The Terrova 55 and Terrova 80 share the same GPS-guided design with Spot-Lock anchoring, wireless remote control and easy stow-and-deploy. The difference is power and the electrical system: the Terrova 55 has 55 lb of thrust on a single 12V battery, while the Terrova 80 has 80 lb of thrust on a 24V system with two batteries. Choose by boat size and weight, wind and current, and how long you need to run between charges.
Terrova 55 vs 80 at a glance
| Terrova 55 | Terrova 80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | 55 lb | 80 lb |
| Voltage | 12V (one battery) | 24V (two batteries) |
| Shaft lengths (listed) | 45″ or 54″ | 45″, 60″ or 72″ |
| Boats suited (listed) | Small to medium boats: center consoles, skiffs, flats boats, small pontoons, jon boats, bass boats | Medium boats: center consoles, skiffs, deep-Vs, flats boats, pontoons, fish-and-ski boats |
| Price (listed) | $1,649.99 | $1,899.99 |
How much thrust do you need?
A common rule of thumb is about 2 lb of thrust per 100 lb of fully loaded boat weight, including people, gear, fuel and batteries. Add margin for wind, current and Spot-Lock use, since holding position in wind works the motor hard. A boat near the limit of a 55 lb motor will usually be happier with the 80. See the trolling motor size guide.
12V vs 24V
A 24V system runs the motor more efficiently at high output and usually gives longer run time at a given thrust, but it needs a second battery, more weight and a charger that can handle both. See 12V vs 24V trolling motors and how to wire a 24 volt trolling motor.
Battery choice
Lithium batteries save weight and hold voltage longer, which matters most on a 24V system; see lithium vs lead-acid trolling batteries and lithium battery chargers.
Run time
Run time depends on how hard the motor works, not just its size. A Terrova 80 running at part throttle on a well-matched boat can use less energy than a 55 working near full power to hold the same boat in wind, so the bigger motor is not automatically the thirstier one. See trolling motor battery life.
Shaft length
The Terrova 80’s 60″ and 72″ options suit taller bows and rough water; keep the motor well under the surface when the bow rises. See how deep a trolling motor should be.
Motors we list
The Minn Kota Terrova 55 ($1,649.99) and Terrova 80 ($1,899.99), and for salt water the Riptide Terrova 55 ($2,449.99) and Riptide Terrova 80 ($2,649.99). Browse Terrova motors and compare other models in Terrova vs Ultrex vs Ulterra.
More guides: PowerDrive vs Terrova · Riptide vs freshwater Minn Kota · 24V vs 36V trolling motors.
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