View Full Version : Fortrex vs Terrova autopilot
ColumbiaR
11-23-2009, 01:10 PM
May be in the market for a new bow mount. I only have experience with the last generation of autopilots. It's the only bow mount I've ever used. I'm interested in the pos/neg of the Fortrex style cable motor. I know one negative would be the loss of the autopilot feature. But, I have also seen that many of the pro's use it instead of the autopilot. It makes me wonder if there might be some advantages that I am not aware of.
KLN2 guest
11-23-2009, 03:25 PM
The advantage to the cable TM is a slightly faster response for boat control.
eyecatcher01
11-23-2009, 05:26 PM
cable drive is quicker to steer but also harder to steer at high thrust. however the new fortrex my be alittle easier than the maxum pro. the fact that it will also will hold direction when off the pedal would be huge. basically i would only go with the cable drive if you do tons of jig fishing and need quick precise steering to get around strucure. besides if ya go with the terrova you can always add the ipilot...which i feel will be monumental in boat control for numerous presentations. i need to get rid of my 36v maxum pro and get a terrova, im hoping they come out with terrova with ipilot already installed at a little bit of a price break than buying them seperatly.
ColumbiaR
11-25-2009, 03:16 PM
How is the Terrova response time as compared with previous generation of power drives?
jmusso
11-25-2009, 08:29 PM
I came from a 12volt 55 lb new style power drive to a new Terrova 24volt 80lb. The Terrova has a better response and speed while turning the head. I don't know if that has anything to do with 12 vs. 24 volts. I still find myself wanting the Terrova to be more responsive though.
My friend just bought a 620vs with a Maxxum on it. My first time using a cable drive. I liked the feel of it, as if it were connected with my actual foot. Definately responsive.
I would still give the edge to the Terrova. The autopilot has come it handy so many times. Plus with the near future release of the iPilot it will be even nicer of a unit like Neyecatcher said..
maxxum
11-26-2009, 12:48 PM
The main advantage to a Terrova/ Auto pilot is if you have to take your foot off the pedal, to net a fish, the boat doesn't go in a circle or take you off course.
The main advantage of a Maxxum/Fortrexx is it is easier to keep the boat directly on or near a spot, in current, wind. This is because it has a very quick response and momentary on/off.
I prefer the Maxxum/ Fortrex because it lets me fish the way I like to fish. Choose the best tool for your application.
ColumbiaR
11-26-2009, 01:13 PM
The main advantage to a Terrova/ Auto pilot is if you have to take your foot off the pedal, to net a fish, the boat doesn't go in a circle or take you off course.
The main advantage of a Maxxum/Fortrexx is it is easier to keep the boat directly on or near a spot, in current, wind. This is because it has a very quick response and momentary on/off.
I prefer the Maxxum/ Fortrex because it lets me fish the way I like to fish. Choose the best tool for your application.
The new fortrex claims to stay on course after taking your foot off the peddle due to some kind of spring tention apparatus. Is this really the case in real world applications?
maxxum
11-26-2009, 09:39 PM
ColumbiaR, Thats what I hear too!! I don't have one, but I wish I did!! I can't verify that it does stay on course. Hopefully someone can help.
chamookman
11-27-2009, 02:18 AM
I'd be interested in that too. I really like the Maxxum, but dislike having to keep Your foot on the pedal while trolling. C-man
KLN2 guest
11-28-2009, 11:42 AM
The Fortrex and Maxxum both have a cable tension screw that keeps the motor from inadvertantly moving left or right while the continuous momentum switch is on. If a person leaves the motor on continuous while netting a fish, it will stay on course if the conditions are perfect. Any wind, current, even moving weight to the back of the boat, while netting a fish, will cause the boat to move off course.
I fished a autopilot on a smokercraft for years and it had it's advantages.
I recommend test running either one before you purchase.
I have an older autopilot model (not a Terrova) that I really like.
I don't particularly like the foot pedal on mine (generally run it by hand) but I do LOVE the autopilot feature.
It works very well for trolling unless the wind is gusty, then it requires a little "help" once in a while for course corrections; but its not bad by any means. A windy but not gusty day and its fine.
I fish a lot by myself; hook a big fish you need to actually fight (especially close to a windy shore)........
No problem; just turn out toward deeper water, set speed to barely move the boat and then fight the fish. I can ignore the boat and concentrate on landing "the big one".
My last 3 bowmounts have had an AP feature and the new boat I'll be ordering come spring will have the Terrova with AP.......
Good Luck on your decision and Enjoy the Ride !!!!!
W.W. in Iowa
ColumbiaR
11-29-2009, 08:55 PM
WW,
I like the autopilot for all the reasons you listed. I have an older version and do have times when I wish the response was faster. Especially when trying to hover in a particular spot while jigging. I'm thinking the fortrex would be better for that. Unfortunately, it sounds like there is no "best of both worlds" and either choice has it's limitations.
ColumbiaR
11-29-2009, 09:03 PM
This is off of Minn Kota's web site.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/trolling_motors/freshwater_bow_mount/fortrex.aspx#video-60684
Is Al full of it?
When I was buying my new Skeeter last February it came with a Terrova but I had the dealer swap that out for a 62", 80 pound Fortrex and couldn't be happier with it. The motor is quiet, powerful and very responsive and the lift assist makes deploying and retrieving effortless.
The Fortrex is probably not any better than the Terrova but for my style of run & gun fishing it's the best for me. Both are excellent motors, just made for different applications.
Over the years I've had quite a few of both cable steer and power drive type motors, but cable is my preferrence.
Best of luck with whichever model you go with.
ColumbiaR......
Its my understanding that the "newest" versions of the PowerDrive/AutoPilot models have a faster response time than the older ones; also that the minimum amount they turn is smaller so they are less likely to over steer. (Both according to my dealer......)
Those both sound like improvements to me but I haven't had a chance to actually demo one yet.........
Pick the model that fits best; the way you fish.
Happy Hunting !
W.W. in Iowa