Thread: i-pilot issues......

What I have learned from my couple of times of using the i-Pilot, I am not extremely experienced with it by no means:

The Advanced AutoPilot works well when there is little wind to deal with. It basically lines out points to hit in the path to a location. If the wind blows you to the left or right of the next "point" it is going to turn and try to make it to that "point" before turning to go to the next "point". This can lead to a a extreme zig-zag pattern on windy days.

The normal Autopilot works better for me on the windy days especially when fishing open water.

The spot lock is good in swift currents or steady winds. The winds we get around here are normally straight winds with gusts out of different directions. It will keep the trolling motor real close to the same spot in these situations but the boat may be spinning in circles. Eventhough the trolliing motor is in the same spot, the rod tips may be a long way from where you want them.

The "speed control" worked pretty well for me, even in the windy conditions.

All in all, I would purchase again. It is just handy to have the controller hanging from your neck and at your finger tips all the time.

I just got mine and have only used it about 4 times and so far I like it can anyone tell me how long the batt lasts is it like the auto pilot and run the batts down pretty quick.

Originally Posted by Jameslin

I just got mine and have only used it about 4 times and so far I like it can anyone tell me how long the batt lasts is it like the auto pilot and run the batts down pretty quick.

If you're talking about the remote battery, it last a good while. Mine lasted a year, probably would have lasted longer but I was getting some weird flashing "F" indications and thought changing the battery might fix it. The "F" went away, but now it wants to run at 10 every time I deploy the TM. I'm gonna pop out the battery and take Tom's advice on resetting it.

i have the terrova 80# thrust and was going to get the ipilot next crappie season. i have had the thoughts go through my mind that you people are expressing. what is advanced autopilot? also if you are on a projected trolling course, set up, and its windy, you would have to set the speed that would keep you on course despite the wind , is that correct? then if its completly calm , and you want to set your spot, would u use the autopilot to do that instead of anchor, or would the noise from the trolling motor stir up the fish?

Advanced autopilot will take you to a specific bearing regardless of the current and wind. Point the motor to a specific point and press the button, and it will get you there at what ever speed you want. If you want a specific speed to that bearing, use the cruise control at the same time. To set your spot, use the spot lock. The autopilot is bearing specific only.

Originally Posted by Tracker123

Advanced autopilot will take you to a specific bearing regardless of the current and wind. Point the motor to a specific point and press the button, and it will get you there at what ever speed you want. If you want a specific speed to that bearing, use the cruise control at the same time. To set your spot, use the spot lock. The autopilot is bearing specific only.

in theory only. on a 16 foot flatbottom jon boat, in even a light wind, it will not. in no wind, it does a good job.

Mine will get me to my bearing, but it will zig zag getting there in a cross wind. Spot lock will try to keep me in my spot but even with a half ounce sinker, the lines will be horizontal as it races back to the spot.