My I-pilot report

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02-22-2010, 08:34 AM
CrappieKrazy

My I-pilot report

Got a break in the weather here in central NC this weekend and got to catch some fish but more importantly try out my new Riptide ST 80 with the I-pilot. I figured it would take my dumb self the whole weekend to figure this thing out but in about an hour I felt like a expert. This thing is super easy and super cool to use. Sunday I fished with 2 friends one of which has fished hundreds of trips with me. I told him to sit in the front of the boat and he replied that he didn't know how to run that trolling motor. He was amazed that he could fish up front with me in the middle guiding the boat or more or less letting the I-pilot guide it for us. We were trolling jigs in 5-10 mph winds and the cruise control worked flawless. Keeping the jigs at desired depth means keeping a constant speed and I usually have to fight the motor the whole time causing me to miss lots of bites and fish, or just stop fishing. It makes the whole experience more relaxing for sure. Thanks to Jason for all the answered questions, luvinfishin for help routing my cables and all you other guys for your input as well. If your serious about trolling for crappie or other species the question is not how can you afford this thing but how can you not! Awsome product. CK.:cool:
02-22-2010, 10:18 AM
frank lawhead

Glad it worked out for you--I guess I,ll try one when the ice leaves
02-22-2010, 11:31 AM
blairarnold

I had just bought a Terrova with a copilot just before the I-Pilot release was announced, but I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get one.
02-22-2010, 11:34 AM
feelay

An fyi, Minn kota has a $100 dollar rebate on the Terrova thru April 15. I just ordered one with i-pilot, can't wait!
02-23-2010, 06:29 PM
Crappie Gobbler

I love my new Terrova with Ipilot. I can just relax and fish. I catch more fish in windy condition now than I use to because I am concentrating on fishing instead of speed and direction. I wish I would have had this years ago.
02-23-2010, 07:13 PM
Quicksilver1958

It's the best addition that I've made to my arsenal in years.
02-23-2010, 10:05 PM
luvin.fishin

You're welcome there CK. And your sonar is working OK where you routed your cable down the shaft?
02-23-2010, 10:48 PM
slimeyslab

I am cheap and I never buy anything new. I bought my WarEagle,797si, 787, and my Terrova used. When I read about the IPilot I had to have one. It is the best money I have ever spent on fishing, hands down.
02-24-2010, 12:41 AM
rtark

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrappieKrazy

Got a break in the weather here in central NC this weekend and got to catch some fish but more importantly try out my new Riptide ST 80 with the I-pilot. I figured it would take my dumb self the whole weekend to figure this thing out but in about an hour I felt like a expert. This thing is super easy and super cool to use. Sunday I fished with 2 friends one of which has fished hundreds of trips with me. I told him to sit in the front of the boat and he replied that he didn't know how to run that trolling motor. He was amazed that he could fish up front with me in the middle guiding the boat or more or less letting the I-pilot guide it for us. We were trolling jigs in 5-10 mph winds and the cruise control worked flawless. Keeping the jigs at desired depth means keeping a constant speed and I usually have to fight the motor the whole time causing me to miss lots of bites and fish, or just stop fishing. It makes the whole experience more relaxing for sure. Thanks to Jason for all the answered questions, luvinfishin for help routing my cables and all you other guys for your input as well. If your serious about trolling for crappie or other species the question is not how can you afford this thing but how can you not! Awsome product. CK.:cool:

I am real serious about spider rigging and trolling and wind is big pain #%%#%$^. I just posted a question about the I-pilot trying to understand what I need. at that price, I want the right thing.
02-24-2010, 07:30 AM
CrappieKrazy

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvin.fishin

You're welcome there CK. And your sonar is working OK where you routed your cable down the shaft?

No problems whatsoever. What type of adhesive did you use to glue your cable to the shaft? Mine has come loose in a few spots. It says it's waterproof,sticks to the cable great but doesn't adhere to the shaft very well. However the outside temps were pretty cold when I glued it, I will try to do it again when it warms up. But it still works well and looks great. Thanks again.
02-24-2010, 08:28 AM
Allan

How far does it let you drift off before it corrects itself, like if you fishing a brush pile? Will it hold you right on it or does it drift off and then come back?
02-24-2010, 09:34 AM
TnT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan

How far does it let you drift off before it corrects itself, like if you fishing a brush pile? Will it hold you right on it or does it drift off and then come back?

If I am not mistaken, it will only let you drift 5 foot...Or maybe it is a 5 foot radius it will keep you in...Either way, that is a great feature.:D
02-24-2010, 10:28 AM
STUMP HUNTER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan

How far does it let you drift off before it corrects itself, like if you fishing a brush pile? Will it hold you right on it or does it drift off and then come back?

spot lock will hold the front of your boat but the back will move around in wind but it is a great tool. It is like having an anchor out in the front of your boat.:)
02-24-2010, 10:47 AM
luvin.fishin

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrappieKrazy

No problems whatsoever. What type of adhesive did you use to glue your cable to the shaft? Mine has come loose in a few spots. It says it's waterproof,sticks to the cable great but doesn't adhere to the shaft very well. However the outside temps were pretty cold when I glued it, I will try to do it again when it warms up. But it still works well and looks great. Thanks again.

standard 5 minute 2 part devcon epoxy. some of the marine epoxy glues aren't good for nylon or pvc.
02-24-2010, 11:21 AM
CrappieKrazy

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvin.fishin

standard 5 minute 2 part devcon epoxy. some of the marine epoxy glues aren't good for nylon or pvc.

Yeah, I'm giong to have to cut it loose from the cable but it pulls off the shaft very easily. Where is best place to buy the expoxy you used?
02-24-2010, 05:00 PM
Allan

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

spot lock will hold the front of your boat but the back will move around in wind but it is a great tool. It is like having an anchor out in the front of your boat.:)

I'm afraid thats going to cost me.
02-24-2010, 08:04 PM
sapofeo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan

How far does it let you drift off before it corrects itself, like if you fishing a brush pile? Will it hold you right on it or does it drift off and then come back?

I've tested mine in various conditions. Spot lock will NOT hold you on your brush pile like an anchor (or a very active human-controlled motor). It tries to return you to your spot once it drifts out of the ~5ft circle. Depending on how fast the wind/current is moving you, you can be a boat length off the spot before it stops your progress. It tries to pull you back gently, I assume to avoid overshooting your spot.

It will keep returning you to your spot, then shut off, kicking in again when you drift off. It will do it all day and let you focus on fishing. It is NOT like anchoring the front of your boat.

I love mine. Just wanted to make sure no one misunderstood what it can actually do.
02-24-2010, 08:30 PM
luvin.fishin

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrappieKrazy

Yeah, I'm giong to have to cut it loose from the cable but it pulls off the shaft very easily. Where is best place to buy the expoxy you used?

I believe I got it at wallyworld. It's some I had around my shop and I can't be sure. Just be sure it's recommended for nylon and PVC. There are probably several out there that will work.