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Member
Posts: 650
| I currently am running an older Maxxum trolling motor, (lift assist/US2). no problems. was wondering about the motor drive models, specificly with the i pilot deal. sounds pretty good. holding in wind and current withut having your foot on it. sounds great to changing lures, retie etc.
I would like some first hand reports... also would like to know about strapping down these motors for rough water. hogging through weeds?? do you need to have a GPS up front?? (HDS-8 for me). I have been known to bump the bottom a few times too... these things hold up? wireless control??
I look forward to your replies. throw in a pic or 2... I'll grab some beer after work and will be back later. Thanks! |
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Member
Posts: 49
| I have two Terrova's one on the Tuffy and one on the bass boat I lovem , I woud give up the HDS10 and Hds9 (and I really love the 9) before I gave up the Ipilot Terrova . easy to deploy and retrieve ,no more anchor rope hauling (spot lock) retains auto pilot with added advantage of retracing a course. The Terrova has its own GPS unit .I personally saw no need for Ilink it does not fit the ways I fish nor does it work on the lakes in the south west where I spend my winter but it may be a good option for you .I short my Bass boat had a wire drive Minnkota I replaced it with a Terrova last winter the Terrova may turn slightly slower but it only turns when I want it to no every time I take my foot off the pedal. Most of my fishing buddies have gone to Terrova I have not heard one complaint in fact here is a unsolicited testimonial from longtime Milacs guide ansd now AZ fisherman Azbowhunter :Craig,
Thought I should let you know how the day went.
Every once in a while we make a purchase that far exceeds what our expectations of the product were. That is the case with the Terrova and I-Pilot. I was on the lake 8 hours, had typical fishing conditions with light winds in AM dying down and then picking up to 25-30 MPH in afternoon. Even in the strong winds the auto pilot, spot lock and tracking worked wonderfully well to the point that I set in the boat smiling at myself (no one else was along). Could hardly wait to get home to share my excitement with my wife and fishing buddies. But you can't appreciate it till you have been there!!! Taking my wife out tomorrow......to let her see how great of a purchase this actually was .
I fished but not very seriously, mostly just enjoyed the day playing with the motor and putting it through its paces! I went into one to the real narrow coves with deep side walls off the river, ran from mouth to end and back out other side to mouth again with "record" turned on. This was when the winds were howling and in that little canyon it was from first one direction and then another. Anyway I hit go to "start", wow, I was surprised at how fast it did a 180 and even in the erratic winds, retraced the route. And one time I hit "spot lock" in the middle of Humbug with the wind howling from the south and I have to say I was very impressed. I can see where this is going to be a purchase I am going to enjoy for a long time "Lord willing".
Thanks for your help.
Dick
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Member
Posts: 538
| Absolutely Ipilot. I use the foot pedal in rivers because your hands are busy with rods and bait. The remote is great for open water trolling and locking a spot.
Terrova ipilot is a great product and become indispensable once you have one.
Take care,
Jim O |
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Member
Posts: 650
| ok, got some beer in me... how about strapping it down for a rough ride... thanks for great replies!! |
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Member
Posts: 49
| I use a ram mount in all the boats it is solid goes no where . I am fishing wjth a friend today not near my boat will send pic's later
Edited by CraigM 5/19/2013 9:19 AM
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Member
Posts: 650
| Great info... Got alot of places in mind for this... would be perfect. Might have to put maxxum for sale tonight on some NY boards. Nuther question: could I get by with 48" on my Tuffy 1760 GC?? 60" is way too much...
I see they have I pilot link and I pilot... |
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New User
Posts: 3
| Just went through the same thing in my new rig. My dad's boat had a maxxum on the bow and i loved the instantaneous control and always knowing which way you were going by the feel of the pedal and the indicator on the head for night time. Great for fishing structure and following contours.
However, i also troll, which my dad doesn't. For trolling the powerdrive or terrova units are great for not having to stand on your pedal all day if you want to use the trolling motor directional control.
Needless to say i ended up with a terrova 24v wipilot. The terrova foot control incorporates both heal/toe (maxxum/cable style) and individual directional buttons (power drive) into one pedal and Ipilot is a very neat tool. I have only been able to utilize my rig 3 or 4 times this year but have been extremely impressed every time out. I typically use my t8 for thrust and let the ipilot drive when trolling. Having used both terrova and power driver i will say the terrova is significantly easier to stow and deploy. Good luck in your decision as there are some $'s that seperate the units but like always you get what you pay for.
MM |
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Member
Posts: 650
| Just got some great info from Rich Z... he is using one one here in the northeast... guess I gotta go with the 60"...
would like to see some pics of locking down set ups for running in rough water... thanks again... |
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Member
Posts: 49
| sorry I am late with these photos I promised ,
Attachments
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 IMAG0605.jpg (26KB - 137 downloads)
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Member
Posts: 49
| more pictures
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IMAG0603.jpg (27KB - 131 downloads)
IMAG0604.jpg (25KB - 119 downloads)
IMAG0605.jpg (26KB - 108 downloads)
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Member
Posts: 650
| great pics... I got a G series so I gotta come up with something a little different. I also see a 54" terrova in 101# 36volt... carry an extra battery so what the heck... just posted one ad to sell my current motor here in NY...
That ram deal specific for trolling motor hold down?? part #s and description would be nice... no beer today...
Thanks for all the info... I knew where to ask... |
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Member
Posts: 49
| RAM-108U is one number there is also a long arm version but I don't know what the number is ,try Ebay priced all over the map but I think about $49 |
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Member
Posts: 650
| great info... sat down and watched i pilot videos last night... WOW! not gonna do anything till my current motor is sold...
will look at Ram mount and other options...
looking forward to Beer and ordering this puppy!! |
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