I had a Terrova 24v 80 lb thrust with I-Pilot. Sold it with the old boat. I bought another Terrova 24v, 80 lb thrust, with I-Pilot Link for the nused 16' Deep-V boat. While the spot lock is great, and the maintain compass heading is great, and the crusie control is great on the I-Pilot. The I-Pilot Link adds follow the contour, follow a weed line, follow way points, and if you link it to your sonar head, you can do all of it from the HB sonar unit. Since I linked both sonar units, the trolling motor and Mega 360 with ethernet hub I can control the TM from either sonar unit, see all transducers on either sonar unit etc. I did get mega down imaging on the terrova. I don't have to worry about snapping a cord. It's very well protected and survives trees just fine. Spot lock is only one feature on IPilot/Link equipped TM. Seriously look at the other features.
While spider rigging I set my TM to follow a contour line and .6mph. Then I focus on fishing. When I set the hook I hit spot lock. Once I get my line back in teh water, I continue on my way. The motor/sonar link will keep you on the contour line, weed line, hard/soft bottom transition, etc. The cruise control will maintain your speed. Both will work together and keep you on track and at speed despite the wind.
As for the foot peddle. I've never used it. It's in teh boat just in case the remote fails. However, I could also control it via the sonar unit. I've only had the new TM for 1 season and am still learning all the features. Next one I want to incorporate is the circle feature. The TM will circle a brush pile at X distance will you fish the brush pile. As for the remote battery life. I installed a 12v accessory port and USB dual port for my baitwell, remote, and cell phone. I can charge the phone and remote on the boat. I run group 31 deep cycle batteries. 2 for the TM and one for main power. Only time I wore out the TM batteries is when I spent 8 hours at full speed (3.5mph) creating a lake map on a local lake that isn't mapped. Lake also has a 10hp limit, hence the TM power.
Plan out how you want to use the TM, then find what suits your needs. I did a ton of research before I spent money on a new TM.
Edited to add: The Terrova foot peddle cord is about 16' long. Long enough that you can control the boat from the transom and let your buddy, wife, or kids fish off the front deck.
HOI Crappie Club
Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.
Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!
Likes: 
Thanks: 
HaHa: 
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by CrappieNEA
