Minn Kota Terrova is one of the most popular trolling motors in the U.S. It comes in three power options to suit almost any boat out there: 55, 80 and 112 pounds of thrust.
The Terrova is an electric-steer trolling motor known for reliability and GPS features, such as i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link.
Today we discuss all Terrova models made after 2017, specs and features to see what exactly makes it stand out.
Let’s get started!
Minn Kota Terrova Models Compared
| Minn Kota Terrova 55 | Minn Kota Terrova 80 | Minn Kota Terrova 112 | |
| Pricing | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| Thrust | 55 lb | 80 lb | 112 lb |
| Shaft | 45", 54" | 45", 60", 72" | 60", 72" |
| Steering | Electric Steer | Electric Steer | Electric Steer |
| Voltage | 12V | 24V | 36V |
| Amp Draw | 50A | 50A | 46A |
| Wireless Remote | YES | YES | YES |
| Speeds | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Use In | Freshwater | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Weight | 52-56 lb | 55-76 lb | 62-74 lb |
Motors and Voltage
Minn Kota offers Terrova in three different thrust variants:
- Terrova 55 is powered by 12 volts and is recommended for small freshwater boats under 2500 lbs and 17 ft long
- Terrova 80 (24v), for boats under 3500 lbs and 19 ft
- Terrova 112 (36V), suitable for larger boats over 4500 lbs and 22 ft
All DC motors come with the Digital Maximizer, or a variable-speed motor controller, which lets you control power smoothly in forward and in reverse. No energy is wasted, and you get more run time off your battery.
Autopilot
Autopilot allows your trolling motor to steer on its own in the set direction.
Minn Kota’s autopilot makes automatic corrections for wind, waves and current.
It uses a compass to keep a steady heading and can be used in many ways, for example, trolling along a shoreline, a ledge, or shelf.
i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link
i-Pilot is GPS trolling motor system that you control with a wireless remote.
You can steer, control speed, spot-lock onto fishing spots and more, just by pressing a button on the remote.
i-Pilot comes as standard on both the Terrova, but you can upgrade to i-Pilot Link.
i-Pilot Link can do everything i-Pilot does but offers extra features including integration with a Humminbird fish finder.
Steering
The electric steer motor found on the Terrova is controlled by electrical signals sent whenever you push on a pedal or press a button on your remote.
There is no physical connection between the pedal and the steering mechanism, which means there is a slight delay between your input and your motor’s turning.
You can steer the mother either with an optional foot pedal or the i-Pilot remote.
Terrova’s Foot Pedal
The foot pedal is relatively flat and lets you control the motor from anywhere on your boat. The features include:
- Hell-toe steering
- Left-right steering buttons (an alternative way to steer)
- 1-10 rotary speed control
- Constant/momentary thrust toggle
- AutoPilot switch
- Spot-Lock switch
Unlike some of Minn Kota’s other trolling motors, it is possible to use the Terrova’s foot pedal and the wireless remote (either i-Pilot or CoPilot) at the same time.
The foot pedal on the Terrova is optional. You can order it together with your trolling motor, or upgrade it later. It has a 18-foot cord.
Sonars and Transducers
The Terrova includes a Universal Sonar 2 as standard, but you can upgrade to MEGA Down and Side Imaging for additional features.
Universal Sonar 2 (US2)
As the name suggests, this sonar is compatible with various fish finders such as Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Eagle.
What’s great about the Universal Sonar is that the transducer that is fully-integrated with the lower unit.
The wiring runs through the shaft and the connectors are shielded to minimize interference.
MEGA Imaging
These more advanced transducers send images directly to your Humminbird fish finder. They are also fully integrated with the lower motor section, no additional cables or connectors are involved.
MEGA Down Imaging is available on the Terrova only as an option.
Composite Shaft
The composite shaft doesn’t rust or corrode, it is sturdy yet allows for some flexing to prevent damage.
Minn Kota offers a lifetime guarantee on their shafts. If you break it, no matter how, Minn Kota will replace it free of charge.
Keep in mind that the Terrova doesn’t have a break-away mechanism that will protect the shaft in case of hard impact.
Riptide Terrova
The Riptide Terrova is the saltwater version of the same trolling motor.
Minn Kota’s Riptide motors use marine-grade materials that protect them from the damaging effects of salt water.
They are built with corrosion-resistant alloys, coated with zinc, and painted with polyester paint. The electronics in the motor’s head are sealed.
The Riptide Terrova comes with a sacrificial anode fixed to the prop that prevents your motor from rapid rusting.
Stow, Deploy, And Trim
The Minn Kota Terrova has a simple yet efficient stowing design with the spring-loaded mechanism for easier lifting. All you have to do is press a small pedal on the mount and stow or deploy it with your arms.
There is a safety switch that automatically disconnects the motor from the battery when the motor is stowed.
The Terrova can be easily lifted with only one hand.
To adjust the depth of the motor (trim), you will need to undo the collar on the shaft on the motor.
Terrova 55
The smallest motor of the Terrova family is powered by 12 volts, it needs only a single marine battery to run.
The Terrova 55 is the perfect size for small boats under 2,500 lbs. Only one battery required saves weight and space. It comes with i-Pilot.
If you have a light jon boat or bass boat, 55 pounds of thrust will be plenty. However, if you plan to upgrade your boat into something bigger in the future, consider more powerful options:
Terrova 80
The most popular Terrova model has 80 pounds of thrust, suitable for boats up to 4,000 lb of displacement.
The Terrova 80 has a more efficient 24-volt motor and two batteries will give you a longer time on the water.
It’s the perfect power option for medium-sized boats. A two-battery setup is also lighter, simpler and easier to charge than the most powerful 36V Terrova:
Terrova 112
If your boat is large, you should really consider the Terrova 112. It needs three 12v batteries, but its 36-volt motor has significantly more thrust.
The Terrova 112 was designed for heavier boats over 4500 lb, or those who tend to fish in more difficult wind and current conditions.
112 pounds of thrust can also give you peace of mind. It’s easier to control your boat with more thrust and good to know you have that power in case you need it.
What Is In the Box?
Apart from the trolling motor itself, you get the following:
- Prop
- i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote, depending on the model you choose
- Optional foot pedal
- Power Cables
- Mounting Equipment
- Heading Sensor
- Manual
What Are the Downsides?
Brushed not Brushless
Unlike Lowrance Ghost or Garmin Force, Minn Kota still uses brushed DC motors.
Brushless motors are quieter and generally more reliable (no need to replace brushes!), and it would be great to see them on the Terrova in the near future.
Cables Can Get Wrapped around the Shaft
When steering, you need to be careful to keep turning the motor’s head left-right avoiding a full turn. Otherwise the motor will keep turning which will wrap the cables around the shaft, which can damage them.
Flat-Design Foot Pedal More Difficult to Use
The flat foot pedal looks great, but it allows for less room to shift from left to right than regular (taller) pedals.
Verdict: Is the Terrova Worth It?
The Terrova is an excellent i-Pilot trolling motor, although a bit expensive.
Compared to the more expensive Ulterra or Ultrex, the Terrova has a simpler mechanical design – there is less to go wrong with it.
In two words: Thumbs Up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minn Kota Terrova self deploy?
No, Terrova doesn’t self deploy. There is a spring-loaded lift assist, but you still need to do it manually. If you want a self-deploying trolling motor, have a look at the Ulterra.
Do all Terrova models have Spot-Lock?
Yes, all Minn Kota Terrova motors come with either i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link, which both have the Spot-Lock function.
Does Terrova have a foot pedal?
Foot pedal is optional on the Terrova, so make sure the model you’re buying has one or buy one separately.
How do I mount the Terrova on my boat?
The Terrova is mounted to the bow of your boat with the bolts and tools that come together with your motor.
What do I need to install the motor?
You will need at least one 12-volt battery, either lead-acid or lithium. The Terrova 80 requires two batteries, and the Terrova 112 – three. We also recommend you install a circuit breaker or fuse.
How long is the foot pedal cord?
It’s 18 feet long.
What is the difference between Minn Kota Terrova and Ulterra?
The main difference is the ability to self-deploy on the Ulterra. If you want to learn more, read our Terrova vs Ulterra article.
Does the Minn Kota Terrova have a built-in transducer?
The standard freshwater Terrova has a built-in Universal Sonar 2 or MEGA Imaging (optional). However, the Riptide Terrova, the saltwater version doesn’t come with a transducer. You will need to buy a separate one and install it on a special mount.
Can I add i-Pilot Link to Minn Kota Terrova?
Yes, if your Terrova was made in 2017 or later, you can upgrade it with a Minn Kota’s i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit.
