First upgrade - iPilot ?

[The Baron]

Our “new” boat (2002 Bass Tracker 165) finally went into the marina for a full engine checkup/tune up (bought it two months ago - been waiting for the shop to finish working on snowmobiles… eh. lol)

 

I thought my first upgrade would be a GPS/sonar, but after really checking the boat out and standing on the small front deck I decided we needed rid of the trolling motor foot pedal and cable first.  I wanted Spotlock as well so walked into a local Minn Kota dealer yesterday to kick tires and price things out.  The place has great reviews and the guys were very nice.  When I told him about our boat and what I wanted, he came out with a refurbished 55# Power Drive v2 and an old stock/new in the box i-Pilot upgrade kit. Said they fully warranty the refurb motor and can install everything.  The price he offered made it a great deal, so our boat will go straight from motor service to having the i-Pilot trolling motor installed - at about 1/3 of what I expected that would cost.?

 

I hope I did a good thing.  Being an older unit, the i-Pilot remote is about twice the size of the newer ones, but if that gorgeous anchor button works then I know we’re really going to enjoy it.

[casts_by_fly]

congrats.  You'll never go back now.  

 

If the remote size becomes a problem, you can pick up the micro remote for about $100 USD and its about the size of the keyfob for a car.  Limited features, but it gives you steering, lock, and jump I think.  Maybe more.  

 

Also, if that's the actual box you got ipilot link, not just ipilot.  That means you can link to Humminbird fish finders and talon poles (and some other stuff).  You'll need 'n' version fish finders to network them.

[The Baron]

Yup, that's the original box.   If I can get a micro remote with just the basic motor functions and a Spotlock button, I'll definitely do that.  Thanks for the tip!

[Team9nine]

I went that route with an old 55# V2 MK PD and did the iPilot upgrade. Mine is not the “link” version, so possibly a bit different. I say that because I refer to mine as having “cove lock” (vs. spot lock). It won’t keep you on the spot, but it will keep you inside the cove you’re in ? Some days and conditions are better than others, but it doesn’t seem to be near as accurate and precise as the newest versions being built into today’s trolling motors.

 

The remote is just something to get used to. It has it’s pluses and minuses, but overall is very handy and pretty responsive. Pretty nice for open water structure fishing, but not near as fun in a flooded forest of trees or shallow stumps.

[Susky River Rat]

I love spot lock. I do not think I could ever fish without it again. Just be mindful it’s going to spin and face into current or wind. Great purchase! I hope you enjoy your new ride! 

[Tennessee Boy]

You will love spot lock.

 

FYI,  it gets really exciting when you fire up the outboard and forget to pull the trolling motor up with spot lock on.  ?

[The Baron]

  On 4/6/2023 at 4:04 PM, Team9nine said:

I went that route with an old 55# V2 MK PD and did the iPilot upgrade. Mine is not the “link” version, so possibly a bit different. I say that because I refer to mine as having “cove lock” (vs. spot lock). It won’t keep you on the spot, but it will keep you inside the cove you’re in ? Some days and conditions are better than others, but it doesn’t seem to be near as accurate and precise as the newest versions being built into today’s trolling motors.

Expand  

Well, I hope we can get a little better than cove lock.  lol ??

[Jig Man]

Check to see if you have spot lock jog capability.  It takes spot lock to a new level.

[gim]

  On 4/6/2023 at 9:07 PM, Jig Man said:

Check to see if you have spot lock jog capability.  It takes spot lock to a new level.

Expand  

I think you need the GPS “puck” for that with the powerdrive.

[airshot]

Last summer I bought a used outfit that came with a MK with spot lock.....that is awesome!!!  Mine is not a newer version and I don't bass fish except for fun once in a while.  With the spotlock I no longer fumble with an anchor, mine holds very well in a two ft chop on my 16' Sylvan side console.  Haveing the remote hang around my neck makes it so quick and easy to move or change position.  I also use mine for trolling for walleye, easy to make a course correction while fighting a fish, never need to leave my comfy seat!!

Your gonna love it....glad you were in the right place at the right time!!!

[casts_by_fly]

  On 4/6/2023 at 9:07 PM, Jig Man said:

Check to see if you have spot lock jog capability.  It takes spot lock to a new level.

Expand  

 

  On 4/6/2023 at 11:52 PM, gimruis said:

I think you need the GPS “puck” for that with the powerdrive.

Expand  

 

correct. The power drive models need the puck. It’s not a hard upgrade, but it’s about $150-200 and a bit of time to add it. Jog is great if you pick apart cover and docks. 

[Jig Man]

  On 4/7/2023 at 3:13 AM, casts_by_fly said:

 

 

correct. The power drive models need the puck. It’s not a hard upgrade, but it’s about $150-200 and a bit of time to add it. Jog is great if you pick apart cover and docks. 

Expand  

I try to pick everything apart when fishing Ned, jig or shaky.  It also lets me move the boat without disabling spot lock.

[casts_by_fly]

  On 4/7/2023 at 11:31 AM, Jig Man said:

I try to pick everything apart when fishing Ned, jig or shaky.  It also lets me move the boat without disabling spot lock.

Expand  

 

I agree.  Its awesome for docks in particular but any cover you want to pick apart its a big benefit.  Its nice when you're coming down a bank with a moving bait and come to a big laydown.  Stop short of it and lock.  Pitch a jig all around it.  Click the remote a couple times and you're now locked on the other side of it.  You don't have to unlock, move, reset with the wind/current, etc.