Fortrex or terrova???

Im looking at replacing the motor on my 620. Right now I have a maxxum pro 62″ shaft, 101. I want to stay with the 62″ shaft and 101 pounds of trust. With the new I-Pilot coming out I’m leaving to the terrova. What are you thoughts and pro’s and con’s of each unit?

Thanks in advance Domenick Goodman

One big difference between the two is electric steer (Terrova; move the pedal anywhere in the boat) vs. cable steer (steer from only the bow). Of course, it is the electric steer feature that makes the I-pilot able to do its job.

I’ve found many reasons for controlling the Terrova from the back of the boat. For example, at the Leech Lake FLW league event this year, I spent lots of time pulling spinners in 8-12 feet of water. I think using the electric helped me avoid spooking those fish, vs. using my T8 kicker. I moved the Terrova pedal to the back of the Skeeter 1880 and controlled the boat from the transom….just like using the kicker, but quieter. That way, I could work side-by-side with my co-angler, rather than having to be separated by the length of the boat.

I’m sold on the Terrova line, and am excited for the i-Pilot to bring that motor to the next level.

I should add that I’ve only had one experience with a Fortrex…and that experience was completely positive. That’s a smooth, quiet, and powerful motor that I enjoyed running. It just doesn’t fit with my particular style of fishing.

I purchased a terrova about 2 months ago. Really enjoy using the motor. Mine has the foot pedal to position anywhere in the boat, and a remote. The system has auto-pilot which is cool. I use the remote more than the foot pedal. I just hang the remote around my neck and use it from anywhere in the boat. Ran the motor for about 5 hours last week with a wind. Still had juice left but could not get up to speed I wanted. I am very pleased overall.

I agree with Jason about these motors being totally different, but disagree based on my style of fishing. I am always 100% on the bow of my boat and want total control with cable steer vs messing with the electronic foot pedal. Drove one of these electronic steers one time and it more so drove me nuts. I know why they make the cords so long, that’s so when people like me drive we can stand in the back of the boat so we don’t get tossed overboard. It all depends on your style of fishing. Most walleye guys run the electronic steers, while us bassfishers all run cable. I have been running a fortrex 101 45″ shaft with US2 and have been amazed with it. Quiet, great power, and the weedless wedge 2 is amazing going through the weeds. I almost feel bad with the path it will cut through vegetation.

I run mine with three optima blue tops and have yet to use more than 70% thrust in gusty winds, 3ft whitecaps and weeds. It is a beast. 100% will troll my 20ft bass boat 2.8mph.

One of the reason you see so many Maxxums out there is reliability. The powerdrive series was/is notorious for footpedals failing out on the water. Maxxums are bulletproof. That said, I’ve heard good reliability reports from Terrova users and even the Motor Clinic in Bloomington.

Jason hit it pretty much right on for me, I like the ablilty to control the terrova from anywhere in the boat, Plus the auto pilot control is amazing IMHO, we were on Mille lacs a couple months ago, in some rough water and the auto pilot was holding our position even with the 55 inch shaft all the way down the motor was breaking the surface in the waves, and the auto pilot was working overtime, but it was doing it’s job, I doubt I would’ve been able to fish and control the boat otherwise. All I keep thinking, add the ipilot controller when it come available, wow….

It only took me one trip out on the lake on a windy day to realize how much better of a choice a power drive motor is than a cable steer TM, atleast for me. I’m sure I wouldn’t enjoy my time on the water as much without my Terrova/Autopilot/Copilot, it leaves me fishing with very good boat control.

I prefer the Terrova. I fish for mostly walleyes, and a lot of times with other anglers. I’m usually in the bow of the boat. If I catch a fish and have to untangle my jig from the net, or even have to retie, I can put it on auto pilot in the wind, and not disrupt my passengers fishing by going in circles. It’s not as fast as a cable, but I’ve fished it in some pretty stiff winds, and had no problems with its response time. I also have the co-pilot which is really cool. Early this spring on Pepin it came in really handy with 40 mph wind gusts where we had to throw out the drift sock. I could control the boat from the drivers seat and not get wet from the spray that was coming off the lake with every gust.

Just my two cents

Fazer

I have the fortrex on my boat in the 80lbs thrust and really like it but wish I could control it from the back but I like the speed at which they turn and after running it for awhile you can tell which direction your pointing by the angle of your foot instead of having to look. One drawback is its hard to steer when its at 70+% but you know that if you have a maxxum. Battery life has been great I also use mine for pulling rigs on the river and I can get 3 full days out of fully charged batterys. I want a vantage really bad for running from the back. If looks matter on that beatiful ranger id definatly go with the fortrex the aluminum arm is way cool looking.

This decision should not be made by other anglers. Only you know which ‘kota would fit your style of fishing.

If you like flipping docks, river current or any presentation that requires quick response then you are left no other choice then the Fortrex. That will align with your style much better.

If you fish slack current, lakes, reservoirs, handline in high current and want control from the rear for quicker response, like to move real slow with auto pilot option then the Terrova would be a better fit.

I’m on my 4th Terrova and have had ZERO problems. (Knock on wood) Consider co-pilot as it’s nice to have a remote in the back of the boat and be able to control where the next bite is coming from….

Quite the weapon when you focus on how they can present your baits…

Have fun shopping!