Do you have i-Pilot?

[rps]

2 hours ago, aarchdale@coresleep.com said:

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 

I have heard the MG does a better job with the spot lock. With the fob I have, I do not need to look either, unless I wish to verify GPS speed.

[moguy1973]

The Powerdrives can have a foot control but I've heard it's not very quick to respond.

http://www.basspro.com/Minn-Kota-PowerDrive-Bow-Mount-Bluetooth-Trolling-Motor-with-iPilot/product/166376/

Deploying and raising the Powerdrive is one big reason why I didn't get one and went with a Maxxum instead.  It would have been nice to have all the new features like ipilot and spot lock but I didn't want to spend a lot for a trolling motor on a boat I will probably only have a few years before I upgrade.  The Ultrex definitely sounds like the way to go on the Minn Kotas.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I believe the new Ultrex motors have an external GPS puck that you mount beside the motor that references with the GPS in the head of the motor.  Im sure that works way better than just the single GPS in the head.    The MG has one in the head and the base, im sure thats why the spot lock is more accurate.

[Ketchup]

14 minutes ago, aarchdale@coresleep.com said:

I believe the new Ultrex motors have an external GPS puck that you mount beside the motor that references with the GPS in the head of the motor.  Im sure that works way better than just the single GPS in the head.    The MG has one in the head and the base, im sure thats why the spot lock is more accurate.

Get to work

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I have lots of spare time while watching people sleep

[dan hufferd]

Xi5 for me. After a good friend and I fished together, he had to have one. I love mine, it has been a game changer, but I don't fish tournaments.  It will keep the bow of my boat inside what seems like about a 5 foot circle

I think the Minnkota has more options as far as functions, but I have had my MG for a year and a half and still don't use all of it's options. 

[nomolites]

Have the Ulterra with Link and LOVE it.  Like RPS said, while not perfect the spot lock is plenty good unless you are holding very close to a boat dock.  As stated by others above a game changer for me too; bottom bouncing on autopilot while following contours and having both hands free to work is phenomenal...I use the pedal while casting and after learning how to operate it serves my purposes well.

Mike

[Bushbeater]

According to the Minn Kota website, you cannot use a foot pedal with a Power Drive that has I Pilot. My newest used boat came with  PD I Pilot and a brand new foot pedal, when I connected it only the motor operates. It will not steer. Anybody want to buy a pedal cheap?  http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Support/FAQs/FAQ-Details/Can-I-use-a-foot-pedal-with-my-i-Pilot-or-i-Pilot-Link-equipped-motor-/

[J-Doc]

1 hour ago, nomolites said:

Have the Ulterra with Link and LOVE it.  Like RPS said, while not perfect the spot lock is plenty good unless you are holding very close to a boat dock.  As stated by others above a game changer for me too; bottom bouncing on autopilot while following contours and having both hands free to work is phenomenal...I use the pedal while casting and after learning how to operate it serves my purposes well.

Mike

Do you have the newest one with improved spot lock?

[nomolites]

1 hour ago, J-Doc said:

Do you have the newest one with improved spot lock?

No, the original.  It IS squirrelly when you first engage the spot lock or contour following UNTIL it gets set up, then it holds and tracks quite well. I can fish a suspended jerker, jig, or spoon better now than ever with spot lock; no need to be concerned about boat control - even in strong winds when the fish are out in it.  The foot pedal came with the package and works well, but I only use it when working around docks.  I usually run things from the fob or my Humminbird.

I will check to see about an update and load it onto my head - Thanks!

Mike