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Joe P from MO.Anyone out there have one of these trolling motors? Do you like it and how well does it track? Any issues?
It has its plusses and minuses. You seem to be asking just about the tracking, so I will only address that and not the multiple transducers, digital electronics, etc…Family member bought one of these things recently and we went fishing on a river that had a significant amount of current. He fished the bow (his boat) I fished the back. Drove me nuts as the TM itself will track whatever you want. Particular depth, etc. But in current and wind, the back end “waggles”. Even putting the big motor down didnt help.But if you have a pronounced ledge that shoals up quickly toward the shallow side, it will run you right down the thing, with just one flaw. Since it is steering, you are probably fishing. Family member took an interesting fall off the nose of the boat when we hit a stump underwater and he was fishing and not thinking about us moving right along (we were fishing down-river, so forward boat speed was faster than current, and current was pretty brisk).2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200
I have used the PTSV for almost 2 years now and here is my opinion. Pluses:1. It will track depth pretty darn well and it creek tracks well too! Shore is just ok, too many variables in shore topo. to track consistently.2. In windy conditions, it is nice to be able to fish with BOTH feet on the deck, I can go for extended periods without touching the foot pedal and you can also fight a fish without the motor moving when you take your foot of the pedal (if you are using the motor in the manual mode). I have been out in 20+ mph winds and to have the motor drive you around is wonderful. Thats about it for the positivesMinuses:1.Reliability!!!-my first motor was a lemon and never worked right. Would turn off for no reason, tracked poor, my replacement (under warranty) has worked much better.If reliability is a major issue, stick with a cable tm.2. RELIABILITY!!!- Cant stress this enough, if you are a big tournament guy and push your motor hard, you will have problems most likely.3. Will never in the manual mode be as quick to respond or have the feel of a cable model. The pinpoint pedal is close, but there is no substitue for a cable pedal. If you are a dock fisherman, you will HATE this motor.4. When the motor is in constant “on” manual mode and you put the pedal in its “center” position, it almost every time causes the motor to “rock” slightly which generates a back and forth click-click-click-click ect. If fishing shallow or calm waters it make an audible sound that may alert the fish and if you are a sound “nut” while fishing it will drive you crazy!! There is a fix for it though (ie. never use the constant “on.” If you stand on the “on” button the motor does not “rock” in the center position.)5.PRICE-no explanation neededOverall, If you are a shallow water flipper/dock fisherman DO NOT BUY. If you want to sit back relax and let the motor MOST of the time drive you at 15 ft while you concentrate on your presentation, it may be the motor for you. I say may because if you already are good at boat control in windy conditions, probably not the motor for you. It is nice for deep cranking points ect. but most bass fisherman would be better served with a cable tm. I hope this helps, if you have any more specific questions, I will do my best to answer them. Good Luck-Joe.
i put the ptsv on my new rig. I had a mk with auto & copilot & loved it. It was not infoulable but stil great. Used a wrist mount fob & no foot pedal and loved that to. Sounds like in the deep canals here in fl that the ptsv will work great. Dont think so for the flats but thats ok. Thats what the push poll is for anyway. As far as the cost this sucker better work dependibly
Good luck. The depth and creek track on my current unit work well, but keep in mind for creek track must be a fairly well defined creek (or canal). My biggest gripe is the rocking deal now. Please give me a follow up after you take it Through its “paces.” If you have any problems or questions just ask, I may be able to save you some time.-Joe
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