Thread: 1st Gen Terrova, Worth Buying?

I can tell you my 2015 1st gen Terrova does not have the accurate spotlock. It’s fine for big water away from obstacles, but when I’m in a creek, close to structure, it is more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve been told by people that have the newer version, when they are fishing in my boat that the new generation spotlock is light years ahead of mine. I’m going to start saving for the new one, but will stay with this one in the meantime. My advice would be to get a gen one if the price is good enough that you can get your money back out of it after you save the difference up for the new one. At least then you can get some of the benefit while working toward the ultimate goal. Just my two cent...


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It all depends on your style of fishing. If you fish structure a lot and are looking for spot lock to hold you then your going to be disappointed. If you mainly spider rig, pull cranks or long line then go for it. I love mine because I rarely use spot lock for anything more than sitting in one spot rigging poles, pee break or wanting to not move to far off a spot when untangling or rerigging.

Originally Posted by Barnettcrew

I can tell you my 2015 1st gen Terrova does not have the accurate spotlock. It’s fine for big water away from obstacles, but when I’m in a creek, close to structure, it is more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve been told by people that have the newer version, when they are fishing in my boat that the new generation spotlock is light years ahead of mine. I’m going to start saving for the new one, but will stay with this one in the meantime. My advice would be to get a gen one if the price is good enough that you can get your money back out of it after you save the difference up for the new one. At least then you can get some of the benefit while working toward the ultimate goal. Just my two cent...


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Thanks. I'm still not really sure how many generations there are, or even what generation this motor is. From what I gather, 1st gens were good, 2nd gen had issues, 3rd gen added the bluetooth heading sensor and is the best.

All I really want it do is hold the boat relatively close to a brush pile, so I can retie, drop a fish in the livewell, etc. without having to run the pedal on the time. I do pull cranks in the warmer months so it would be useful for that as well.

I bought my Terrova 12 volt around 2010. Not sure which generation it is, but it's been flawless. The only time the spot lock doesn't hold tight is if the wind is up. The foot petal was hooked up when I got it to see how it worked. It's been in storage bag ever since.

My 2 cents


The electrical/wiring/trolling motor forum on BBC has a sticky at top on how to use the serial# to determine production date of the trolling motor.
With that info, you could ask Jonestrollingmotor( very helpful guy) to verify if it is of that 1st generation.
I don't know the chronological dates of the generations

My first generation Terrova was upgraded from a original copilot system.
Worked decent on spotlock, 3-5ft average sometimes 8ft off from wind.

My 2nd generation Terrova(bought 2014) was not good.
More of an area lock than spot lock. 5-12ft and many times up to 20ft movement.
Avoid this generation if spotlock is needed or desired.

Latest Terrova (2018) always 0-2ft

If you can verify it is a 1st gen. and the price is right, thumbs up
To me, the right price would be 1/4 or less the cost of a current model.
If not, wait and save a few more pennies.

Good Luck

Originally Posted by Atimm693

Thanks. I'm still not really sure how many generations there are, or even what generation this motor is. From what I gather, 1st gens were good, 2nd gen had issues, 3rd gen added the bluetooth heading sensor and is the best.

All I really want it do is hold the boat relatively close to a brush pile, so I can retie, drop a fish in the livewell, etc. without having to run the pedal on the time. I do pull cranks in the warmer months so it would be useful for that as well.

It looks like I might have called mine 1st gen by mistake. I need to get the serial number to confirm. It sounds like I might have ended up with the 2nd gen that’s not so accurate. With that said, you don’t want the same gen I have for holding near brush piles if they are sticking up out if the water or are shallow. I’m sure I’ve spooked many fish and ruined opportunities to catch them when my trolling motor allows me to drift over or into my target only to rotate and blast the fish with prop wash as it tries to adjust position. I’m definitely not the most knowledgeable but I’m just trying to save you from some of the aggravation that I experience.


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I'm still not exactly sure on the years, but I believe first gen was from inception to around 2016, the second generation was then until recently when they released the new setup with heading sensor. If anyone could confirm that, I'm sure someone will find it useful in the future.

I guess I'll find out today. He's asking 500, so around 25% of a new model. I have only ever seen a few Ipilot models for sale in the past, and this is cheaper than any of those.

Cray gave you some good advice.