scugpg

I like the 3D harnesses best ones I've found commercially but might try making my own at some point. The silver streak ones are a decent option also

I would check the weight of the motor it might unbalance things on your sportspal. A 55lb electric would really move it too and do well in the weeds.

Yes and since they are also Navico, they look to work with structurescan and other Lowrance devices. They are up there in price but the cool factor is 100%. They most likely have similar hardware as the Gen2's, but with better screen resolution and a touchscreen. Not sure how nice the touchscreen would be on the water though Simrad NSS

Unless you are using structurescan, I think the Gen1 is the better choice at this point. Gen2 is noticeably faster but the Gen1 with the lastest update isn't as slow as it once was. Depends on your upgrade plans too; maybe get a Gen1 for now, and move it to the bow when ready for a Gen2 for the main unit. The big feature with Gen2 is the structuremap, at least so far. With the faster processor etc there may be more in store for this model down the road. But its like anything with new technology. Gen2's are out in the US right now. If I had to choose I would go for the 8, more screen real estate and access to quick buttons would be really nice. Split screen doesn't give a lot of room

I like the rod gloves it helps a bit particularly when carrying a few together or in the locker. I've seen some make tubes to store them upright in the boat.

CTEK 3300 works great on them - and it will do larger batteries too.

Is there a way to essentially plot the depths on that map if you drive around the lake?

The cable steer has instant steering and looks to also have an easy stow/deploy mechanism...at least on the high end models. I would think the steering is the biggest advantage on the cable steer. Below is a video on the terrova, as you can see it steers quite quick also. adding an ipilot makes it even better. 2yr warranty on motor and ipilot. I've used a powerdrive V2 and did not like how it stow/deployed, steered or using the pedal. Another negative to the powerdrive is that it doesn't cut power to the motor when its stowed. It could accidentally be turned on if you don't unplug the pedal or hit the remote. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceNWd4H4SxQ

well you're certainly trying to cover all bases here which is good.... What kind of fishfinder do you use??. On the Humminbirds the cable is smaller diameter and you can make a really nice setup with the Terrova: http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishing-electronics-trolling-motors/118059-terrova-sonar-transducer-mount.html Note: Lowrance cable is too big to go through the shaft insert on the terrova. Powerdrive: http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishing-electronics-trolling-motors/146166-adding-hds-transducer-mk-powerdrive-v2-other-stiff.html In my opinion, at least with Lowrance, the stock transducer works better than Minnkota's US2 transducer (which I think is a humminbird btw). Its not hard to mount a puck or skimmer transducer on a Terrova, but you need to be careful with the cable when deploying but its not a big deal. For simplicity sake a US2 is quite nice and still marks fish and depth quite well, but the stock transducer at least with Lowrance appears to give a clearer picture when compared to the US2. Lots of folks use either setup and still catch lots of fish. I think pedal failure is quite rare. Letting it dry after a wet day would probably go a long way. Don't forget there is still electrical components in a cable steer pedal that could fail.

Thanks for posting that, simple setup if you don't have a huge collection

Terrova is much smoother with the steering than the powerdrive, still has noise but I don't find it annoying anytime I've seen one. The fortrex looks to be a nice motor also, but comes down to the type of fishing you do. You can't control a fortrex anywhere except the attached pedal. Terrova you can control from anywhere on the boat with the longer pedal cord and the ipilot. I haven't met one person who doesn't thoroughly enjoy their terrova.

What kind of fishing do you mostly do RobV? That may help us better recommend a motor for you.

Depends on the type of fishing you do. Electric steer gets my vote over cable steer. But many Bass folks would throw it in the river before using one as they seem to generally prefer the cable drive. The Powerdrive is significantly less responsive than the Terrova with regards to steering at least with the pedal...not sure about ipilot. Not to mention the deployment mechanism and pedal are much much better on it. Go with the Terrova if going electric steer.

The grease settles in the hub and the second application just fills it in. They work well as long as you don't over grease and the spring mechanism is in working order. I use them, but think its a waste of grease. Having the bearings packed with clean grease is the important thing not filing the hub around them. when the hub is full it does help slow water doing damage if there is a seal or buddy failure.

Data cable is for networking tape those wires off separately. Red and black are for power the yellow is a trigger wire if you are powering up accessories only if your hds is on. Tape it off too.

I use the amsoil water resistant grease and it works great.

Exactly.

I check the hubs on long trips also. RobV - I believe he can get imported and domestic stuff. The ones I've used are RKF, I believe they are imported but never had an issue. There is also a Canada Bearing in London which might be worth a call. I believe most failures are due to neglect and not where they are made. However its always a good idea to visually inspect/spin them before installing.

I use bearing buddies....but every year also repack or replace the bearings/races and replace seals and I don't trailer a whole lot. Might be overkill but the parts aren't expensive if you shop around. Also keep a hub and parts on hand just in case. The buddies if over filled can blow out seals very easily. You are in london call the trailer doctor he sells the parts at a very reasonable price just down on exeter

That is a good idea. Something like pay a membership fee and have authentic OFC membership cards or discount number to provide when purchasing.

Edge is a 5 speed without digital maximizer which means its harder on battery life. Max gives you variable speed and maximizer. It might be a better mounting system than the edge. Unless you are set on cable steer, the terrova with ipilot is a great choice.

Hear good things about the s2 and ice cream sandwich is coming out soon and make it even better. S2 for sure

Check cabelas theirs was on clear out recently and similar quality without the big bps stamp on it

Same here they work great!

Here's an interesting video on the speed comparison. Gen2 is way faster but his Gen1 looks really slow, I've never seen one perform that slow on the water or in a store though. Maybe with structurescan running it slows it right down? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6vT2OAth7E