Minn Kota Terrova Review

 

Minn Kota Terrova is a freshwater bow mount electric trolling motor that is designed for medium to large boats.  It's numerous accessories and features makes if perfect for serious fishermen who want the best technology available in order to maximize their time on the water.  

Available thrust options include 55, 80 and 101 lbs, with the 101 lbs model able to provide adequate power in calm waters for boats in the 20 to 25 foot range weighing up to 5,000 lbs fully loaded.    If the motor will be used in swift currents or heavy wind, a stronger motor will be required to provide adequate power.  

Shaft lengths of 45, 48, 54 and 60 inches are available across the Terrova line.  Bow mount motors should have between 25 and 30 inches of the shaft submerged, which makes Terrova models suitable for boats with bows approximately 15 to 35 inches from the water.

Minn Kota AutoPilot is available on select models and as an after-market accessory for Terrova models.  AutoPilot uses a compass to lock onto and maintain a fixed heading, allowing you to set a course and return to fishing.  It's very convenient for following a shoreline, underwater shelf or maintaining a straight course over the water toward a distant landmark.  

The optional Minn Kota CoPilot Remote offers wireless control of Terrova from anywhere on the boat!  The remote floats, is 100% waterproof, and can control motor speed and direction wirelessly. 

i-Pilot is the ultimate accessory for Minn Kota Terrova and includes wireless boat control and AutoPilot.  But it's most impressive features use GPS technology to control the motor.  "Spot Lock" acts like an electronic anchor to automatically maintain a boat's location regardless of wind or waves and "Record-a-Track" lets you record exact boat movement and automatically re-trace your previous path.  i-Pilot features a waterproof, wireless remote with a built-in LCD display which serves to control all motor functions.  

Optional US2 sonar reduces cable clutter, decreases the likelihood of transducer damage and uses dual beam technology to provide an improved view below the surface.  As the transducer is counter-sunk into the motor's head, it is significantly less likely to be snapped off by a fixed object under the water compared to traditional transducers.  

The included electric foot pedal includes an 18' long cord and is completely waterproof. The foot pedal can be used alongside the optional CoPilot and i-Pilot remotes, offering both foot and wireless remote control simultaneously.  The motor's built-in battery indicator indicates the current battery status, and reduces the likelihood of unexpectedly running out of power.  All Terrova models include a weedless prop, making it easy to follow fish into thick vegetation.  

Terrova's flexible composite shaft is guaranteed not to break and carries a lifetime warranty.  The rest of the motor is backed by a two year warranty, and Minn Kota's nationwide network of authorized service centers.    

The Wireless series from MotorGuide is an alternative to Terrova.  Wireless control comes standard with the motor in the forum or a wireless foot pedal, handheld remotes are available and it includes a generous three year warranty.   But the Wireless series has no AutoPilot or GPS technology similar to the ones found on Minn Kota Terrova motors, and 75 lbs of thrust is the most power available.  

For more information on the Minn Kota Terrova line, as well as related trolling motor information, videos and articles, please visit us online at TrollingMotors.net.  

 

 

Minn Kota Traxxis Detailed Review

Minn Kota Traxxis is a full featured freshwater transom mount trolling motor designed for fishermen with medium to large sized boats.  

The line has both fixed and variable speed motors with available thrust options of 45, 55 70 and 80 lbs.  The 80 lbs model can provide adequate thrust for boats up to 4,000 lbs and 25' long in normal water conditions.   If the motor will be used in swift currents or heavy wind, a stronger motor will be required to provide adequate power.   The 45 and 55 lbs thrust motors are 12 volt motors and require a single marine battery for operation.  The 70 and 80 lb. thrust motors are 24v volt motors, and require two marine batteries for operation.

Shaft lengths of 36 and 42 inches are available across the Traxxis line.  Transom mount motors should have between 20 and 25 inches of the shaft submerged to ensure proper performance and thrust.  With this in mind, the Traxxis series is a good choice for boats with transoms approximately 11 to 22 inches from the waterline.  If trying to decide between the two shaft lengths, it's a good idea to err on the side of a longer shaft  as the motor head can always be raised/shortened using Traxxis' depth adjustment collar.  

Traxxis' stows easily with one hand, and without messing with dials or levers.  Just lift up on the motor and pull forward to securely store the motor.   This is incredibly convenient when you need to stow the motor quickly, or while holding a fishing rod in the other hand.   The 55, 70 and 80 lbs thrust models include a Weedless Prop, making it possible to navigate and fish vegetation filled waters.    

For steering convenience and comfort, the telescoping handle extends up to six inches and tilts vertically up to 45 degrees.  The extended reach and tilting lever allow the motor to be comfortably controlled from many positions in the rear of the boat.  

Traxxis includes a built-in battery indicator, which is an incredibly valuable tool.  Nothing is worse than unexpectedly running out of trolling power, and the head mounted built-in indicator will always keep you informed how much power is left.  This allows you to make the best use of your battery's life, and ensures you'll have power when you need it.  

Traxxis' flexible composite shaft is guaranteed never to break and carries a lifetime guarantee.    The rest of the motor is backed by a two year warranty and Minn Kota's nationwide network of authorized service centers.  

If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider Minn Kota Endura.  While it lacks many of the features found on Traxxis, it offers up to 55 lbs of thrust and the same warranty and shaft found on Traxxis at a more affordable price.  The VariMax line from MotorGuide is another alternative to Traxxis and features variable speed motors at very competitive pricing.  However, the VariMax line has a one year warranty and aluminum built shaft vs. the two year warranty and composite shaft found with Traxxis.  

For more information on the Minn Kota Traxxis line, as well as related trolling motor information, videos and articles, please visit us online at TrollingMotors.net.  

 

 

 

 

Minn Kota Engine Mount Trolling Motors

Minn Kota Engine Mount motors offer the functionality and convenience of a traditional trolling motor without having to mount one to the boat's deck.  While standard trolling motors are installed on the bow or transom of the boat, engine mount trolling motors are mounted directly to the boat's outboard engine.  When the outboard is off, they are submerged beneath the surface and can provide quiet, stealthy propulsion for fishing.  When the outboard is in use and on-plane, the engine mount trolling motor rises out of the water to prevent increased drag on the motor.  Engine mount motors are the perfect choice for dual-use (recreation and fishing) boats, or just for situations where mounting a traditional trolling motor isn't convenient. 

Engine mount motors include a number of available thrust options including 55, 80, 101 and 160 lbs, with the 160 lbs thrust motor able to provide enough power in calm waters for boats up to 24' long weighing up to  8,000 lbs.  The 55 lbs motor is a 12 volt motor, the 55 and 160 lbs models are 24 volt motors and the 101 lbs model is a 36 volt motor. 

It's crucial that Minn Kota engine mount motors are properly submerged to ensure adequate thrust and performance.  A minimum distance of 13" from waterline to the cavitation plate mounting platform is required to avoid any operational problems.  If the engine mount trolling motor doesn't have at least 13" of submersion, power and thrust will be decreased, causing sluggish and underpowered operation.

The motor is controlled with an 18' corded remote control that allows for variable speed control in both forward and reverse.  The remote and can be handheld, or permanently mounted to the boat.  As the motors are mounted to the engine, boat steering is controlled via the standard motor steering method, usually a steering wheel or hand control connected to the outboard motor.  All motor electronics are stored in a sealed, waterproof control module which can be mounted below the deck and out of the way. 

All Minn Kota Engine Mount motors are backed by a two year warranty, and Minn Kota's nationwide network of authorized service centers.   

For more information on the Minn Kota Engine Mount line, as well as related trolling motor information, videos and articles, please visit us online at TrollingMotors.net.