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2016 Terrova 80 iPilot vs. 2017 #12329616 07/08/17 03:30 PM
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Cjohle Offline OP
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Hello all - I hope this is in the right section.

I'm looking at buying a Minn Kota Terrova 80 with iPilot that I found on sale. It looks like it is the 2016 model. I'm curious if anyone has experience with the 2016 vs. the 2017 models. There is a $450 difference in price and am curious if there is a big enough difference in the two models to be concerned. I believe it lacks bluetooth and I'd read there are some issues with the spotlock in the older models.

I recently bought a Terrova 55 (no ipilot) for my 18' bass buggy (pontoon). You can get a 'fishing package' on the bass buggy's that has a trolling motor and its a motorguide 55. I just don't think that thrust will cut it but I haven't tested it in windy conditions. So I'm going to take it back to Bass Pro if I get this terrova 80.

Any help from the gurus would be greatly appreciated!

In short, what are your thoughts on grabbing that 2016 vs. saving up for an iPilot for the 55 lb? I can't afford the new Terrova with iPilot - I'm already stretching it as it is.

Last edited by Cjohle; 07/08/17 03:31 PM.
Re: 2016 Terrova 80 iPilot vs. 2017 [Re: Cjohle] #12334404 07/11/17 06:28 PM
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texasbassdude Offline
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That's my understanding... that the iPilot and Spotlock stuff isn't as accurate. Not having tried the 2016 model, I don't have any specifics as far as how much difference there is.

Re: 2016 Terrova 80 iPilot vs. 2017 [Re: Cjohle] #12334515 07/11/17 07:45 PM
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Bobby Milam Offline
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I have the older terrova. I haven't tried the improved spotlock on newer units but hear they are much more accurate. They also have a few more features like the jog function which would be nice. Seeing how a pontoon is a huge sail to catch wind, I would think that a 55 lb would be a little small for it on windy days. The 2016 version you are talking about would work, depending on the type of fishing that you do. If you just need to maintain a general area then it would be fine. If you want a more pin point lock for a brush pile then the new one would be worth the extra dollars. Not sure how well it will hold a pontoon. You'll need to hear from a pontoon owner for that

Re: 2016 Terrova 80 iPilot vs. 2017 [Re: Cjohle] #12335096 07/12/17 02:46 AM
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ShinerInTx Offline
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I've got a 21 ft pontoon with a Terrova 80 and ipilot (old version). I was really leaning towards a 55, and got some good advice and bought a used 80. I love the spot lock feature, which is why I wanted the ipilot to start with. I fish a lot of open water, and this feature is priceless to me. I honestly don't use many of the other features often. I also like having the remote and the deck being clear from cords and pedals. The cord that comes with the foot controller is about 300' long and is a PIA in my opinion.

Before you decide on the thrust, you might consider how and where you plan to use it. I have had some great fishing trips spotlocked in open water on windy days with it almost maxed out (running at 8 or so constantly to stay in the same spot) and never run the batteries down. But if you are fishing smaller lakes, protected coves, etc. you may be happy with the 55 and that you don't have to jack with an additional battery.

If I were you, I'd explore the classifieds here and Craigslist. I paid about $450 for a gently used Terrova and 2 bank charger, and bought an ipilot system for $100 from someone upgrading to a link.


Last edited by ShinerInTx; 07/12/17 02:53 AM.

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