Need some help deciding between Ipilot and Ipilot link.

I am currently in the middle of purchasing a new G3 1860 CCJ with a 90/65 jet motor.
Since I do a lot of spider rigging I was talking to the dealer about installing a Minn Kota 36v with Ipilot link.
He just called me a little bit ago and told me that they do not make any trolling motors with a Ipilot link in the 45 inch shaft in 36v, the 60 inch shaft would be way to big for my boat so he suggested just getting a terrova with just the regular Ipilot and not using the link.
He also told me that the only realy difference with the Link is the ability to follow contours but only if you have a humminbird unit with the lakemaster chip.
None of the lakes I fish are mapped, so I really do not think I would need the link and can safely go with just a regular Ipilot?

I mean I was ready to switch out all of my lowrance fish finders with humminbirds but I think for the application that I would use it in I can get away with just grabbing an ipilot motor and actually keep my lowrance units since I really wouldnt be gaining that much by switching? what do you all think?

If your lakes aren't mapped there is no reason to spend the extra money, especially buying new units. I think you will be very happy with the I pilot. You can run the contour you wanna fish and record it, then go back and fish.

Everything Wilbur said. No sense in spending all that extra money.

With the I-pilot link you will have the ability to update the software in the I-pilot......for instance if they improve the spot lock.

You will also be able to save recorded tracks to your unit and you will be able to create your own tracks on the unit without having to record the track with the I-pilot. You will be able to tell it to go to a waypoint ....etc. There are more involved than just the follow the contour feature.
You would also be able to use Autochart to do your own map.....and then use it to follow the contour.

I've always run MinnKota, but the Motorguide Xi5 is giving MinnKota a run for it's money. Plus Motorguide and Lowrance are partnering with the Xi5. give Motorguide some thought.

Guys thank you very much for all the input, it really Is invaluable. I ended up gong with the ulterra for a few hundred more I figured why not.

:ThumbsUp Let us know how it works.

You could get the reef master pro program. And make your own real time maps of the lakes you fish. By recording sonar logs and uploading that data in to the reef master pro program! Check it out

Find your closest Minn Kota repair center and see what they would charge to cut a 60" shaft down to length. Tristate Trolling Motor Repair in Hazelwood, MO frequently does this.

Wishing I had got the iPilot link instead of just iPilot. danny

Go with link!!! I have been studying between the 2 myself to determine which to purchase. And have found out definitely go with link if it wont make ya miss any meals. Here is my logic.

1: Even if you dont have lakemaster card that is mapped in your area (they are not mapped in mine either) you can use navionics card and curser over and make a series of waypoints down a channel ledge and then hit "got to" on each waypoint. And the trolling motor does all the work. So even though you wont have the "follow the contour" feature, you can still place waypoints on that contour and do the same thing.

2: Eventually lake master will have ALOT more lakes mapped. And they are even doing a thing now where you can purchase individual lakes, download it on your computer, and then download on SD card. It will be like $10-50 depending on the lake. This way you dont have to pay full price for a card for lakes that your will never fish.

3: This is kind of going back to #1 but, just the fact that you can mark a tree or brushtop somewhere and when you return to that same lak again, can hit "go to" and can count on going straight to the tree or brushpile and while ur getting there be getting stuff ready (poles etc). This way there is alot less "down time."

4: Had a guy tell me one time "It only cost a lil more to go first class." Everytime I have personally not used this quote, it has cost me money. I ended up buying something that im not satisfied with, and then have to sell it to get what I wanted in the very first place.

5: See numbers 1 and 4. Lol.

You may not ever even need the "link" but you have it if you need it.
You may not regret not having link, I have several buddies that do not have link and they are satisfied totally with their units. But if u even think you may want link, may ought to go ahead and get it.
This is just the way I personally feel. Others may have other opinions. I was just going to give you mine to add to your decision making process. I hope I helped! Good Luck!

Life's to short to drink cheap whiskey. Get the link. I love it