Do you have i-Pilot?

[JF660R]

Specifically one without the foot pedal?

Thinking of getting a PowerDrive, this one:

PowerDrive

I think I would prefer the Terrova with the foot pedal but not sure I can justify the cost difference.

Everything seems to be listed at MSRP, so no great deals to speak of. Any input from an owners stand point?

[J-Doc]

Have one. Not crazy about it. Have a Fortrex too. 

 

Wish I had the new Utrex or whatever it's called. The spot lock function is supposed to actually work as opposed to the 15-30fr diameter mine holds on any water. Rough or smooth. 

 

My spot lock is like Otis on Andy Griffith after he's taken a snort.

 

Other than spotlock, it's nice.  Pedal sucks but it's nice with the remote. 

[grizwilson]

8 hours ago, J-Doc said:

Have one. Not crazy about it. Have a Fortrex too. 

 

Wish I had the new Utrex or whatever it's called. The spot lock function is supposed to actually work as opposed to the 15-30fr diameter mine holds on any water. Rough or smooth. 

 

My spot lock is like Otis on Andy Griffith after he's taken a snort.

 

Other than spotlock, it's nice.  Pedal sucks but it's nice with the remote. 

What he said, while the spot lock is not perfect it is a wonderful tool will be nice when more perfected. Think the Ulltrex will bring the best  of both worlds.  I am slow to get comfortable with the foot pedal on my Terrova   Remote is handy. Do not see myself ever being without the spot lock, but stressful in tight dock situations like at LOZ or trees on twain or Truman, slight delay in reaction, more my problem than the unit.

[JF660R]

So are your iPilots the older versions? 

I ask because the descriptions for most of the new setups specify "improved spot lock".

"New i-Pilot

The most popular GPS trolling system now features a larger LCD screen and more intuitive control. Get the most accurate Spot-Lock ever, plus Advanced AutoPilot, track recording, and control of speed, steering and cruise control. Available on select models."

[grizwilson]

1 hour ago, JF660R said:

So are your iPilots the older versions? 

I ask because the descriptions for most of the new setups specify "improved spot lock".

"New i-Pilot

The most popular GPS trolling system now features a larger LCD screen and more intuitive control. Get the most accurate Spot-Lock ever, plus Advanced AutoPilot, track recording, and control of speed, steering and cruise control. Available on select models."

Mine is a 2015....

[J-Doc]

No clue but it took YEARS of customer complaints for them to "improve" spot lock.  

Which irritates me because it was a big factor for me buying one.  I have an 80lb thrust on a 19ft aluminum Ranger.  It should be holding on a spot better than it does.  It's not underpowered.  I can troll 3-3.5mph wide open. That's pretty quick for a trolling motor.  I've outrun a 101lb thrust Fortrex on a 21ft glass boat.  Lol!

[J-Doc]

Just now, grizwilson said:

Mine is a 2015....

Mine is as well I think. Or 2016 maybe...it's definitely not a newer one. I've had it over a year now. 

[rps]

I had a Terrova and now I have an Ulterra. On both I did not plug in the foot pedal. I use only the fob - both bass fishing and trolling for walleye.

The spot lock roams a bit, yes, but still it will hold you well enough to sieve a point while casting.

[Bushbeater]

To the best of my knowledge the Power Drive is incompatible with a foot pedal. You have to use the FOB. For me it can be a pain, you have to take a hand off the rod to make any course corrections or speed changes. I mostly fish LOZ and maneuvering around docks is difficult. When open water fishing it's great, my spot lock and directional tracking work plenty well. The other consideration is deploying a Power drive. You have to kneel down and grab it with 2 hands to bring it up, and if you have a transducer on it the cable is constantly in the way. I don't feel this was Minn Kota's best effort although the price is good.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Motorguide XI5.... problem solved and cheaper, Holds boat perfectly in place, Main difference is it doesn't have an LCD remote.  I never look at my remote when fishing anyhow it is small and easy to blindly hit the buttons you want. I can look at my motor from anywhere on my boat and know what it is doing verse grabbing the remote to look a little screen