Fortrex all the way.

+1

Bobby (bobcat 1),
I am a little confused (not the first time nor the last). Did you just install the i pilot/terrova, but saying you like the Fortrex better? I may not understand what the options are on the latest models.

I bought a Terrova with I-Pilot and liked at first glance but as I kept using it I determined it was not a good fit for my style of fishing. I fish for crappie only. I like to control the boat myself. I-Pilot would be great for staying on a point or over a school of sandbass but for staying on a small brushpile it was not good at all. Also fishing around bridges and trees wasn't good either. The mechanical head turns too slow to be responsive enough for me. I sold it and went back to a Maxxum. A friend or 2 has the Fortrex and love them. I used one of theirs not long ago and that is what I will buy if my Maxxum ever goes out.

Thanks for the clarification. I think the Terrova would be great when I am fishing deep water in the summer for bass, but in the spring, it might turn in to a handicap. I think I will go with the Fortrex on the new boat. Ron

I'm curious as to those that have the terrova w/ i pilot what they think of them now?

I'm considering one over a Talon. Will it work in place of a Talon? I mostly fish the banks and shallow water.

Thanks,

John

No will not replace the Talon or PPoles. Not now or ever, it can't hold you that still. It will sway upto 15' easily, sometimes more on a real windy day.

Here's a little action from about an hour of sitting on one spotlock and catch a few fish.

http://youtu.be/2aGVjxMtKZ4

You will either love or hate the Terrova (PowerDriveV2 also) totally depending on your type fishing.
I only fish for crappie and electric steer trolling motors are not yet at a point that I had hoped. For crappie fishing I have to be able to maintain a position over a very small area to catch fish. The electric steer is too slow to respond, too noisy and the iPilot and iPilotLink is just not accurate enough to use.

If you don't require the same accuracy and the noise (not all that bad) and slower response than they are both great trolling motors. I don't want to make it sound like they are too noisy or slow, they aren't for other fishing styles, just not for crappie.

I owned a PDV2 and last Nov upgraded to a Terrova. I have just traded the Terrova for a Fortrex and am a happy camper now!

Great report

I have been running mine for almost 2 1/2 to 3 years & love it.
I can fish shallow and raise the shaft quick.

It does take time to get use to because its slow reaction. I use my foot control 75% of the time.

Put me on a boat with cable drive now & I'm lost and the TM is all over the place because of foot control compared to the ipilot.

One of the best things I have to help out next to the electronics.