Head-to-head comparison · Trolling Motors
MotorGuide X3-55 vs Minn Kota Terrova 55
Both are 55 lb, 12 V freshwater bow-mount motors. The MotorGuide X3 steers by cable from a foot pedal, while the Minn Kota Terrova steers electrically, holds position with GPS Spot-Lock and has a built-in sonar transducer.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Why the Minn Kota Terrova 55 (54" Shaft, Dual Spectrum CHIRP) wins
The Terrova wins on features: GPS Spot-Lock anchoring, a wireless remote as well as a foot pedal, a built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP transducer, a longer 54 in shaft and a 3-year warranty with registration. The X3 suits anglers who want a simpler, mechanical foot-pedal motor.
Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)MotorGuide X3-55 Bow Mount (45" Shaft, Foot Pedal)
A 55 lb, 12 V freshwater bow-mount motor with a 45-inch shaft, foot pedal cable steering, five forward speeds and a 52 A maximum draw.
Minn Kota Terrova 55 (54" Shaft, Dual Spectrum CHIRP)
A 55 lb, 12 V bow-mount motor with GPS Spot-Lock anchoring, a built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar transducer, a wireless remote and a corded foot pedal.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | MotorGuide X3-55 Bow Mount (45" Shaft, Foot Pedal) | Minn Kota Terrova 55 (54" Shaft, Dual Spectrum CHIRP)Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:7.9/10 | Editorial score:8.6/10 |
| Best for | Best Cable-Steer Bow Mount | Best Bow-Mount |
| Thrust | 55 lb | 55 lb |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 45 in | 54 in |
| Mount | Bow | Bow |
| Speed control | 5 forward (foot pedal) | Wireless remote or corded foot pedal |
| Steering | Foot pedal, dual-cable pull-pull, with directional indicator | Electric, with GPS Spot-Lock and heading sensor |
| Battery meter | Not listed by MotorGuide | Not confirmed |
| Water type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Max amp draw | 52 A | Not confirmed |
| Weight | Not confirmed | 42 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited; composite inner shaft limited lifetime | 3-year limited with registration |
| Where to buy | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) |
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At a glance
Key differences
- 1Steering: cable pull-pull foot pedal vs electric, with wireless remote and corded foot pedal
- 2GPS anchoring: none vs Spot-Lock
- 3Built-in sonar transducer: none listed vs Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- 4Shaft length: 45 in vs 54 in
- 5Warranty: 2-year limited plus lifetime composite inner shaft vs 3-year limited with registration
Product by product
Pros and cons
MotorGuide X3-55 Bow Mount (45" Shaft, Foot Pedal)
The X3-55 is a straightforward foot-pedal bow mount for a small bass boat or jon boat with a front deck, if you want to steer with your foot and do not need GPS. If you want to hold a spot hands-free, the Minn Kota Terrova 55 with Spot-Lock is worth the extra weight.
Pros
- Foot pedal steering leaves both hands free to fish
- Dual-cable pull-pull steering, which MotorGuide says responds instantly
- Aluminum mount, stainless steel outer shaft and stainless bushings at wear points
- Composite inner shaft with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No GPS anchoring, autopilot or wireless remote
- Five fixed forward speeds and no reverse speeds listed
- MotorGuide does not list the motor's weight or a battery meter
- MotorGuide's online store now redirects to its home page, so buy from a dealer or retailer
Minn Kota Terrova 55 (54" Shaft, Dual Spectrum CHIRP)
The Terrova 55 is the motor for anglers who fish from the front of a bass boat or larger aluminum boat and want GPS anchoring. For a small boat steered from the back, a transom motor like the Endura Max or Traxxis is lighter and simpler.
Pros
- Spot-Lock holds the boat on a GPS position, and Jog moves that point about 5 ft at a time
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP transducer built in, with its wiring run through the shaft
- Comes with a wireless remote, a corded foot pedal and a heading sensor
- 3-year limited warranty with registration
Cons
- At 42 lb it is twice the weight of a 55 lb transom motor
- Freshwater only; Minn Kota sells the Riptide Terrova for salt
- You need a compatible fish finder to see the built-in sonar
Choose the Minn Kota Terrova 55 if
- You want the boat to hold a spot by itself while you cast. Spot-Lock uses GPS, and Jog moves the locked point about 5 ft.
- You want sonar from the motor on a compatible fish finder.
- You fish from a higher bow that suits a 54 in shaft.
- Check the Terrova 55 on Amazon (paid link).
Choose the MotorGuide X3-55 if
- You prefer direct, mechanical cable steering with a foot pedal and no electronics to set up.
- Your bow suits a 45 in shaft.
- Check the X3-55 on Amazon (paid link).
Minn Kota lists the Terrova at 42 lb; MotorGuide does not publish the X3's weight. Both are freshwater motors.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the MotorGuide X3 have Spot-Lock or GPS?
- No. GPS anchoring comes on MotorGuide's Xi3 and Xi5 with Pinpoint GPS. The Minn Kota Terrova 55 reviewed here has Spot-Lock.
- Which shaft length suits my boat?
- Measure from the bow mount to the waterline; Minn Kota wants the propeller at least 12 in under water. Bass boats and higher bows need longer shafts.
- Can I use either in saltwater?
- No. Both are freshwater models. Minn Kota's Riptide Terrova and MotorGuide's saltwater Xi3 and Xi5 are the salt versions.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
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