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The new models of I- pilot are supposed to hold the boat tighter in anchor mode than the older models. I’ve heard within 2 foot. They use a radar. Can anyone here tell me if it really works that well?
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:popcorn
Model (new version) and it will not hold spot lock any better than 7-10feet in spite of replacing the control head three times. Minn Kota feels it is because of the light front end of my shallow water 18 foot boat. I do not think that is an acceptable answer but have exhausted all avenues of fixing the issue. I read that many are happy with their spot lock so I may just have a lemon with no recourse. I hope you have better luck.
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I have an Ultrex 24v on a 20' Xpress, I am very pleased with how the spot lock performs!!
It actually works better with wind/current than no wind/current......the only time I use an actual anchor now is on calm days if I am planning on sitting still any length of time.
I cannot compare to the older units as I went from a Maxxum to the Ultrex BUT a HUGE upgrade/plus from the two, best investment on my boat IMO.
The unit can only be as accurate as the data provided. GPS is only accurate to 10', unless you have a known fixed ground position.
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The updated I-polits are twice to three times better than the 1st version but I don't want to wrestle with the cable issue for my external transducer.... wish they would put that channel back in the shaft.... they would for sure get my money....
So when Minn Kota says spot lock should be good between 3 to 5 feet they are joking?
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Ranger 198 with Ultrex 24v, works like it’s supposed to.
As ShowmeCrappie said it works best with a little breeze.
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I have an old terrova and a new ultrex and I will say the ultrex does a better job of holding you on your spot
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I have an 18 model Ulterra. If there is some current or some wind, and I have a good GPS signal, I have not noticed my boat more than 2' from the spot lock mark. I don't use it very often for fishing, but it's the best thing since sliced bread for being able to rig up a pole or put on a new jig without having to pay attention, or leave my boat parked a few feet off the dock while I get my truck....
I have yet to leave mine parked I have had it loose GPS before and turn off the spot lock.
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I have one of each, a MK & a MotorGuude. The MotorGuude is dead on ! The MK is a piece of hi priced junk compared to it. Have both linked to Lowrance Hds gen 2s. MG on a 22 ft Xpress, MK on a 17 Tracker. The MK wanders 20 to 30 ft & over runs spot. It cranks up sometimes at 100% which will throw you down or overboard. I don't use spot lock much on account of that. Use the MG in the full current of Miss River, 7 mph, & it HOLDS.
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Just bought a new terrova and spot lock is way better than the old version,im pleased with how close it will keep you
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rebranger, set your boat scale and the motor won't start up on such a high speed.
Only had it a few months and have nothing to compare it to. But absolutely loving it. In slack water the boat tends to spin around though I believe the motor keeps the bow very tight to position. Going to try a small mushroom anchor off the stern for these conditions. Mine works extremely well.
Is this procedure in the manuel?Quote:
Originally Posted by FurFlyin
Never mind I found it.....
I don't know, I never read the manual. LOL If I can figure out how I got to that screen on the remote, I'll let you know.Quote:
Originally Posted by silentkilla
I found out how.... vague is not a good description of the info they supply on this....LOL however I'm willing to bet the guys that are complaining how junky these tm's are if they applied this would change their minds big time.....Quote:
Originally Posted by FurFlyin
Now only if someone had a sure way of protecting the external ducer cable I will be upgrading to this tm.....
I can assure you I tried everything. Not only read the book five times but have spent hours on the phone on the water with Minn Kota technicians trying to get it to work within a reasonable distance. Boat scale is set at minus one. When I go to minus two it wanders even more. I am normally forgiving of marketing ploys but feel the $3,000 I spent on the trolling motor, 3 bank charger, new batteries, wiring and professional installation has not been reciprocated by the manufacturer. And yes, one of the replaced heads was done by a reputable and approved service center when they replaced the entire lift and deploy system as well as the gearing and housing on the turning mechanism. The technicians are awesome but evidently the engineers have a ways to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by silentkilla
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Amen!!
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I have the old style and have ran 2 different ones of the new style. There is no comparison between the 2. Mine today in the wind was all over the place. Have run one friends pontoon with new in worse wind than today and it wouldn’t move over a couple of feet at the most. Would not hesitate to buy it if I could afford a new motor.
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check with cornfieldcrappiegear.com I think he has what you need for the 'ducer cable on the board Cajun Frier.Quote:
Originally Posted by silentkilla
I have a 2018 terrova. In wind or current my boat doesn't move enough to notice. If there isn't any wind or current, the boat does spin sometimes, but the bow stays within 5ish feet. I keep the big motor down which helps immensely, and I have a tall light aluminum boat. It is my best boat purchase by far.
I've had the old and new and like some have said there's no comparison. I'm not sure about 2ft but it's not a much. I will not have a boat without it. I'm sure in a few more years it will be even better.
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I know there are adjustments in the settings that need to be tuned to EVERY boat ! if not them spot locks are crazy as a drunk mule for sure .
heavier boats ,lighter boats ,long boats ,short boats, deep boats ,shallow boats , and so on
if yours wont hold fairly tight to a spot on spot lock you need to find someone that knows how to tune it to your rig .
seen it myself and SK knows how to adjust them . ramp up speeds ,along with other things effect them lots
THANKS for the info.... I'll check him out.....Quote:
Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman
We adjusted the boat scale from 0 to -2..... made a world of difference....I like Bertha she behaved very well yestdy.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Ketchn
My ulterra hold like it supposed to
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May I ask what type of vessel?Quote:
Originally Posted by Gindog
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I have a big deck boat and an older Terrova and the spotlock totally sucks on that thing. It will let you drift about 10 yards before moving back to your location and is really slow about it. I am not happy with mine. Wish I could afford one of the new ones.
No, the difference is they changed the settings. Instead of drifting 10-20' before the unit reacts, it starts to react almost instantly and at lower power speeds. The other complaint was the motor wouldn't ramp down and would overshoot the mark, they spin around and try to get you back on the spot. This is especially evident on calm days, or days with 1-5mph that shifts direction.Quote:
Originally Posted by dhaire
No offence, however I find that most who complain about the accuracy don't really understand how it functions. Spot lock really shines in sustained winds, even the old version. It will drift, use that to your advantage. Mark your spot 10' upwind and let the wind push you back. Spotlock will hold you at the outer limit. I can stay on a brush pile all day using that technique, and have. Been on it so long that the remote control shuts down due to a lack of activity. When the wind changes directions, you need to pull anchor and reset, just like you do with two anchors in the water. Where people have the most trouble is under light variable winds. On those days, I just manually control the boat, anchoring up every 5 minutes is impractical. Just like it is with two anchors in the water.
Well, not to get into any contention but I assure you I am reasonably competent based upon Minn Kota’s technical folks. I called yesterday to find out the latest software version for my trolling motor and remote and after getting it rehashed my alleged woes about spot lock. The technician listened to my litany of a year and half of efforts and concluded my actions were in line with any advice he could offer. As a salve, I am sure, he complimented me on my depth of knowledge and offered me a job (smile). Yes, I am aware of wind being your friend as well as the bow remaining somewhat in position while the rest of the boat moves around. I have had little success with setting the spot lock and allowing wind or current to let the boat drift into position as it occasionally works correctly and homes in on the original spot lock position. I use the reset technique occasionally but it still wanders in a short timeframe. I do thank you for your insights and did not take offense.
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Why is Minn Kota saying they won't replace the whole unit dhaire?
Not sure as I think I just got a lemon. I asked my marine dealership, the one that installed it, and Minn Kota said no.
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