Powerdrive with Ipilot

I've been yearning badly for a GPS based trolling motor and have been doing some cost comparisons, since a new Ulterra/Terrova is out of the budget.

Seems like the cheapest option is to buy a used Powerdrive V2 and get the separate I pilot add on for it. Probably around 600 dollars when all said and done.

I current have an older Powerdrive. I know that it can be converted to accept I pilot, but the main control board costs nearly as much as a used complete V2 motor.

So for those that have a PD with i pilot, how does it compare to a Terrova/Ulterra, and how is the spot lock?

I do not have a sonar that is capable of being paired with the trolling motor, so that is of no concern.

I have been watching Facebook, CL, etc. for used Xi5s and Powerdrives, but I haven't found anything worth buying. Most that have I pilot are also 24v and 60+ thrust, which I have no need for.

I'd just get the Terrova 55/60" with I pilot and be happy. Instead of mix and match until you got a 1000 bucks or more in it and not be happy! I have both the Terrova 55 and the Ulterra 112. Both are excellent. I pilot works great on them!

If you update the power drive with I Pilot, you loose your foot pedal.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

If you update the power drive with I Pilot, you loose your foot pedal.

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No, you don't... if you wire it right. Instructions on the web.

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So for those that have a PD with i pilot, how does it compare to a Terrova/Ulterra, and how is the spot lock?

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That is how I went and I couldn't be happier with my converted V2. My fishing buddy has the more upscale rig and it does have more options... which we never use. Spot lock works the same with both units, at least as far as we can tell using both. Nothing different we have seen.

Tom

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Originally Posted by T_om

No, you don't... if you wire it right. Instructions on the web.



That is how I went and I couldn't be happier with my converted V2. My fishing buddy has the more upscale rig and it does have more options... which we never use. Spot lock works the same with both units, at least as far as we can tell using both. Nothing different we have seen.

Tom

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I have done a little research on the subject. From what I can tell, the Terrova is easier to deploy, retains the foot pedal without modification, and something about a Bluetooth heading sensor.

There is a good looking PD 40 V2 for 250 somewhat local. Could probably get it for 200. I could easily sell my motor for 150. That's 50 bucks out of pocket for that, and 450 for the ipilot upgrade, around 600 bucks all in. Half the price of a Terrova.

I'd love a Terrova, but it's hard to swallow spending 1000 bucks on one item. That's not much less than I paid for the whole boat.

The foot pedal is not a deal breaker, I never use mine since I rigged up a remote control.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

If you update the power drive with I Pilot, you loose your foot pedal.

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Not if you have a cane pole box. Lol

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first off you didnt say how old your current powerdrive is and if its a auto pilot version. if its 2001 and newer the control board is all you need. a control board from northland marine is 135 bucks. you can make it to where you still can use the foot pedal. i have both i pilot and the ipilot link for powerdrive. i like the link version better. spot lock seems little better on link. as for comparison between the old pre 2017 i pilot. i never noticed any difference between my PD and the terrovas. spotlocks seemed about the same. if money is a issue updating the PD is gonna be in 600 dollar range if you do the work yourself. if you are gonna buy a different troller. i would save up and get a new terrova with the new improved i pilot. JMO.

Which Trolling Motors is ProNav Compatible With?
I don't have this, I've just watched YouTube vids and read their web page a few times,just another option.

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Originally Posted by T_om

No, you don't... if you wire it right. Instructions on the web.



That is how I went and I couldn't be happier with my converted V2. My fishing buddy has the more upscale rig and it does have more options... which we never use. Spot lock works the same with both units, at least as far as we can tell using both. Nothing different we have seen.

Tom

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Of course I know this. I actually built a box to do the get around.

If you buy new, and do a wire around to have the foot control, I question why you would want to void the waranty?

if the v2 has the compass autopilot, the wire around will not work with the ipilot.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Of course I know this. I actually built a box to do the get around.

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Than I am puzzled as to why you told the guy what you did? What was the purpose of that?

Tom

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Originally Posted by acwd1950

first off you didnt say how old your current powerdrive is and if its a auto pilot version. if its 2001 and newer the control board is all you need. a control board from northland marine is 135 bucks. you can make it to where you still can use the foot pedal. i have both i pilot and the ipilot link for powerdrive. i like the link version better. spot lock seems little better on link. as for comparison between the old pre 2017 i pilot. i never noticed any difference between my PD and the terrovas. spotlocks seemed about the same. if money is a issue updating the PD is gonna be in 600 dollar range if you do the work yourself. if you are gonna buy a different troller. i would save up and get a new terrova with the new improved i pilot. JMO.

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I don't know how old it is, just that it's old enough to have the flat plug.

I dont really want to upgrade this one, as it's a little undersized for the boat, and upgrading would be the same net cost as buying a used V2 and selling mine, if I can find one.

Foot pedal is not an issue, as mentioned, I never use it.

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Originally Posted by Atimm693

Foot pedal is not an issue, as mentioned, I never use it.

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Having owned an older powerdrive and upgrading to a new Terraova I like the MUCH EASIER deploy stow factor of the Terraova. There is no comparison in that feature between the two, the Terrova is much better.

My PD was not a model which had the digital maximizer which greatly increases battery run times when the motor is being used at less than full motor speeds, this is another feature that my Terraova has which may be worth the upgrade if your PD motor does not have this feature.

Also my Terraova I do not use the foot pedal either as I prefer the remote. BUT I do like having the wired foot control as a back up option in case the remote sh*ts the bed and does not work as without a replacement remote with the footpedal my trolling motor does not become a useless brick until I can get the problem with the remote not working rectified.

Again just having the foot pedal as a backup may keep me going or at least allow me to test whether my failure is a bad remote or a further possible bad board or other problem within the motor itself.

After owning both I would not go back to the pd.

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Originally Posted by T_om

Than I am puzzled as to why you told the guy what you did? What was the purpose of that?

Tom

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Warranty and there is always someone here to correct me


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Originally Posted by acwd1950

first off you didnt say how old your current powerdrive is and if its a auto pilot version. if its 2001 and newer the control board is all you need. a control board from northland marine is 135 bucks.

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I have a new ( never used but bought around 2015) V2 powerdrive with the Co-Pilot attached. As I'm trying to find a cheaper, or even one, ipilot addons, I saw this thread and not sure of what your talking about.

Can you elaborate, or, at least PM me with additional background??

I have yet to find an Ipilot for my V2....

To the OP

Your math is based upon stars lining up and the newly purchased PD not having any issues that needs to corrected in the present and immediate future. On top of that the BT external GPS plays a big part in accuracy of the spotlock. New motors come with a 2 year warranty backed by a solid company. There is also the option of a refurbished PD with a one year warranty for $900. I would only go the piece part route if you wanted the challenge of making it work and at times I still do it this way but not to save coins. I've spent many years cutting my nose off to spite my face.

ChadAttachment 380657

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