Do you have a terrova?

In March of this year, the same thing happened to by friend's boat, but the (minn kota ipilot) trolling motor did not break off. The bad news is, though, that the whole ordeal ended up costing him a new lower unit on the big motor. Thankfully, the insurance covered the lower unit. I always thought that the locking mechanism on those things looked a little flimsy.

That's what the "locking" nut is for.
I also have a Terrova and I put a bungee cord around mine along with the locking nut just in case.

Fortrex: Strap at the "prop end"; bounce buster at the top end with a strap holding the "top end" down also. Sorry to read about your incident.

we just dont like ours bouncing so hard when you get into a little rough water. that can't be good for the tm. here's our answer. that baby doesn't even move anymore. strap and ram mount.

I did the same thing with my first Terrova.....Luckily it did not rip it off, just splintered the shaft....Insurance bought me a whole new one.. minus detectable.
I have learned since then.. it all depends on if the latch mechanism closes properly.. If racked correctly it (will not) self deploy. I have been very diligent in making sure it is LATCHED correctly since then with no problems..and no extra tie down of any kind..

I make sure every time I rack it-- to pull the head and shaft towards me then give it a push back to the stops..

Depending on whether you got a GPS fix, I might could get a buddy or two and dive for it. We used to do it around alot around docks in the Dallas area and have recovered some tackle boxes from Lewisville in front of the dam, etc... Usually charge a % of replacement value. Also, not sure about how that much water on the head would affect the electronics.

great ideas----had a rod saver already,ran it thru tie-down and secured TM head

Get the ram mount shown here by a couple guys. It is fool proof if you use it. Doesn't take but a second or two to tighten up.
Sorry for your problems, I had to learn the hard way also. My insurance did cover it though. Minn kota won't do anything about it they have a sticker right on the bracket that says you have to slide the collar down all the way and tighten before running.

Has anyone actually had or heard of a Terrova deploying even with the locking nut slid down to the base once stowed and firmly tightened?

It seems to me like it's a pretty easy fix to keep this from happening by following that simple step, but want to know if anyone has still lost a motor even after doing that?

Minn Kota has a serious problem with this mount. Here is the thread from a week ago.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/10214585/Re:_Minn_Kota_I_Pilot#Post10214585

Yeah i had dumb-face after seeing 2-grand disappear from the deck just like that! Dumber face than the guy who lost 2-grand off the deck? I dunno about that

That was my primary concern Tom! when i saw that sucker go over the bow at 60mph i had no idea where it was going to wind up but in a single console i knew it wasn't going to be good for me if it came back over the top!

It is a simple step and they claim none have ever been reported that the collar was adjusted correctly on. It is a pain to do it and the ram mount is much easier since you don't have to readjust the depth every time.

No problem chief. This isn't anything a 100' garden hose, a waterproof flashlight, and a backpack full of rocks can't cure!

All kidding aside; that sucks buddy! I have a Rodsaver trolling motor strap on mine also.