Minn Kota trolling motor and on board charger ???

[Captain Dan]

I have a friend that is bringing his Tracker boat up from Table Rock next week to put in his slip on Clinton Lake.
He wants to take it to Cabelas to have a wireless remote control trolling motor installed and an on board charger.
He has been looking at the Minn Kota 80 Terrova I Pilot, 24 volt, 60 inch shaft.
Questions:
How well does the spot lock work in the wind, to hold on a brush pile?
Does it have a way to lock it on the bow?
Any positive or negative experiences with this motor?

What is the most dependable 3 bank on board charger that won't fail in a few years or overcharge the batteries?
THANKS, Dan

[Superx10]

1. If it's just a breeze then spot lock should be sufficient. If there's a good wind then you should anchor.
2. If you get the removable mount, you can lock it up. I have the Minn Kota MKA-21 quick release bracket that is pad-lockable.
3. No experience with the Terrova, but plan on either getting the PD2 Ipilot or Terrova with Ipilot.
4. I personally have the Promariner Prosport 20Plus for 1 year. It has been good so far.

[LBM]

I can't talk about spot lock but can highly recomend Dual Pro chargers. I've had a three bank Dual Pro charger since 2003, knock on wood here, with no issues whatsoever.

At their site Pro Charging Systems I didn't see my nine year old Three Bank model but things change.

[crappiecaster]

I've had a terrova for almost a year now. If the wind is over 10mph, your going to have a hard time staying in it w/spot lock. What happens is, as your float away from your anchor target, it takes a few seconds for the GPS to realize that you've moved. The faster your being blown from the spot, the faster it wants to get you back there once it realizes you've moved . Under 10 mph though, it works good. But @ that point, I just use my back troller. The digital maximizer really extends the battery life. W/good batteries, you can work it hard for 8hrs + w/no problems. I use the mk2 ?? quick release. makes it real easy to take on & off for putting in brush & it has a place for a lock if you want. I have the bass pro brand of obc, had it for about 10 years now. Never had any problems w/it. I would not get anything over 6 amps per bank. the slower you charge it, the longer your dc batteries last.

[HaleDamage]

Have him get the NEW I-pilot..Has more spots / routes. New one has 6 the old has 3...
Plus the new remote is much easier to use / 20% bigger display //plus easy battery change..
The terrova you can still have and use a foot control..the other minn kota's TM you can't have the foot control..just the remote.
One of the thing I like is the cruise control...you can adjust your speed like 1.2mph or like .9mph and it will keep that speed fair well.
Works great when trolling.
I really like mine...Just take awhile to get use to the elect steering if you have always had manual steering.
Rick