Decision, decisions...55 Terrova or 80?

[WingDammed]

Originally Posted by DW

You can add battery capacity to a 12v motor one battery at a time. You need to add battery capacity to a 24v motor two batteries at a time.

Well, yeah... that. I can't imagine he'd need more than two batteries because his boat is not really larger or not likely any heavier than mine.

I haven't done the math but... Seems like the voltage/current is only part of the equation. FWIW: There seems to be more capacity to run longer as well with two batteries. I really had to get creative figuring out how to re-rig and find a place for that extra battery in my PolarKraft 169 FS. There wasn't much room so I thought it was worth mentioning. But, as I said, I didn't do the math.

FWIW, I have the 80# Terrova with just two batteries and I'd need to look to see the ratings. I can troll in river current and wind all day and still have juice left when I come off the water. I had started out with a smaller 12-volt Motor Guide trolling motor before upgrading and the battery never lasted like the setup I have now.

[andy6092]

Originally Posted by WingDammed

Get the 80, if you can manage. You'll be happy you did especially if river current and high water come into play.

The catch is you'll need to make room for two trolling motor batteries because the 80# is a 24 volt motor. The 55# is 12 volts (just one battery needed).

This is already mentioned in my OP. I currently run a 12v parallel system that does good on run time it's more so I'm looking to get more power without losing run time and spend as little as I can. Seem like with any hobby though I'm just going to have to pony up and pay Minn-kota their outlandish prices for an 80 lb Terrova. Thanks for your feedback though WD.

[andy6092]

I have plenty room under the bow to store batteries. 16' all-weld aluminum and definitely not very heavy, but she ain't thin tin either. I plan on upgrading to group 31's after this upcoming season since my currents are only a few years old and doing good. I think the Terrova 80 is overall a better choice based on your guy's input. I was just hoping I could get better/noticeable results with the 55 pounder over the 50 PD and still get AP and link and save $600 and be happy with it, but regrets really suck and that's why I'm asking about it to get opinions. I appreciate everyone's voice on this subject! Does anyone use FTC and use a kicker/TM combo with good results following contours vs. just using the TM? FTC isn't going to be perfect (variables and such), but hot ****, sounds like a dynamite tool and look forward to using it!

[3M TA3]

50/55/80 more thrust more power. You currently have 2 batteries in parallel. Running the 80 at the same speed as the 50 will actually run about the same amount of time using the same batteries. Difference is that the 80 with batteries in series will use much less current to get the same speed as the 50. A bigger difference is that you will have a lot more power with the 80 when you need it. If the 50 works well for you most of the time switching up to the 55 will not do much to improve performance however the AP and Link features would be nice to have. I'd still go with the 80.

[gonz]

Originally Posted by 3M TA3

50/55/80 more thrust more power. You currently have 2 batteries in parallel. Running the 80 at the same speed as the 50 will actually run about the same amount of time using the same batteries. Difference is that the 80 with batteries in series will use much less current to get the same speed as the 50. A bigger difference is that you will have a lot more power with the 80 when you need it. If the 50 works well for you most of the time switching up to the 55 will not do much to improve performance however the AP and Link features would be nice to have. I'd still go with the 80.

I agree, love my MK terrova 80, after using the 55 powerdrive. Worth the extra cash!

[LuvMyLabs]

If your running 24v or larger system. I would total go 80lb and a 60" shaft, I had that motor on my last boat it was great.