Electronics Upgrade

[Duffmanrc]

I just purchased my first bass boat! It is a 2008 Stratos 285XL. I am super happy with the condition of the boat and motor. Now the electronics are on the older side. I am trying to decide which would be the best path to upgrade the boat over time.

The boat does have a Minn Kota Terova 80lb trolling motor. It does not have auto pilot or I-pilot. 

The primary lake I fish is Lake Saint Clair. 

My question is, would you prioritize a new upgraded fish finder with side imaging and down imaging first or upgrading the trolling motor with the I-Pilot or I-Pilot Link?

Sorry for the blank post, I accidentally pressed enter when typing out the post. 

Edited June 22, 2020 by Duffmanrc

[Jig Man]

I suggest electronics first.  After you get what you want and become comfortable with them you can get a trolling motor that is compatible.  If you are going HB the MK with link is way more versatile than just Ipilot.

[Duffmanrc]

Thank you Jig Man. I forgot to add that for $800 I can upgrade my trolling motor to the I-Pilot Link through a kit that Minn Kota sells. I am leaning towards the Helix 8 Mega SI + for the console. 

I am thinking that most of the features of the I-Pilot and I-Pilot Link require a newer fish finder. I may have just answered my question there. 

Are the trolling motor auto pilot features still useful without without a newer graph?

[slonezp]

Ipilot Link works with the legacy units as well as the newer units. I have Link connected to an 1198 and an 1199

[WIGuide]

Personally I'd go with electronics first, they are more or less your eyes under the water and without them it's similar to fishing blind. Your current trolling motor is adequate for your boat and will keep you fishing until you can upgrade the tm as well.