Terrova help needed.

[Bluesraider]

Well, due to the fact I seem to find myself trolling 95% of the time my next purchase (hopefully sooner than later) will be the jump to a Terrova with I-pilot. My question now becomes what size would suit my boat (War Eagle 1648 shown below). I currently have a MK Edge 55 and it seems to be fine on power for my boat, so I was leaning to just go with the 55lb 12v Terrova. This would also allow me to keep my battery setup the same as I really have limited space. If I were to go to a 24v system I would definitely have to decrease the size of my gas tank so another battery would fit, although that wouldn't be too much of a problem as the little lake I typically fish doesn't cause me to even crank my motor most times. But for the occasional trips to bigger waters it might be a factor.

This boat suits me well and I don't foresee ever going to anything different. So my question is this....if you were in my situation would go with the 55lb or would you bump up to the 80lb and why? Thanks in advance for your help.

[SeaRay]

The 12 volt should be perfect for that boat. I have a 16.5 ft Tracker with console steering so it is probably heavier than yours. I can run for hours trolling or long lining at .5 to 1.3 MPH with no problem. If you ever need more run time you could put a 2nd battery in parallel with the first one for extended run time.
My 12 volt on high will push my boat between 5 and 6 MPH, if I need more than that, I start the outboard.

[hunters1]

I would go 12v. Should be plenty of power.

[Bluesraider]

The 12 volt should be perfect for that boat. I have a 16.5 ft Tracker with console steering so it is probably heavier than yours. I can run for hours trolling or long lining at .5 to 1.3 MPH with no problem. If you ever need more run time you could put a 2nd battery in parallel with the first one for extended run time.
My 12 volt on high will push my boat between 5 and 6 MPH, if I need more than that, I start the outboard.

What shaft length did you go with on your 55?

["G"]

The 55 lb. should be just fine for your boat

[SeaRay]

What shaft length did you go with on your 55?

Don't remember the number but it was the shortest one which is plenty for my boat. It lays back in the boat quite a ways when it is stowed, so you don't want it any longer than necessary.

[wilbur]

The 12 volt should be perfect for that boat. I have a 16.5 ft Tracker with console steering so it is probably heavier than yours. I can run for hours trolling or long lining at .5 to 1.3 MPH with no problem. If you ever need more run time you could put a 2nd battery in parallel with the first one for extended run time.
My 12 volt on high will push my boat between 5 and 6 MPH, if I need more than that, I start the outboard.

Are you sure on the MPH. I have tracker 175 and all I can get is about 2.5 mph

[vic n]

You don't have to worry about shaft length on the Terrova because it has an adjustable depth feature. If the original set-up was with a 55# thrust, then that should be plenty for that boat, unless you have added weight. It is nice to have the extra battery, whether it's a 24V system, or a parallel 12V system, but the Terrova has the technology to make batteries last as long as possible.

[SeaRay]

Are you sure on the MPH. I have tracker 175 and all I can get is about 2.5 mph

Yes, on the "rabbit" setting my GPS shows about 5.5. It kicks up quite a stir from the prop. Bout threw me out when I accidentally hit it and it was pointed sideways.

[theygotaeat]

I have a 55 12v on a 16 fiberglass with 2 batteries... can troll all day no problems on high speed I get 2.5 mph not wind aided.