Minn Kota autopilot

[blairarnold]

Does any one know if an autopilot feature can be added to a Minn Kota trolling motor, or do you have to buy one with the autopilot?

[TnT]

If I am not mistaken, the auto pilot can be added as long as you are adding it to a Power Drive unit. Even if you have to buy a TM with the auto pilot, it is worth the money if you long line most of the time.

[blairarnold]

I thought so, too, and I think my unit is a Power Drive (forgot to look this morning to make sure), but I was looking through the Bass Pro catalog and couldn't find an add on unit. Maybe I ought to look again or check the Minn Kota website.

[Shellback]

I don't think it would be cost effective. You would need the A/P control board, compass board and the switch. I know the control board for one of my A/P's was $200! Now if you could find someone who has a A/P motor, that the motor itself was bad and could pick it up cheap, that's a different story. Switch your motor over and you are good to go.

[Barnacle Bill]

TnT is correct. We had one done a few years ago and I "think" it cost around $180. I've never seen the upgrade parts advertised but you can give Tom a call and ask him.
MOTOR TECH - Trolling Motor Parts, Sales, Service and Repair Be sure you have the model no when you call.

[blairarnold]

Thanks for the advice.

[TnT]

PM Chuckauten....He just had his Power Drive upgraded to an Auto Pilot.

[blairarnold]

The Minn Kota people emailed me after I inquired through their website whether they had an add on autopilot for the Power Drive model, and the answer was "no".

[Barnacle Bill]

The Minn Kota people emailed me after I inquired through their website whether they had an add on autopilot for the Power Drive model, and the answer was "no".

Thats why you have to go thru a MK dealer.

[TnT]

The Minn Kota people emailed me after I inquired through their website whether they had an add on autopilot for the Power Drive model, and the answer was "no".

IBNFSHN is right...Go thru a Minn Kota dealer. Chuckauten just had one done last month. I am sure if you PM him, he'll tell you what you need to know, then you can decide if it is worth it or not.....Good Luck.