Help choosing the right I Pilot TM & FF 1st time around

[Snubby]

Okay, I've decided to upgrade my 1652 G3 with a new I pilot trolling motor and fish finder. I do not know a lot about these things so I'm asking for help. Currently I am running a 40# 12volt foot controlled TM with a Helix 7 SI GPS.

I'm looking for a TM that has remote, I-pilot link and foot control capabilities. I understand, I may need to go up to a 24volt system (above 55#) although I'm limited on battery space. Also, need a good fish finder to link the TM to, thinking bow mount on new finder and put the current transom mounted Helix 7 at the console.

I'm on a rough budget of about $3000 here, any advice would be very much appreciated. I will send pics of my current setup to help with suggestions, especially if we start discussing a 24 volt system for the TM. Thanks in advance!!

[Snubby]

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[tigerinfielder3]

I've got the 1648 and I'm loving my ipilot link I got the 12 volt 55 pound and can pull cranks all day with it


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[tigerinfielder3]

I have mine linked to a helix 9 DI GPS


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[pstone]

No question I'd go with a 24v 80# terrova with link, and a gen one helix 9 sonar gps and use the us2 transducer on the tm.

If you can find gen 1 tm and unit you could be well under 3k even with an extra battery.

[KnightShadow10]

I would go with the 80# Terrova, link if needed, and the biggest Helix unit you can afford.. I thought I had to have the link on my 112, but find I really use it very little...I do have the units on the Ethernet, and fine th ability to share waypoints very useful...I personally think the Helix 9, and 998 are plenty big..

[pstone]

I also use the link very very seldom. BUT when I do it's awesome in my opinion. You need the perfect conditions for it to work properly.

[KnightShadow10]

Another thing to consider..is an onboard charger..I ended my problems when I bought a 4 bank 15 amp unit..short recharge time

[Wannabe...]

Had same boat in 17 ft. Built a shelf over transom brace to take 3rd battery. Tight but made it work. I'd do the shelf and stick with 55 pounds for your boat. You don't need to troll 3 mph. You need 1.5-1.8 all day. 55 is plenty. 80'is better, but more $ Don't overlook Ultrex. Better transducer options even if you do stick with the low rent hbirds. I would not pay up for the link though. Just not how I fish and I don't see the benefit. Plus remote is huge.

So sayeth Wannabe...
And the congregation said Amen.


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[Snubby]

Thanks for the advice guys. I dunno about the Ultrex Wannabe, smallest it comes in is a 80# 24volt from my research and would be over 2/3's of my budget. Is there a great advantage over the terrova with the Ultrex? I think a 55# would do me well also, but scared of under buying and regretting it later on. The 3rd battery will be a bit of a squeeze, and thanks Knightshadow I will have to get an on board charger. Also, I like Lowrance as well as HB, any link options available for those. From what I have gathered Lakemaster kicks the crap out of Navionics, but maybe just hear say?