Thanks all for the responses. I'm one step closer to taking the leap. As far as shaft length. Doesn't it get in the way of your rods when you are spider rigging if it's sticking up 12" or 13"? That was my concern when fishing shallow
I have the 55 12 volt on my Lowe 175. I didn't want the extra length, but it does make it easier to stow since it sticks up higher and is easier to reach. When stowed it does cause some challenges depending on how it's mounted for putting your boat cover on. Mine is mounted diagonal across the front, with it stowed it sticks out to one side on the top. So I can really only safely dock on one side of the boat.
Those are all the cons, the pros are: it's friggin awesome! I don't even have the foot pedal installed, only use the remote. I can drive it from anywhere in the boat! I've caught many crappie marking them right under it running, so I don't find it to spook fish. Spot lock is not what I expected, it will hold at the nose a 10-12 ft radius, but the back of the boat will circle depending on the wind. It's most useful when you hook a fish and don't want to drift away. I used it a lot a first, but now I mostly tie off if we find a good brush pile to fish. I've had many instances fishing spot lock too where it seems to create some motion to jigs near the turbulence and get bites, where my wife at the back doesn't.
I really like the record a track to use while pushing Minnows. It does a pretty good job of taking you back over your set path. The variation too will help you fish more area, but it too is not exact.
After owning this unit, I don't think I will ever switch back unless I just don't have a choice. Suffice to say, I really like mine and highly recommend it.
Chris
Thanks all for the responses. I'm one step closer to taking the leap. As far as shaft length. Doesn't it get in the way of your rods when you are spider rigging if it's sticking up 12" or 13"? That was my concern when fishing shallow
We can fish 3 rods per person, so 6 rods up front. If you get it mounted up centered I don't think you will have a problem pushing baits even with the longer shaft. I would be glad to post pics but I don't know how from my iphone.
Chris
stowing a terrova is EASY just hit the release and then the rabbit button, but be ready to catch it as it'll come up faster than you think, then shut it off and lay it down. Works for me. This also works on a Power Drive.
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I am considering one of these as well. I have a Alumacraft Trophy 170 with a 41ft/lb thrust now.....ample power and am considering the 55 with 54". Everybody is telling me to get the 80ft/lb with 24volt. Do you find the 55lb enough for your Lowe 175? Is your boat finished inside, console, livewell, etc? Trying to figure out if the 55 will handle mine in walleye wind waves too.
Thanks
IMHO..there is no such thing as a to powerful trolling motor. Will last longer on the water for sure. The only real drawback is cost, but then, isn't everything. Surely, space to fit multiple battery's is a consideration, but most folk's find a way. Also , safety is a consideration..should your main engine conk out, you will have a better shot at returning to the dock, that might be a long way off. I would think that your vehicle has more power that you typically use, but when you need it, you need it! Nice to have it in reserve. One more thought..you will be able to buy more 'stuff' ..boat will be heavier..and you can still troll longer. YMMV
Last edited by CrappiePappy; 06-23-2016 at 05:37 PM.
I took the plunge! I ordered a 55# 45" with ipilot. I ruled out link because most of my favorite lakes are only on navionics and by the time you add in ethernet cables, box to connect it to my 1199 and 959 and the cost of lake master cards it was a big price difference. I run two batteries now in my 17' quantum fiberglass with my 40# all terrain and don't have any issues running out of battery in two days of fishing. If I switched to 24v I'd have to buy a different charger and isolator switch. Thanks for every bit of input. You all are the best.
Royalwapiti, my boat is fully loaded, two live wells, side console, and three people normally on the boat and sometimes the dog. 2 mph + is easy to achieve. In the wind I might run it at speed 6, (of 10) on calmer days 2-3 is the norm. My terrova changed everything for the better and I will never consider something else.
I did have to run some heavy gauge wire to it, I believe it's 4-6 gauge, and use the minnkota recommended breaker. I had 10 gauge on it to begin with and it would shut down at speed 8 for low voltage drop on long runs across the pits at pyramid. After upgrading the wiring it has never shut down.
Sub'd to read later
What G said!!!!!