Minn Kota Trolling Motors (The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly!)

[@blindhogadventures_Cory.F]

I have the exact same Terrova and have had no issues (24v 80lbs 60in). I many times I wish I had the auto deploy but after hearing accounts like yours I am glad I went with the one I have. My boat is 20' so it works for the size. Thanks for the review! Tight lines Brother.

[@krishnaparmer6100]

Two years later this motor is going strong kzbin.infoUgkxBZWgzfpS2Jj7JqIHyaSZjyVHNUgCKCBf Just uploaded a video of it after 2 years. We use it probably a dozen days each year on our small raft.-original review- We got this motor the other day and tested it out. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems good to me. It has all the features advertised - the motor housing is metal. We will see how it performs longer term and I will revise this review if needed. Some initial observations:- Good thrust, moves our boat around really well- It comes with a circuit breaker but no switch - so there's no way to kill the motor other than yanking the connection off the battery. I installed an inline switch.- The mount bracket is plastic and I worry it might break- There are a number of plastic parts that I worry about, but the most important ones are metal or some kind of composite

[@fishaholic6276]

I went for the Garmin Force manually deployed. Very quiet and easy to place in water and remove. Expensive!! Three problems I've had 1. It locked up once (electronics froze) and I had to remove battery + for 15 sec and cleared the problem. 2. Sometimes it doesn't recognize if it's stowed or not. I just raise and lower it a couple time and it works fine. 3. The head unit will slip down (bottom out on rest) which causes irratic operation. I keep an eye on that separation and it's fine. Spot lock had to be calmed down (was fast and irratic) but you can set it to a slower response. It's 24 volt and I think 50 inch shaft. Garmin has a fast help line response I've used while on the lake, I perfer the call back solution rather than wait in line, especially while fishing.

[@Huy0035]

Awesome info Jesse. I agree my spot lock can run me into bridge pilings. Never thought about the sensor idea. Would be pretty easy to add sensors on the gunnells.

[@JiminSC]

I recently saw another KZbin video talking about using a Minn Kota trolling motor when fishing near a bridge or when you can't get a good satellite signal. The gentleman suggested switching the autopilot mode from Advanced to Legacy in the settings. Legacy uses a compass instead of a GPS. Then you set a compass heading into the current and adjust your Trolling Motor speed to hold your position. I haven't tried it yet myself but it seems like it's worth a shot.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Wow never thought of that, interesting!

[@frankschannel2642]

Wow...what a gracious and even-handed treatment of your experience. Thanks for sharing!! When I used the motor selector (I have a new-to me since April, 2024 Sea Hunt Triton 172) it recommended a Riptide Terrova 80lbs thrust 24v with a 72" shaft. My only gripe is that either I'm going to have to fabricate and mount the unit on a bow sprit or cut my bow railing. Like you, I consider my boat practically "unfishable" without a trolling motor since the tides and wind on the Long Island Sound mean the fluke drift can be too fast. Not looking forward to the struggle of wiring to the bow from the console, either...but weight distribution on a 17 foot boat is a significant concern.

[@johnnybueller8219]

exactly with I went with the terrova... to many problems with the auto store... have had no issues (24v 80lbs 72in). 20 ft proline sport..

[@waynevest4491]

i wish i saw your video 5 yrs ago.Would have saved me a lot of headaches

[@tonygruber]

Good review. I have had a 80 lb thrust, 24 V, 60 inch Terrova for 2 years now on my 19 ft center console - best addition to my boat. I opted for the Terrova over the Ulterrra because I was not sold on the automatic stowing capability - just another thing to go wrong in my opinion. Runs great on my 24 V LBP Lithium battery. But you definitely have to be very mindful of the spot lock when under bridges, it looses satellite connection just like my satellite radio in my car on densely covered tree lined roads. I normally try to keep the center console of my boat (where the satellite puck/antennae is mounted on my boat) on the edge of the bridge to attempt to maintain satellite coverage. 10' or 12' foot steelhead rods make it easier to fish around the pilings for Sheepies. Learned that from you!!

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

What lithium battery are you using? Does one 24v battery last all day? Ok I see LBP is the brand, the 75 ah battery?

[@tonygruber]

@@Carnivorefitness2024 I have a 100 aH battery. Yes it will last more than a day. For example I went out to the CBBT this morning to try for sheepshead (no luck, water was roaring and dirty out going tide). Used spot lock from 6:45 am til 12 noon. Then returned to Back River and fished till 3:00 pm. Battery went from 100% to 56%.

[@tonygruber]

@@Carnivorefitness2024 Correction- O have the 75 aH battery- just double checked.

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

@@tonygruber Nice! I didnt see the 100 ah battery ok cool

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

The reviews alone on the Ulterra were enough for me, I went with the Terrova and it has been awesome so far, been almost a year and I run the piss out of it each trip out.

[@kenfldude]

Agreed, heard lots of complaints about the ulterra. IMO, terrova is the way to go. Currently running a terrova 60” 80lb 24v on a keywest 188br. Plenty of motor for that boat. Previous experience with the same motor was on a 206 roballo caymen. Worked well on that boat as well.

[@PaulyV56]

If I can get ahold of one, i am putting one on my KW 186 Sportsman this winter

[@kenfldude]

@@PaulyV56 good luck, I waited for mine for about 5 months.

[@scottymagillacutty]

If you already know then never mind but as far as holding your boat by that bridge, go in the settings on the remote and try changing the boat scale. I’ve got a smaller boat with a 80 lb Terrova and I had to set the scale to the lowest setting but you might need to go to plus 1 or plus 2.

[@hvacguy3512]

What size boat do you have the 80lb on? I’m thinking of buying a used one…

[@scottymagillacutty]

@@hvacguy3512 I’ve got a 16 foot fully decked Lowe boat. The Terrova is fantastic. I can’t live without spot lock. It’s paired with a 75 amp hour 24 volt lithium battery and it lasts all day. If I ever need to get a new trolling motor I’m going to get Power Poles new brushless motor.

[@mikeknottscreek8183]

Hey Jesse! Great way to share your experience. Miss your videos but I realize you are a very busy man if you are chartering every other day.

[@brettbuckmaster5128]

I appreciate the honesty. Looking at getting a minn kota for a 25’ sport cabin evans to use spot lock on the pilings.

[@charleswhite8269]

I'm using a Terrova Riptide and my power goes on and off, im thinking my control board has gone bad too! Very useful information on the motors. Thanks for the video's.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Yeah it sound like shes going bad.

[@JJ-gd7gf]

Some feedback, I've spot-locked UNDER an Interstate bridge with maybe 10' clearance many times with no problems so there may be some location specific issue with the bridge you showed. I bought a 24V Terrova on 10/28/19 and they have their issues also. The steering module on mine stopped functioning (motor worked, steering didn't) so I replaced it on 3/5/24 to the tune of $238, delivered. I was going to repair my old module and keep it as a spare until I took it apart. The housing was full of corrosion and the drive motor was completely rusted so I tossed it. Now, I rinse my motor off after each trip (along with everything else on my boat) so the failure must have been caused by seals that don't keep the saltwater out.

[@CAROLINAWILDMAN]

Great information. Thank you

[@paddleandhook]

Thanks for the 411. Im planning to add a saltwater trolling motor this winter/spring. Man they can be pricey!!

[@kevinbriggs2611]

Jesse, my Minn Kota Ulterra is once again at the repair shop. When it works, it works GREAT but I have experienced a few issues.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

It will most likely never be reliable. Just my opinion

[@mikejolly4772]

As an owner of both the ulterra and the Terrova I would recommend buying the Terrova my ulterra has been in the shop twice with a broken belt

[@ecesarchavez]

Very helpful video thanks for sharing

[@keithaldridge2048]

Excellently done.

[@abovebelowdroning6421]

Great review. Thanks

[@MrCliftonLaird]

TERROVA is the way to go for sure. my nephew had the same issue with auto stow

[@shoresharp8349]

Ive been looking at trolling motors and going to save up for 1. A 60in 48volt should do me well.

[@BrassHammer]

I have the Ulterra on my 1910 Tidewater, I was assured the 60 inch shaft would be adequate, it's not. I also had issues with the motor stowing. It's a $2,300 mistake, I should have bought the Riptide.

[@jimmyholmes6164]

Have you noticed the shaft flexing a lot? I've seen a few videos the shaft look like a rubber band. Makes me nervous to buy one. I fish west coast 30-40 miles out in the ocean for halibut/lingcod. Spot lock seems like such a great addition but watching them flex around in heavy waves and current I'm skeptical great video found an 87" 112 36v with icon charger and 3 icon batteries for 4200 with only a couple hrs on it. It's the manual one. Thinking I may jump on it

[@ajapsandali]

Does Minn Kota have a guide for selecting shaft length and thrust? I can’t find it. Got a small 15ft Whaler. Also did you try integration with Hummingbird fish finder?

[@randyroom]

thank you for the review! What batteries are you using captain?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Just standard group 27 deep cycles from advance auto. Going lithium this year at some point though

[@mnicolai9701]

The greatest flaw in my mind is the inability to install foot controll. This would solve 2 problems. 1. Pounding your boat against bridge pilings when the motor cant see GPS. 2. Trying to fish with one hand when you are ficed to use the wireless controll. The dealership never mentioned that you can never install a foot control on the salt water version.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

That's not true. I have a foot control. Tried it and didn't care for it really.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Great info, thanks very much. Out of curiosity, what are you recording on? It looks tiny based on the shadow. Also wondering what you're recording audio with. Considering you're out in the open, your audio quality is fantastic.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

This was recored using a DJI Pocket 2 camera. I like it because the camera has a stabilization gimball and the video and audio quality are great. Plus it is very small.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@SouthernReelsFishing 🙏 thanks

[@drock6477]

Question I have not seen Kayakers using trolling motors while fishing the bridge , is pedal drive preferred ?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Yes by far. It's all you need in a kayak out there. Plus there are no batteries to die, just straight man power!

[@gregg9448]

My Ulterra rocks back and forth with the waves. The bracket is tight down below so I don’t know if this is normal operation or if it needs to be tightened on the top side. Does anyone else have this issue or know if it’s normal or not?

[@mbb-pr4zc]

I used the plastic quick release on a 60 inch 80 ulterra and it can’t be any tighter to the bow but still has some play. I believe it to be the plastic quick release but I do not believe it to be a problem. That dude can’t come off. Shaft will break first. I know this for certain. Ended up selling busted shaft terrova and my ulterra has been really good. I drag it over rocks and bottom regularly and it just keeps on going. The key to a lasting ulterra is to regularly clean and lubricate all friction baring components. Debris is the number one culprit concerning malfunctions and belt breakage. Outside of a total power down which resulted in doing a reset on the water…I haven’t had an isssue. Post reset on the water: no issues since the reset and have followed contours for hours on end. System seems to function well now. Reset and calibration of stow and deploy is easily done on the spot. Many many hours of use since then. My buddy has a 5 year old one on his lund and it’s never even done what mine did. His is so rough looking too. He just cleans it and lubricates it several times a year.

[@Edward-ci8yl]

I have one it is not functionable as a foot control to many buttons that if you are in wind you touch them it causes the motor to deploy back to the boat or put you in constant on! Not fun if your near rocks PU

[@MrBullAdam]

I believe another feature is the ability to "jog" in 5ft increments is not on your new trolling motor. Have you felt that this is a big loss or can you manually move your boat and redo the spot lock?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

It does have that feature

[@melvinp.h.3069]

Props to your GoPro for that stability given the rough waters. Which GoPro are you using now?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

To be honest, in this video I was using a DJI pocket 2 cam. It is what I shoot all my vlogs on now because it is mechanically stabilized. But, I still shoot all my fising footage on the Gopro 4. It is still my fav gopro model.

[@Robonza]

I wanted to buy a Minn Kota but got put off when they could not specify maximum operation voltage or even the weight of the machine in the manual. Also they are not compatible with modern Lithium batteries e.g. a 6S pack. They need to step up their game. I did try probing them for information and got dumb answers.

[@Fishing_Obsession87]

What boat do you have?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Key West 230 BR

[@MatthewsFabrication]

I'm looking into the Terrova right now for my Bayliner VR4. Looking into Ipilot or I-link & either 60" or 72" & 80lb or 112lb. I'm in Utah, so it's for Kokanee, Trout, & Bass fishing. Any recommendations or thoughts? Boat weighs 2,822lbs dry weight

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Depends on how much current and waves you deal with. Lots of waves while fishing go 72 inch. Lots of current go 112.

[@MatthewsFabrication]

@Southern Reels Fishing Went with the 60" 112lb. When fully deployed, the motor is as low as the boat keel. I'm making the mounting bracket now, made a few test mounts, made changes, almost completed, then installing... and waiting on the 36v LiFePO4 Battery.

[@ronparr6799]

while your at it add a self drive to the boat

[@SteveJarvis-e6m]

Just switched from ulterra to the terrova All the same issues you had $$$

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I have 2 seasons chartering full time on the terrova now with zero issues

[@GlennU]

I think this is a very good assessment, except i think that the bridge incident was 100 percent your fault. Don't use spot lock a few feet from a hazard.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Oh it definitely was my fault.

[@therealme613]

Ouch!

[@tooltips9911]

I grew up using trolling motors on fresh water 20+ years ago and thought maybe they might be good enough for saltwater by now but I think I'll pass. Too much shit going on lol

[@ClaudetteCloutier-j9b]

Je le veux en français

[@Procharged32]

For the price of these electronic motors in any brand there just crap.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

It feels that way sometimes

[@tmise50]

I’ve had both the Terrova and Ulterra. The Terrova(brand new) needed a motherboard at two months. Bought a center console and bought a new Ulterra. All kinds of issues…..shutting off while running, no stow, no deploy and yet again another motherboard. If this motor goes out I’m replacing it with a Rhodan! Will never buy another Minnbroka!!

[@kenfldude]

Hopefully Rhodan is still in business. Their factory is in Sarasota. Close to where Ian went in.

[@captainjoesanglingadventur4894]

My boat came with an Ulterra, I would give it Right back to you and put a terrova on. Had Nothing but problems with my ulterra