Visually the quality of the Terrova (shaft, foot pedal, deploy mechanism) are cheaply made compared to the Fortrex.

I really need to hear some feedback from people who ran a Fortrex for a period of time and swapped out to Terrova.

I'm concerned about the shaft holding up to heavy stumps. I know the Fortrex is made for war, but not sure about the Terrova.

I want the I-pilot spot lock bad though.

Just spoke to Minn Kota and they do not ever forsee Ipilot being available for Fortrex.

I've been debating it as well.

Buddy of mine works on TM and he says the Ipilot is good. Use a locking device to hold it down while running.

Not sure about hitting stumps though.....might be a good question for me to ask him.

There has got to be a delay though since its an electronic foot deal.

Ask him how many broken shafts he has seen?

maybe stay with the fortrex, and buy a anchor..
used em for years , very little maintenance

Anchors don't adjust for the wind change and go from waypoint to waypoint.....unless you bend yo rear over and pull anchor!

I still use my 'redneck power pole anchor!' Great simple tool!

I sent him a text.

I will say this....just about every shattered shaft he sees is bowfishing guys. Man they can TRASH a SHAFT QUICK!

MK is getting eaten alive by those warranty claims!

I have made the switch and I do like the Terrova, the spot lock system.. However, the spot lock does not hold the boat in as small an area as they advertise, it will keep the boat fairly close, but not necessarily in the 15' distance they say-- of course this depends a bit on how hard the wind is blowing. The biggest problem is the mounting/deployment hardware. I have had mine come "unlatched" when running in rough water and now I tie it down with a cord before starting the big motor.. I also have a buddy that has one and his has also deployed while running in rough water.. When this happens and damage is done to the shaft or mounting bracket, Minn Kota will Not Pay for repair.. They say this problem is not covered under warranty. When mine came unstowed, the shaft broke and it costed me $386 to repair. Keep your Fortrex for backup. I have had to swith the Terrova out 3 times due to the problems woth the mounting and lock down hardware.

There you go. In conjunction with losing GPS signal and a 20 plus foot roam. Its just not in the cards for now.

I'll give a report in about 2 weeks. I am looking at my new Terrova in the box in my office now! I hope I like this thing.

Per his text -

I-Pilot shaft is thicker.
Power Drive Shaft is identical to everything else

No break away system on the I-Pilot - so you will see more broken shafts.

I hope this helps!

CQB you need the RAM Mount for that thing while running....another company makes one that has rubber that allows it to flex and not get jarred so much. I can't think of it's company name....

So just like I thought if you are fishing lakes with heavy stumps you are screwed.

I bought a new Ranger last fall and was pondering this same question. The dealer told me that he installed 3 Terrova's on bass boats in 2011, and all three buyers came back asking to have them changed to Fortrex. Apparently the guys were complaining about responsiveness.

My brother installed a Terrova on a fish&ski. I tried it and hated it, mainly because it's very different to operate than a cable steered trolling motor and I really found it to be slow to respond. This is my brother's first trolling motor. He doesn't have to "unlearn" old habits and is happy with the Terrova.

I had a Fortrex on my old boat and had a great experience. I went with the Fortrex on my new boat and continue the positive experience.

I sure would like that i-pilot feature in the wind, but am not willing to give up the responsiveness.

Hope this helps.

ive heard from people who own them that there is a delay unlike on a cable driven.


No Thanks. Ill trust cables over electronic any day.