Panoptix or spotlock trolling motor

[FishOn!GetTheNet]

I'm wondering if anyone can help me make up my mind every couple years I can get a big purchase this year I'm torn between the garmin panoptix ice bundle witch I will mount on my boat or a new trolling motor with spotlock ethier one will be an upgrade I have a garmin striker 4chirp on the bow and striker 4 down vu at the stern I have a motor guide pro series 4300 43 lbs thrust bow mount with mechanical foot pedal on a 1978 16'bass tracker old boat but newer motor I see all sorts of mixed reviews on the Minn Kota vs motor guide mi5 that's not my concern though I can't decide if upgrading sonar or motor is the way to go I'm content with my setup but an upgrade to either one would be awesome the panoptix I could use all year but the motor would sit all winter ☹️ If you have both please let me know witch one you wouldn't fish without or at least find more helpful in catching more fish also if you have panoptix do you like it dose it really work like the videos I know that my motor and sonar are both entry level even when I upgrade them it's only going to be slightly better I just don't have the money to spend 6000$ Sonar or trolling motor on a 1000$ boat it's hard enough to spend 1800$ on either one I saved along time for this day please help and thank you 

[Further North]

This is just my experience, take it for what it is worth.

 

While I love my electronics and they help me me find structure and sometimes, fish, a trolling motor with spot lock (and the other built in features like following a compass direction, following a mapped out course or following a contour) changed how I fished.

 

It made me more efficient, let me focus on fishing rather than running the trolling motor, and when I have a fish on, means I don't have to worry about keeping one eye on what the boat is doing as much.

[FishOn!GetTheNet]

Thank you for your input I'm leaning towards the sonar but your point about the trolling motor hits home i don't mind having to run the motor most days but sometimes I wish I didn't have to 

[Further North]

6 hours ago, FishOn!GetTheNet said:

Thank you for your input I'm leaning towards the sonar but your point about the trolling motor hits home i don't mind having to run the motor most days but sometimes I wish I didn't have to 

I was in the same place, before I bought my first Terrova.  Back then, nothing connected, no follow the contour, no following a mapped route...still the single biggest contributor to me being able to focus on fishing and not wasting time messing with the trolling motor.

 

There are times (mostly following a contour, or a mapped route) that I don't touch it fora half hour, other than to change speed on the remote, or stop it with the remote when I catch a fish.

 

Truly a game changer, for me.