New Trolling Motor 2005 SV1900

[bftmaster]

Looking at Minn Kota Riptide Terrova i-pilot 80# 60in. Does anyone have experience in with #80? Is it enough to stay spotlocked in windy conditions? Is it enough to move the boat efficiently? Also, are you running 24volt system for just trolling motor then house battery for starting and accessories?

[Juan]

That's a good choice and has plenty of power to hold in a strong wind or current. You could slow troll with it. I have an SV2100 with the 80#, 60" MinnKota Ulterra and when set on "Rabbit", it pushes my boat about 5-6 mph.
Two 12 volt dedicated trolling motor batteries to get the 24 volts it needs and a house and start battery for a total of 4 batteries onboard but you could go with 3 by combining your house and start batteries if you aren't worried about accessories draining your start battery.

[bftmaster]

I really like the idea of the Ulterra, but seems like an extra $1k for self stow and few extra features.

Juan do you use the built in transducer?

[Juan]

Jul 10, 2021 14:20:15 GMT -6 bftmaster said:

I really like the idea of the Ulterra, but seems like an extra $1k for self stow and few extra features.

Juan do you use the built in transducer?

No. I have the Riptide (for saltwater) they don't have a transducer for the saltwater motors. I wish they did!

[yankee]

I have the Ulterra I-pilot without the link in the 80# 24v version on a 1999 SV 190. Plenty of power and a good spot lock hold, but I'm up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. The self deploy/stow feature is well worth the extra cash, as I'm usually out alone. This makes launching much easier at some of the older ramps. The new or updated ramps have a nice walkway that you can lead your boat around with a dock line. I put a Hummingbird Helix 12 on to match up with the MDI transducer on the TM, works very nice.

[Juan]

Nothing wrong with a Terrova i-pilot but I second what yankee said about the Ulterra's stow and deploy functions being worth the extra cash. I remember saying " I wish someone would invent a trolling motor that deployed and stowed itself." Sure glad someone heard me! It's a time and back saver for me and without question helps me catch more fish . I deploy the trolling motor and turn on spot lock on top of my fishing spots while watching the sonar at the helm seat.. puts me right on top of it and makes life easier and far more accurate than having to walk to the bow to deploy the motor or using an anchor.

[freezerfiller]

I have an 80# and it is plenty for my 210cc.

[985crabs]

82#, 60", 24-volt stand-alone system for TM. Does fine for my 19'.

[bftmaster]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I am going to pull the trigger on the Terrova. I just got this boat a month ago and have already almost doubled my $ spent on the boat getting it like I want, and still have a list of things to go. I plan to size up in a few years and may even bite off into a new SeaPro.

[yankee]

Here ya go.

dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bpo/d/troy-minn-kota-terrova/7343298258.html

[freezerfiller]

Yeah, that's a 55# thrust which I would not recommend. 80 is perfect for your boat.

[yankee]

Yep, I now see that. My mistake.

[bftmaster]

Well, after further research and shopping, I discovered that the Ulterra was only $500 more than Terrova (Hodges Marine), so I ordered the Ulterra 60/80 Riptide.

FYI: Almost all trolling motors of higher quality are on back-order. If not, they seemed to be priced high.

Next in purchase, Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

Anyone have any preference or experience with any of these?

Looking at BattleBorn, Dakota, etc.

[bftmaster]

Update:

Looks like backorder is going to be at least another 6 weeks. Dang covid has everything screwed up.

[Juan]

Maybe too late but Gulf Marine in Panama City Fl had 15 of them on the shelf a couple weeks ago. panamacity.craigslist.org/bpo/d/panama-city-new-minn-kota-terrova/7360607387.html

[freezerfiller]

You're right. Everything is screwed up.

[bftmaster]

Hopefully I will be installed before spring time with my new TM. I totally understand the current backorder situation, but Minn Kota just sent me an email stating 6 more weeks for delivery. If true, that makes 17weeks. Sure hope my model does get a cheap ass chip just because it was available. FYI: Good reasonable priced AGM batteries are getting harder to find as well.

I plan to write up my full install once complete. Spoiler alert: All the components to install a trolling motor the right way, add up.

[Juan]

Yep. everything is getting harder to find and more expensive when you can. It's probably sitting in a container on one of the 70 something cargo ships parked offshore of L.A. waiting to be unloaded.

[bftmaster]

After another backorder notice for the Ulterra that was for Dec. 15th, I decided to try to find an alternative. My luck a friend at a local boat dealer called around and found a Terrova in the stock room. Just like that, I had a TM. Good thing is my boat had a CoPilot before and mounting the new one was almost easy…..except for the back bolts and washers. I don’t know how someone with a shorter wingspan would get it done. The front nuts were at the very tips of my fingers to get them started. Tip: tape the nut and washer together.

Now I just need to decide which plug and receptacle fit best and cover up the factory receptacle that is impossible to find a new plug for.

[Juan]

Great. I saw an Ulterra on display in the Tallahassee Bass Pro Shop this week but it might have been the only one they had. I don't like plugs of any kind. Just another source to corrode or step on and break imo, so if you didn't use a quick release bracket and bolted it straight to the deck, I'd drill a small hole for the pwr cables and hard wire it.
Something like this: