Minn Kota Terrova – anyone have one on bigger boat?

[MichAngler]

Anyone have a Terrova mounted on a 20+ boat?

I’ve used hand controlled motors for some time now and am looking at a Terrova

See I’m confined to a wheelchair but can get in the front seat to fish but a foot control is out of the question and I’m getting to old to lean out to turn a hand controlled motor to the extreme angles needed some times.

I even have an extension handle with a gimbal mounted on it but as you know you have to spend a lot of time making continuous adjustments to speed and angles and this takes away from my concentration on fishing when I have to switch hands and lean out to turn.

My questions are about mounting and durability of the Terrova

I run the big water - Erie, St. Clair Huron and not sure the motor can withstand the pounding.

Add to this every picture I see of these mounted it looks like it hangs out over the nose of the boat a lot more than a standard trolling motor and I’m afraid if I eat a good wave it will peel the dam thing right off the bow.

Years ago I used the old wireless Motor guide Lazer motor and loved it for its ease of use but I had to own 4 of the bloody things just to keep one working on the boat. And at the price of these Terrova that is out of the question.

Anyone have experience and or pictures?

[grout-scout]

I don't think they can handle the pounding your going to give it. Mine is on a 18'5 Skeeter and I worry about it on a 2ft wave day. The mount is my complaint, the way it hangs over and I had to use the quick dissconnect bracket, so I have 4 tiny bolts in about 25 square inches holding a bouncing tm up. If they would make the mount/ bracket longer, so the length of the Fortrex it would make it way stronger. If I were you I'd not buy it unless you fish less rough water.

Edit.
Now thinking harded about it a couple guys on another forum had an aluminum bracket made that is longer to give the initial mount more strength. So if you don't mind spending extra for a custom mount it might be ok for you.

[MichAngler]

Yea I was figuring on that already

I just can’t get passed how far it hangs over the bow

Here is a picture from someone that has done this on their boat look at how far it sticks out!

And this is not because of the mounting holes or bracket it is the distance it requires to clear the deck

[grout-scout]

Yes sir, mine looks very similiar except I don't have that nice beefed up aluminum mounting plate. I have a love/hate relationship with mine. Spot lock is the best (not as accurate as they claim but still decent) and the hand held remote is great. It's just that damn mounting situation! I actually get mine hung on my front roller and have to power reverse it off when I launch. In the sticks/stumps it's too slow but great in open water. Not sure what to tell you, it has pros & cons.

[MichAngler]

Never even thought of it hanging on the front roller

With the different partners I fish with and the way a couple of them launch me, I can remember several times the nose hanging on the roller without this monster sticking out there

At this point I guess no Terrova for me