Hand controlled trolling motor up front question

  • KwikStik
    Trempealeau, WI
    Posts: 381
    August 24, 2011 at 2:07 pm #1273559

    Anyone using a hand-controoled trolling motor mounted at the front of the boat? Like it?

    I’ve had a MinnKota powerdrive for 10-11 years and I’ve never really liked it. Slow response, crappy pedal, etc. I’m always working high current and shorelines where immediate corrections would be really useful. I’ve gotten to the point where it’s more bother than it’s worth, and I use my tiller to control the boat. Just wondering if one of the quick retractable hand controlled models at the front is worth a try. I’m a “simpler is better” type guy anyway. Thoughts?

    sandmannd
    Posts: 928
    August 24, 2011 at 2:12 pm #990533

    I bought a Terrova last year and I think I’ve used the pedal once to make sure it works. I use the iPilot remote the majority of time and love it. Once you get used to it you have a lot of control.

    rod-man
    Pine City, MN.
    Posts: 1279
    August 24, 2011 at 2:12 pm #990534

    Love mine like you said instant response steering

    wimwuen
    LaCrosse, WI
    Posts: 1960
    August 24, 2011 at 2:17 pm #990538

    I had one and I hated it. It seemed to be much more effort to reach in front of you to turn that thing than the one on the transom did. Folks who fish a lot of shorelines tend to like cable steers better since they turn faster. Powerdrives are not known for their response times.

    A lot of bass guys run Maxxums because of the faster response times. As with anything, there is a definate learning curve. Running a foot controlled bowmount is a bit of an art. It’s easy to overcorrect, and it forces you to think of your next move a little earlier.

    ottomatica
    Lino Lakes, MN
    Posts: 1380
    August 24, 2011 at 2:25 pm #990544

    Quote:

    Folks who fish a lot of shorelines tend to like cable steers better since they turn faster.

    fishthumper
    Sartell, MN.
    Posts: 11929
    August 24, 2011 at 3:23 pm #990552

    I know of a few who have made the switch from Hand to Foot ( They all wish they had done it sooner )Never known anyone who has switched from Foot to hand. If you don’t do much Casting and reeling it may work for you.

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    August 24, 2011 at 3:29 pm #990554

    Quote:

    Quote:

    Folks who fish a lot of shorelines tend to like cable steers better since they turn faster.

    I would agree with that comment too. However, if you have a boat that tracks well in current, that alone eliminates 90% of the battle right there. A boat that tracks properly in current needs little course correction. A powerdrive/terrova is not a problem for this type of boat.

    I think you would regret changing to a hand steer bow mount.

    -J.

    Mudshark
    LaCrosse WI
    Posts: 2973
    August 24, 2011 at 3:46 pm #990561

    I switched from a foot to a hand…and I love mine…

    I bought an extension handle and a foot actuated on – off switch…

    Works great for my fishing style…

    KwikStik
    Trempealeau, WI
    Posts: 381
    August 24, 2011 at 4:25 pm #990583

    Quote:

    I switched from a foot to a hand…and I love mine…
    I bought an extension handle and a foot actuated on – off switch…
    Works great for my fishing style…

    I’d be curious to see your setup.

    I’m always banging my way down riprap that is right on the main channel. When I talk immediate corrections I mean right now. My boat does not track well as it’s wide and short (Lund 1675).

    I was starting to go with the flow, and that ipilot/GPS thingy is an intriguing piece of technology, but I’m just so soured on foot control after fighting with this older powerdrive…

    bret_clark
    Sparta, WI
    Posts: 9362
    August 24, 2011 at 4:33 pm #990586

    If it is instant response you are looking for, have you checked out the cable steer trolling motors?

    Buzz
    Minneapolis MN
    Posts: 1814
    August 24, 2011 at 4:42 pm #990588

    For Bass fishing they are great (except for dock fishing). I recommend them, had one for years and I loved the freedom it gave me to stand flat footed. Used two big-foot on/off switches in floor of deck. If I ever go back to a smaller boat, I’d use a hand controlled with a big foot handle, in a minute.

    I gives you perfect control, just tack into the wind or current and you can hold with pinpoint accuracy.

    joemama
    North St Paul
    Posts: 392
    August 24, 2011 at 6:15 pm #990616

    i have an # 80 pd minnekota salt water 3x hand controll and love it..i’ve replaced too many foot controls to count..had the old pin point system that was beyond great when it worked and made me psychotic when it didn’t boat control in currnet is great and i love having the whole front deck to stand on where ever i want…less is better

    Mudshark
    LaCrosse WI
    Posts: 2973
    August 24, 2011 at 6:33 pm #990623

    I have mine set-up right in the middle of the bow,mine is a 17ft coast-guard flat so I have a large front deck, making a quick-hard turn right or left turn can be tricky..the handle is out over the side of the boat…most of time when I make a hard turn I’ll side-slip in reverse in the opposite direction.. .. it’s still not as quick as a cable…

    I usually use mine to slowly drift along weed edges or to hold steady in current so drastic maneuvers are not that necessary to me…

    If you want I’ll take a couple of pictures…or give me a call and you can stop by and see it….

    Buzz….that Bigfoot foot switch is GREAT

    guthook1
    Lake Nebagamon Wisconsin
    Posts: 409
    August 24, 2011 at 7:32 pm #990646

    I suggest that you try someones Minnkota Terrova – the pedal response to turn and operate is 100 times better than your old Powerdrive model. I haven’t tried the Ipilot stuff yet. If you fish the river (current) a lot and either pitch jigs or cranks – you might have your hands full trying to keep boat position with a hand control motor and fish effectively at the same time. Try someones Terrova before you spend the bucks and aren’t happy.

    KwikStik
    Trempealeau, WI
    Posts: 381
    August 24, 2011 at 10:20 pm #990698

    Quote:

    If it is instant response you are looking for, have you checked out the cable steer trolling motors?

    Not lately, but my first boat had cable steer. Liked the response, but hated how the foot pedal was stationary. Maybe that’s changed?

    bassn7
    Bruce,WI
    Posts: 776
    August 24, 2011 at 11:03 pm #990714

    I have had a hand controll for 30+ years they don’t break cables,the older ones were worse at that,the biggest down fall would be fishing dooks and trees even with a remote foot button there gets to be alot going on. I have ran footcontrol maxums the best for comfort is too have a recessed deck mount then you can stand flat footed. I can’t stand and balance on one foot very well, before my back gets real sore! Stan

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