go 24v system have glass boats so their boats need more power.

So for you tin boat guys...do any of you guys with a 12v think your TM is just too weak and wish you would have gone 24v
Or do some of you guys with tin boats and a 24v think your TM is just too powerful.
I guess if you're happy with your selection I'd like to know that too.

Thanks in advance.

I chose the 12v Terrova for my 16 foot panfish due to wanting to use 1 battery.
Since you're going to use 2 batteries anyway, why not go with the 24v. You don't have to run it wide open and it has adjustable speed settings instead of your old preset 5 speeds.

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My boat is a 1454 SS Xtreme with a 40 HP motor. I have never thought for one minute that I had too much trolling motor with my 80# Ulterra.

Regards


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I have a 175 tracker and a 24V Terrova and couldn't be happier. I can pull cranks at any speed and have never killed the batteries.

I agree with all the above.

Like said, you can have the power when needed if you have it. Glad you are putting thought into your boat and performance. Me, I have a Terrova I Pilot 55# on my !
16 FT. Alumacraft and I Pilot 36 volt on my 22 FT. pontoon. Both do very well for what I do. Good Luck find what you want :highfive

Stick with the 24 volt. Have the Terrova #80 on my 1710 G3 and it's perfect. Troll all day and never run out of battery.

I went with a 24 volt system when I upgraded my T/M.I put a terrova 80 and was very happy I did. I have a 16 foot polar craft just like a bass tracker. If it gets windy I have the power. I just recently up grades to a Ulterra with link. If you are not thinking about it do it. I didn't and wished I had.

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I have the 55 Terrova on a wareagle 17 stick steer. I have it hooked to 2 batteries and 90% of the time I couldn’t be happier but 10% I wish I had the 24/80. If I had to do it all over again I would definitely spend the few extra dollars for the bigger motor. Just because it’s there you don’t have to use it. And they are much more efficient over a long day.

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Either way I'll probably run 2 batteries, it's just a matter of hooking them up in series or parallel. Cost is only a few hundred dollars between the 2 so it doesn't matter.

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24V on the Terrova

Currntly run one on a 17.5 Sylvan

As Cray mentions above....

Better to have and not need vs.needing and not have it.

24v 80 lb is the way to go on your boat

I have a 17' Alweld (aluminum) Marsh-VV and I have a 24V 80lb Terrova iPilot TM on there. Very happy with the motor on my boat.

24 volt is the way to go, but sounds more like you're problem is FIXED speeds as in a 5 speed verses a variable speed. A variable speed can turn the prop almost at no speed at all up to wide open, where as a fixed speed doesn't go that slow even on the slowest speed setting.

17 ft aluminum Triton. I have a 2017 MK Terrova 12v 55#. For most things it is enough. It's a little slow when jumping to short distance spots and you don't want to fool with big motor. If you ever even think you are going to pull cranks get the 24V. On flat water I can do .7mph at 35% and 1.6 at 100%. This is with gear and 2 people. But I do worry about running an electric motor at 100% for an extended period of time.

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Lot's of good replies.
One point for me to make is I never troll. My preferred method is to cast jigs at cover and also fish schools in open water.
I agree with what wannabe said about that 5 speed TM just didn't go slow enough even on the lowest speed. I fish solo about 60% of the time so it's not a heavy boat.
Going too slow is rarely a problem, going too fast would be a big problem.

So you guys are saying this 24v80# will dial down to just a crawl on a calm day? Like maybe .1 or .2 on a calm day?

You can set the speed with the cruise control button on the remote hand control to .1mph if you would like.

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

Lot's of good replies.
One point for me to make is I never troll. My preferred method is to cast jigs at cover and also fish schools in open water.
I agree with what wannabe said about that 5 speed TM just didn't go slow enough even on the lowest speed. I fish solo about 60% of the time so it's not a heavy boat.
Going too slow is rarely a problem, going too fast would be a big problem.

So you guys are saying this 24v80# will dial down to just a crawl on a calm day? Like maybe .1 or .2 on a calm day?

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I fish same as you...cast and retrieve. But in winter I will creep along at .1 to .3 MPH drifting a jig on the bottom for winter bluegill. Works out great.

Regards


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Originally Posted by tahoe 50

I went with a 24 volt system when I upgraded my T/M.I put a terrova 80 and was very happy I did. I have a 16 foot polar craft just like a bass tracker. If it gets windy I have the power. I just recently up grades to a Ulterra with link. If you are not thinking about it do it. I didn't and wished I had.

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You mean going to an Ulterra? Why's that?

Will always have a 24 v. , variable system of some sorts . Dial up what you want/need . Wish I had enough boat for a 36 v. lol

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I fish same as you...cast and retrieve. But in winter I will creep along at .1 to .3 MPH drifting a jig on the bottom for winter bluegill. Works out great.

Regards


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and you're using a 24v80# on an aluminum boat?

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Originally Posted by eagle 1

Will always have a 24 v. , variable system of some sorts . Dial up what you want/need . Wish I had enough boat for a 36 v. lol

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What kind of boat do you have? Glass? Alum? Length?

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

and you're using a 24v80# on an aluminum boat?

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Yes.....on a boat that is only 14.5 feet long with a 54 inch bottom and 40 HP four stroke.

Regards


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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Yes.....on a boat that is only 14.5 feet long with a 54 inch bottom and 40 HP four stroke.

Regards


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Thanks...everyone I know is using a 12v cable steer so I don't know anything about this type of TM.

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

Thanks...everyone I know is using a 12v cable steer so I don't know anything about this type of TM.

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I have the 80# terrova on my 1860 boat
It replaced the cable steer tm. I was told when you get used to the remote you won’t use the foot peddle which is true,
I liked the cable steer for working along the bank or standing timber and when a cottonmouth charges the boat, turn response is instant
Mine is for years old, and have got use to it and wouldn’t trade it for any other


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16.5 Alumacraft Prowler, went from a 45lb 12v Edge to a 80lb 24v Ultrex I-pilot. Would never consider going 12v again. The wind is brutal on a smaller aluminum boat and the extra power is nice to have. I use every method mentioned above to fish and it's simply better to have the power when needed.

24v is more efficient

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

What kind of boat do you have? Glass? Alum? Length?

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Alum. 1648 war eagle Attachment 361166

You guys are making for a convincing argument to go with the 24v.
I'm not 100% there yet but I'm sure leaning that way.

Go with the 24volt system. It will be easier to sell when it's time to upgrade.
I run a 24 volt older Minn Kota Autopilot and fish for 6-8hrs and still have plenty
of juice left in the tank on a 17ft Sylvan Eliminator.

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

You guys are making for a convincing argument to go with the 24v.
I'm not 100% there yet but I'm sure leaning that way.

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keep leaning that way until you fall over, you'll never regret it, but make sure it's VARIABLE SPEED !

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Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

keep leaning that way until you fall over, you'll never regret it, but make sure it's VARIABLE SPEED !

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Yeah, that 5 speed was awful. At this point I'm getting the Terrova. I was considering the MG Xi5 but the MK has the display on the remote, that's a game changer.
It's been a long, long time since I've looked at trolling motors so I'm still looking at some of the other features available on other models.

IMO, 24V Terrova is the way to go. I finally (after 20yrs) made the move and I don't regret it one bit. I was afraid of the remote, etc..., (even bought the foot pedal) but have not used it once. The remote is quick and reliable. I've used it in every application imaginable. Plus, when trolling, the autopilot on the terrova takes the work out of boat control. All I do now is concentrate on pulling those pigs into the net.. :)

I also have never used the foot pedal. It is on the boat in the locker, somewhere, in case the remote dies, but I also have spare batteries for the remote, so...

I just put a 24v ultrex 80 on my 1860 g3 as was recommended by my local dealer. I am picking the boat up tomorrow and hope to get her out soon. Based upon what we’ve heard here and my dealer’s recommendation, I think we’ll be happy with the 80.

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Originally Posted by ArkansasGreg

I just put a 24v ultrex 80 on my 1860 g3 as was recommended by my local dealer. I am picking the boat up tomorrow and hope to get her out soon. Based upon what we’ve heard here and my dealer’s recommendation, I think we’ll be happy with the 80.

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Good luck with the new boat.