It is usually not the shaft, but the Gearbox that breaks. I have had 2 freinds take them to Fork and niether made it through the 1st day.

i have back and knee issues, terrova has allowed me to fish longer w/o aches n pains, use only the remote, im 62

Think you made the better decision I have a Terrova and parts of it suck! But it is kinda nice to set the spot lock and sit on the back deck and not get wet when the bow takes a wave over it. I'm sure most of you know what I mean.

Dan did you notice the the bracket I made and set in my recessed tray? My footpedal is no longer recessed, not that big a deal because the Terrova pedal is pretty low profile and it allows you to use the small buttons at your toes and/or the traditional foot pedal. I was actually going to keep my fortrex stored in the side compartment and use the quick release mounting bracket to interchange them when fishing shallow patterns so that didn't work out. Unfortunately the mounts are different, but edge and maxxums modelsa are interchangeable with the Terrova quick release brackets so that is an option. I plan on checking that out as soon as I upgrade my electronics. Bottom line I dont think one can get used to the delay of the Terrova because it is pretty significant in close quarters, but rough water or wind out deep you can't beat it.

oh ya what 10 lbs says about "the windier the better" is an absolutely accurate statement.

I love mine and wouldnt go back. The pedal will fit in my stock tray but had to build a riser for it.
You can also give the remote to your co angler to control from the back of the boat. So if your fighting a fish or digging for a new bait. Pro Control also built a custom tray for my last boat that is wider and not as deep.

Hoodoo leaves his foot pedal on the deck so he can move it around. Works great when working docks for him.

I have ran mine for close to 3 years with no problem.

Just my .02

I was thinking also about getting the I-pilot. This post now has me thinking a lot more and doing more research. I have bad knees and thought that it would be great for overly mature person like me. I do fish a lot of docks so therefore has me thinking the Fortrex would be better. Will wait now for more results and testimony. Great topic and lots of great thought into the pros and cons.

Can someone explain, specifically, why a Fortrex would be better for fishing docks than a Terrova?

Just a quick funny, we have some folks at our boat slip that really enjoy adult beverages while sitting on their pontoon boats parked in the slip, I came in one afternoon and did not tie the boat up and as it was difting away one of the ladies started yelling the my boat was loose. I had the remote in my pocket and whistled and called my boat then drove it back in the slip with the remote. Her jaw dropped and iI laughed so hard it hurt.

I am very happy with my Terrova and will replace it with a like unit if and when I ever HAVE to.
I will admit the electric control will slow responce time for quick recovery while in thick cover but I try not to have to make quick jerking movements while in thick cover.
Would just scare the fish anyhow.

Long Live iPilot