Minn kota powerdrive question

[TriStateBassin106]

So i'm buying a new minn kota powerdrive 45lb for my 10ft plastic bass raider next year to put up front, I currently have a 55lb endura max in the back but I would like more control up front, anyways the current price is listed at 699 on bass pro, does anybody know if this comes with the I pilot bluetooth compatibility? There's some motors listed over 1k $ with the i pilot remote but if I was to buy the one I mentioned and a seperate i pilot remote would it work?

 

I heard something along the lines that all powerdrive models made after 2017 are compatible but I just wanted to be sure, thanks. 

[casts_by_fly]

the one you're looking at doesn't have ipilot installed.  You might be able to install it later, but I'm not sure.  Practically speaking, if you want spot lock then buy it from the get go.

[Jig Man]

Installing later is quite expensive.

[Tennessee Boy]

12 hours ago, TriStateBassin106 said:

There's some motors listed over 1k $ with the i pilot remote but if I was to buy the one I mentioned and a seperate i pilot remote would it work?

No,  there is much more to I-pilot than just the remote.   Everything can be added later on some models but as others have mentioned,  it costs more to add it later.

[Jig Man]

There is Ipilot and Ipilot link.  Take the time to research them before you go spending hard earned cash.  I bought Ipilot it very unsatisfactory.  It cost me $800 to upgrade to link on my Ulterra.

[TriStateBassin106]

11 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

No,  there is much more to I-pilot than just the remote.   Everything can be added later on some models but as others have mentioned,  it costs more to add it later.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/minn-kota-powerdrive-bow-mount-bluetooth-enabled-trolling-motor?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=BPS|Shopping|PMax|Boating|General|NAud|NVol|NMT&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8rfx8aukggMVrU5HAR3TFgWIEA0YASABEgKTUfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I'm totally new to all this, so does this mean it comes with i pilot it says bluetooth enabled 

6 hours ago, Jig Man said:

There is Ipilot and Ipilot link.  Take the time to research them before you go spending hard earned cash.  I bought Ipilot it very unsatisfactory.  It cost me $800 to upgrade to link on my Ulterra.

 

[Jig Man]

Why not call Minn Kota customer support and ask your questions.  They are really helpful folks.

[Woody B]

The motor you have listed doesn't come with I pilot.  The upgrade kit comes with several parts that have to be installed.  If you add i-pilot to a Powerdrive you'll no longer have a foot pedal to use.  The upgrade kit is ~$460     https://trollingmotorparts.com/minn-kota-powerdrive-i-pilot-upgrade-kit-bluetooth/      I-pilot offers basic GPS functionality.  I-pilot Link will sync with many Humminbird sonar/gps units.   

 

Have you seen or use a Powerdrive on anything?   I believe one would be a pain to deploy and stow on a Bass Raider.   

[Tennessee Boy]

8 hours ago, TriStateBassin106 said:

m totally new to all this, so does this mean it comes with i pilot it says bluetooth enabled 

No,  it doesn’t have I-pilot unless it says it does.  Bluetooth enabled means you can buy a remote that you can use to control the trolling motor.  It does not have the I-pilot features like spot-lock and autopilot.

[gim]

The Powerdrive is the most basic bow mount that Minn Kota offers in its lineup.  Its an electric steer version and be warned that the pedal is junk.  If you don't plan to use the pedal, that's a moot point.

 

Just an FYI from a former Powerdrive user.

[TriStateBassin106]

4 hours ago, Woody B said:

The motor you have listed doesn't come with I pilot.  The upgrade kit comes with several parts that have to be installed.  If you add i-pilot to a Powerdrive you'll no longer have a foot pedal to use.  The upgrade kit is ~$460     https://trollingmotorparts.com/minn-kota-powerdrive-i-pilot-upgrade-kit-bluetooth/      I-pilot offers basic GPS functionality.  I-pilot Link will sync with many Humminbird sonar/gps units.   

 

Have you seen or use a Powerdrive on anything?   I believe one would be a pain to deploy and stow on a Bass Raider.   

Yes. A friend of mine who also owns a bass raider mounted it on the front by using the lock in bracket mounted to a piece of metal that connects to the trolling motor mount on the front of the boat. But he has a motorguide but it's the same setup basically. I would get the edge or some other model from minn kota but the powerdrive is the closest I can afford and would work with my boat. I appreciate all the feedback though. 🙏 

[Woody B]

If you like your friends I'd recommend going to Motorguides web site and looking at the reconditioned ones.   My Tour Pro was reconditioned.