Wireless/digital trolling motor question?

[gasper_goul]

Hey guys, I'm wanting to upgrade my 5 spd fct Minn Kota to a digital/wireless one...maybe a power drive with auto pilot or the wireless motorguide...may even step on out and get the new power drive with the I-pilot gps wireless systen on it...I'm skeptical of the durability of this newer technology but it sure would make it easy on an old troller like me...I'd appreciate some input before I spend the bucks...thanks...TJ

[rockmike]

I've been running MK powerdrives for years, and they hold up real well. I just got my IPilot, so I can't say much about the durability, but if you like to troll, the features are hard to beat. Problems with the early MG powerdrive is what led me to MK.

[luvin.fishin]

Well TJ, I just did what you're looking at doing and I know how you're studying on this!
I went with a 45", 80# Terrova with I-pilot.
When I'm using it on the lake in years to come, my first thought won't be what it cost, but, to quote Jackie Gleason/Ralph Kramden, "how sweet it is".
The warranty will get me a long way down the road with the new technology and I can always use the proven foot pedal if there is a problem with the i-pilot. I'll probably use the foot control when single pole fishing anyway. And there are some functions with the i-pilot that can incorporate use of the foot control.
Good luck with your decision!

[L.A. stumpjumper]

I'm going to add the I-pilot to my powerdrive. What I've read about it, it sure sounds like it would be handy. The spot lock would be great on L Monticello when you get into some fish in the deep water, just lock it on and stay with them. Also would be great while trolling.

[creekslick]

I'm going to add the I-pilot to my powerdrive. What I've read about it, it sure sounds like it would be handy. The spot lock would be great on L Monticello when you get into some fish in the deep water, just lock it on and stay with them. Also would be great while trolling.

Jerry is your pd a v2? I don't think the I-pilot will work with the plain pd.

[luvpt]

I've been using a MK Terrova 80# with remote control for a couple of years and it will spoil you. I am fixing to add the I-pilot to it. Mine has been thru the ringer and it has held up very well....no problems so far.

[luvin.fishin]

I've been using a MK Terrova 80# with remote control for a couple of years and it will spoil you. I am fixing to add the I-pilot to it. Mine has been thru the ringer and it has held up very well....no problems so far.

Hey Steve Are you running a SI transducer on that for your bow 1197?

[luvpt]

I use the SI transducer at the stern for the HB 997 mounted at the wheel. I use the universal transducer on the trolling motor for a HB 345c mounted up front. When I still had my F & F boat I used a switch to go back and forth from the TM transducer to the SI transducer with the 997. I let my son have that boat a couple of weeks ago. He has moved to White Hall because he works at NCTR which is at the arsenal. I am hoping he starts posting soon. His handle is "Blue Thunder"!

[luvin.fishin]

Thanks Steve.

I'm confused I guess. Thought you were running A SI xducer on the TM. I'm going to try to mount one on the Terrova and am looking around for ideas. I'm thinking of using the 5/8" shaft groove to lay the cable in but don't know about interference.

I'll watch for "Blue Thunder's" posts!

You notice the updates are out for your 997?

[Buckrub]

I will go against the grain here. 5 years ago I bought a new boat and on advice from friends bought the Minnkota power drive, autopilot, TM. Boy what a mistake.

First, you have to literally get up out of your seat, walk to the front of the boat (my boat is 19' Lowe) and use two hands and unlatch the motor with one hand and lift it straight up with the other, till it gets 2/3 of the way up and breaks over, then you begin to lay it down. What a mess. I almost died.

I saved my pennies and got rid of it and bought a MinnKota Maxxum and WHEW, finally the TM works the way it's supposed to.

It's nice to have a flat foot pedal, but it never worked like it should have. It was hard to steer (shouldn't have been, should have been easier). That should have been the sole selling point but it wasn't.

I strongly recommend you find someone that has one and get in their boat and try it out first.

FYI, the folks that recommended it to me were Northern Walleye fishermen, who spent the day trolling the bottom for walleye. It worked great for them.

But for stop/start/turn/stop/turn/start/stop type fishing that most of us do around brush tops, you need the mechanical functionality of the old kind, and you need to pull it up with a rope and stow it and go.

My two cents. Maybe worth less.