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Posts: 12
| In november i purchased a 2003 ranger 619. It came with a 74lb powerdrive (version 1 with old pedal) with autopilot/copilot/universal sonar. I was only able to use it once before winterizing the boat. My first impressions weren't good. I'm primarily a bass/musky fishermen. My last boat and all of my buddies boats have cable-drives. I guess cable-drives are all i've every known, and i like the responsiveness of the pedal and also knowing which way the motor is pointed my pedal position (some people complain of elevated pedal). One of the major problems i see witih the powerdrive is the pedal is clumsy and difficult to use and the motor turns too slow, thus allowing less control and making it dangerous in emergency situations. I'm used to turning the motor 180 degrees in a split-second to avoid a rock or reverse for a snag, etc. I also like the ability of the cable-drives with ropes to be lifted easily in shallow water. I don't think the powerdrive will do this, and thus i don't think i will fish as agressively around rock bars, docks, stumps, etc. A couple questions.
1) should i even bother trying to learn how to use this motor and the pedal or should i just get a cable-drive like the new fortrex. I've heard that autopilot/copilot can be a nice tool when cruising shorelines or holding position on a point, etc, but will i use this feature enough to justify the other cons.
2) should i be upgrading anyways because the 74 lb really isn't big enough for the boat. I fish a lot in heavy winds/chop and i assume with a higher profile boat like the 619 that power and battery stamina would be much better with a 101.
I've been trying to talk myself into keeping the powerdrive, especially since i'm on a short leash with the wife with the new boat purchase, but for some reason i don't think i'm going to be happy with it. I just don't think i'll be able to fish the way i'm used to with it. I guess i'm at a point where i'm leaning toward selling it unless someone out there has experiences or advice to change my mind. Thanks.
Edited by csuram99 1/11/2010 9:40 AM
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| Sounds like you've answered all of your own questions. I have a Terrova and love it, never had an emergency situation where I needed to lift the trolling motor or turn the head 180 degrees in an instant. I like not having my foot on the pedal all day and the freedom to move the pedal anywhere in the boat, that's why I went with the Terrova. If I fished in current a lot I'd probably want a cable drive.
I own a 19' Champion bass boat. It came with a 70 or 74# motor guide trolling motor and I did not think that was enough power. Guys on here will probably tell you that 70-80#'s is enough power, I disagree. I like having the extra power and battery life a 36V, 101# gives you.
Really, though, it's probably all about how you fish and what you're used to. |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Up those pounds to 101, you'll enjoy the extra power. I would go with a Terrova because my personal preference is NOT to have my foot on my trolling motor all day. Also I think the auto-pilot feature is awesome for muskie fishing. I have heard people really enjoying the Fortex though. |
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| IMO, If you like to cover water fairly quickly and also stand rather than sit, the powerdrive model will grow on you. I run mine on low constant and just tap to adjust direction. It will hold its course on constant whereas the maxxuum will not in waves. You can stand equally on 2 feet 95% of the time too, which is nice on the back. I do think 70# is a little light though for your ride. My 1650 Fishhawk is not overpowered by the same motor - and I am sure it is much lighter.
Landry |
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Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | I have a 619 with 74# cable drive and am looking to upgrade to 101 Terrova....With the cable drive I like pulling the motor up 1/4 of the way when I'm too shallow so just the prop is in the water and then navigate away from hazardous water---I think I'd miss that feature---I'm guessing, though, that being able to stand on two feet when casting in 3 footers for 12-16 hours would more than make up for that loss. |
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Posts: 12
| I appreciate the responses. I think that i'm at a point where i'm definitely going with the 101 but i just assumed it would be a fortrex. Now you've got me thinking about the terrova. |
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Posts: 54
| I got a Terrova this year after 10 years with a cable drive... I fell in love with the Copilot feature. Steer from anywhere in the boat with a push of the remote button. |
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Posts: 133
Location: Duluth, MN | I have a 621 and had a motorguide 101 digital cable drive on it and replaced it with a terrova 101. I fish muskie and walleye and needed the auto pilot to run board lines for walleye. The terrova also is great for steering in big wind when trolling and using the kicker.
With the cable drive you can pretty much turn on a dime compared to the terrova and the motorguide did feel more solid but I love not having one foot locked down on the foot pedal and makes a big diffence when fishing big waves. The terrova doesn't correct fast in the big waves but it doesn't spin when you take your foot off the pedal.
If your still interested in a cable drive I have my motorguide 101 digital that I would sell for $550 that went through the shop just before I replaced it.
Edited by yooper 1/11/2010 11:41 PM
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Posts: 12
| The more i look around, the more i'm intrigued by the terrova, especially with new i-pilot. I assume no one has used it yet, since it just came out? I do fish a lot of big weed beds, breaklines, and points with wind where it sounds like it would help. I'm still concerned about all of the times i lifted my old motor in shallow water or quickly needed to direct the boat because of a snag with the kids or to avoid something. But maybe i'm underestimating the speed of the terrova. I'm going down to gander mountain today to see if they have any to look at. |
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Posts: 12
| Well i looked at both the fortrex and terrova at gander mountain and i've also talked to a bunch more fishermen. At this point, i've decided to get the 101 terrova with ipilot and U2. I probably won't order it for another month, so i could change my mind, but i doubt it. Just think, a few weeks ago i was 100% fortrex, now i'm getting a terrova. Thanks for all the input. |
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Posts: 426
Location: Perryville, MO | You won't be disappointed...for all the reasons others have already stated. The only draw-back as you've noted is deploying/stowing. I don't have any problem at all with it...it's as fast and effortless for me as a "roped" deploy, but my buddy who has a serious back issue and owns one gets irritated at times with it. Upgrading power makes sense (I've got an aluminium rig and can darn near ski behind my trolling motor...but it comes in handy for me on many lakes down here in the south where there are limits on outboard horsepower on many lakes). As far as: will you use the autopilot feature? From the moment I deploy to the moment I stow my autopilot rarely/if ever gets turned off. I don't think I could ever live without it. Ranks among the most important tools in my boat. |
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Posts: 223
Location: Minn. | Here is a link to a good site where Jim talks about the Ipilot, and other features.
Looks like I will add this to my Terrova.
http://www.jasonhalfenoutdoors.com/iPilot2.html |
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trolling motor advice