What trolling motor do I really need?

If it all goes thru I am selling my aluminum boat and buying a 18' Pro Craft from a family member. I have been wanting to get a wireless trolling motor for a while, I primarily long line or spider rig. I'm looking at a 24 volt but don't know whether to go with MG or MK. I probably cant afford to get one with the GPS controls but might could add it later. What are my options? Been looking on line but not really able to find all the answers I want. Which motors link with what electronics? I want to buy something that has been out a while and proven. Not the latest on the market.

A lot is going to depend on your budget. My preference would be the terrova with I pilot. You could go with PdV2 with I pilot. You could get either with co pilot or straight foot pedal. Budget says no remote but foot pedal so be it. You can always add the other later.

I just recently had the same decision to make and it sounds like we were looking for about the samething on a similar budget,I ended up going with the Powerdrive v2 70lb. thrust.I have used it on about 8 trips so far and I like it,the battery life I get with it is super good and it has plenty of power even on windy days on my Tracker PC 175.The foot switch and speed of steering does take some getting use to after coming from a cable steer motor,but I have mainly used it for slow trolling and it works really well for that.I am going to add Copilot here shorty and I'm pretty sure that's gonna work even better for me.

I definitely want one that can be controlled remote, just not really needing it controlled from GPS. Does that make sense?

MK offers the "co-pilot" which is based on the magnetic bearings/headings on a compass and is controlled by a remote. The co-pilot will keep the boat going in a straight line. Just google the MK co-pilot and should find lots of info on it.

You should be able to find a good used one on CL or other FS listings, people are always upgrading. You might even find a good used TM/co-pilot combo on CL as well or other fishing forums.

I like the Terrova with iPilot link. Had one and it was flawless, sold my boat, now I'm waiting to see if I want the new Ulterra.

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Originally Posted by hardhead

I definitely want one that can be controlled remote, just not really needing it controlled from GPS. Does that make sense?

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If you plan on longlining, I 100% reccomend getting the Ipilot. Either V2 or Terrova will work, with the Terrova being better. The Ipilot can be added later for $399 to the MK. Ipilot will control direction by the autopilot feature. You will want to use the classic not advanced autopilot feature. Then the cruise control will maintain your speed. This is crucial for depth control of jigs. Without these two features speed and depth varies and boat can turn while taking off fish or tying baits. I would buy a used motor with these features before buying new without. It's the most important buy for longlining, followed buy good rodholders.

Also for an 18 foot fiberglass I reccomend a minimum of the 80 pound thrust.

Thanks for all the replies. I have ordered a set of spyderlocks with extra mounts so I can use the front or the rear and I'm working on a deal to trade my cable steer MG for a MK riptide that I could add the I-pilot to. I have been spider rigging and long lining for around 8 years with a cable steer 5 speed so this will be a big upgrade for me. If the deal falls through I may buy a new MK powerdrive 2 and add I-pilot later.

If going for Autopilot trolliing motor. My opinion ( you know what those all smell like) is first decide which graph system you like. Hummingbird or Lowrance as that is going to decide on your autopilot'ed. Lawrence its motor guide and bird well its minnkota.
I have ran minnkota all my fishing career. BUT..... i moved to the autopilot series and like lowrance over bird units. So i got the 36volt xi5. which is a lot cheaper than the minnkota units by about 700 bucks. I used to not like the motor guide units back when they had a metal shaft, but the new motor guides are great units.
i have run that sucker into gravel bars, into logs, rock ledges etc. hasn't missed a beat. now i have gone through a couple props, but i did the same in my minnkota units. To get to those fish you get in some tricky spots ;)

Also the autopilot units are one of the best things invented for crappie fishing.

I started with a MK Power Drive V2 and added I pilot to it. Could not wait to send it down the road due to the fact that you lose the foot pedal when I Pilot is installed. I cast and reel a lot of the time and having to grab the remote constantly was a PAIN! You can forget about using spot lock to hold yourself in place on a brushpile or dock pole, will not stay that close. Stowing and deploying a Power Drive is a real pain also. Transducer cable is hard to route where it won't get caught.

Found a like new 80lb Terrova with I Pilot Link for $785 and love it. Adding a DI transducer was a little time consuming but the cable is pretty safe when your done. Just got a HELIX10 SI on the way and will finally be able to link the MK to the bird!