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I am considering the 101 terrova..with autopilot, 18ft electronic pedal AND Dick Tracy[zee zee zee] remote control wrist watch/belt buckle, controller.

Anyone who has experienced the newer power drive models maybe able to
advise me..I know it ok out on the flats and main river etc.
I am interested how well it works tight to cover.
I just talked a rep but i can not get a demonstration save from being the first guinea pig.He said the turn motor in the newer PD's are simlar.

thanks

df

Dana,
I am patiently waiting for my Terrova to arrive as I have to get it installed before my first tournament in 3 weeks.

The new power drives and Terrova steer faster and react quicker than the previous year models. The main reason I use the power drives or the new Terrova is for the autopilot. If I catch a fish while trolling, bottom bouncing or jigging in strong current, I just hit the autopilot button and the boat will stay on course while the fish is netted. The other reason is I often fish from the back of the boat and like to steer the bow mount motor from the back with the long foot control cord.

If I had to fish in the slop often from the bow and work around pockets of weeds I would want one of the cable steer units as they react as fast as you can move your foot.

I just can't live with out the autopilot now that I have been using it the past 5 years.


-sheldon

[quote="eye-tracker"]Dana,
I am patiently waiting for my Terrova to arrive as I have to get it installed before my first tournament in 3 weeks.

The new power drives and Terrova steer faster and react quicker than the previous year models. The main reason I use the power drives or the new Terrova is for the autopilot. If I catch a fish while trolling, bottom bouncing or jigging in strong current, I just hit the autopilot button and the boat will stay on course while the fish is netted. The other reason is I often fish from the back of the boat and like to steer the bow mount motor from the back with the long foot control cord.

>i would like to have the autopilot too...as well as the remote wrist watch control.

If I had to fish in the slop often from the bow and work around pockets of weeds I would want one of the cable steer units as they react as fast as you can move your foot.

> yes [groan]i was afraid you were going to mention this..
50% of my fishing entails this..it was my worry..

I just can't live with out the autopilot now that I have been using it the past 5 years.

>I can understand that as well as being able to controll your boat from all over the boat.

Thanks Sheldon!

Of course not what i hoped to hear, but what i expected.
I am still considering it.It could spell trouble in half of the condiitons i fish in..but the other half which is smallmouth fishing in the open ..it would be a dream come true.As well as for walleye fishing.


df

All I have used are power drives so it's hard to compare. But like Sheldon I've had auto pilots for 7 years and now co pilot for 4 years and could not fish without ether.

Now I can't see why you just can't make do with the power drives, I'm sure it can't be that big of a difference. Like if it is a little less reactive you just need to crank up the speed.

I fish pretty close to cover and even some times go right through weed choked flats but never in the log infested bays like I would be if I was bass fishing.

Hmm 101 pound autopilot!!!!!! Maybe now I wished I'd sold my 2006 boat with it's 80 pound power drive.

Hi Dana

I used a pd55 12 v for years in "the slop" and it gets the job done.I now have a pd70 24v and it turns pretty quick and chews the weeds up great. I am thinking a 101 would be just fine in weeds plus you have all the other advantages in open water.When I am doing family fishing days or guiding I can put the "crazy one" in the bow and still keep a sharp eye and a safe distance from him .Also it seems to me that minn kota has made the new pd much more durable than the older pd models.

My 2 cents Russ

Dana,

The power drives will work, just not as well as the cable control because of the quick response and physical feedback you get from the cables. The one thing I really miss from the cable drives is the neutral position of the pedal. When the pedal is level the motor steers straight, therefor as you push forward or back you always know which direction you are going to go without looking at the head of the motor.
I know a few guys that modify the quick disconnect brackets so they can switch from cable and power drive bow mount motors for the type of fishing they are going to do on certain days.

-sheldon

Thanks for the added input guys.
If it was not 101 i would not consider it.

I AM still seriously considering it...
it sure would make walleye fishing and tournaments with smallies more fun...and the slop a challenge to adapt..which i don't mind..

Quote:
" know a few guys that modify the quick disconnect brackets so they can switch from cable and power drive bow mount motors for the type of fishing they are going to do on certain days."

>this could happen LOL

Best of success Sheldon..yah goin pro side this time?
We are dang proud of yah you know.

Us bass idiots have nothin on you guys.
Big respect!


quote:
"Now I can't see why you just can't make do with the power drives, I'm sure it can't be that big of a difference. Like if it is a little less reactive you just need to crank up the speed."

>encouraging..i am pumped about the remote belt buckle thingy..

Hilarious possibilities:

Wonder if i can go sign up for the tournament and send my boat away from the wharf, then summon it in when i'm finished?

It would be great to see one in action...

dana

Dana,

I am fishing the full Cabela's Master Walleye Circuit this year which is a pro team circuit. I have also signed up for one PWT event as a co-angler and I am looking at going to the PWT championship as an observer. I want a few more years fishing with the PWT guys on the different bodies of water before I jump in on the touring pro side.

It is great to have other local Canadian anglers like Shawn Hannah doing the same thing, this allows us to support each other as we move forward.

Only 3 weeks to go and I will be out jig'n walleye on the Detroit River.

-sheldon

The learning curve for pro wallety cicuits is daunting.
Walleyes from 6" depth to 60+ft.
All that trolling is another kettle of fish also.
Good for you and Shawn..all that freakin drivin..
what a trooper!

dana

p.s i love blade bait/swedish pimple walleye fishing ...
before i got "really" hooked on bass it was all i did.