What Model of Minn Kota Remote Steering Bow Mount

[C-Money]

Hello! My wife has asked that I get her my Christmas list started. At the top of the list is the Minn Kota remote steer bow mount trolling motor. What is the model that is most popular. I've looked on Cabelas and not sure what to request. 12v or 24v? It is going on my 17' Alumaweld.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Dont even consider a 12 volt. You will be running out of battery before the day is done.

A 24 volt with 50 or so pounds of thrust is all you will need. Dont know your budget but the Ipilot is an awesome option!

 

[Skillet]

I'll second the 24 volt system.  I think the minimum poundage is 70# on those.  I had a 70# autopilot/copilot on my 17' Lund.  Perfect setup for all of my freshwater fishing, including the mac's on chelan. Don't skimp on the batt's and charger.

I-pilot is pretty slick if you can justify it.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Whats your budget?

[C-Money]

Not sure on the budget..... top end I was figuring $500-600.  Whats the entry level with the remote cost? I am sure the Ipilot  is cool, but pretty sure that will be out of our price range. Looking on Cabelas, I was having a hard time figuring out which ones even had a remote steer.

[Russ McDonald]

Not sure on the budget..... top end I was figuring $500-600.  Whats the entry level with the remote cost? I am sure the Ipilot  is cool, but pretty sure that will be out of our price range. Looking on Cabelas, I was having a hard time figuring out which ones even had a remote steer.

Sorry to say you not even going to come close to the Ipilot with that budget.  That is Minkota's remote steer.  http://www.basspro.com/Minn-Kota-PowerDrive-V2-BowMount-Trolling-Motors-with-PreInstalled-iPilot-Wireless-Trolling-System/product/11083105011619/ and here is the MotorGuide version http://www.basspro.com/MotorGuide-Xi5-Wireless-Trolling-Motor-with-Wireless-Foot-Pedal/product/1308030621405/ I think you have the buy the wireless keyfob with the MotorGuide.

Also remember we have a BassPro here in WA now.

[Skillet]

I'd look for a good used one in that range.  I'm not sure you'll be able to get into a new 24volt unit with autopilot/copilot for under $1000.   

*Edited to add - Looks like Russ found what I was assuming to be the case 

Lots of guys looking to upgrade from a really nice Powerdrive V1 without I pilot to an Ipilot version.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Not sure on the budget..... top end I was figuring $500-600.  Whats the entry level with the remote cost? I am sure the Ipilot  is cool, but pretty sure that will be out of our price range. Looking on Cabelas, I was having a hard time figuring out which ones even had a remote steer.

Sorry to say you not even going to come close to the Ipilot with that budget.  That is Minkota's remote steer.  http://www.basspro.com/Minn-Kota-PowerDrive-V2-BowMount-Trolling-Motors-with-PreInstalled-iPilot-Wireless-Trolling-System/product/11083105011619/ and here is the MotorGuide version http://www.basspro.com/MotorGuide-Xi5-Wireless-Trolling-Motor-with-Wireless-Foot-Pedal/product/1308030621405/ I think you have the buy the wireless keyfob with the MotorGuide.

Also remember we have a BassPro here in WA now.

Ipilot is not remote steer. Remote steer is the foot pedal connected with the wires.

I pilot is like auto pilot with a wireless remote. Thats keeps its heading without you correcting.

[wildmanoutdoors]

I would start with the EDGE series C-money. You would do fine with the least power in a 24 volt with a foot controlled remote.

[C-Money]

Ok....so ....Ipilot is the unit with the wireless remote and its a grand? Geezers.. ...I may only get to unwrap one present this year!!

Thanks for the help guys!! Maybe I will look at the foot control models, not sure I want to spend $1000.

My friends boat came with a bow mount Minn Kota with a wireless remote, so he was no help figuring out cost. I dont know if his has the auto pilot feature? This is why I want one...was cool to steer from anywhere in the boat with a remote the size of a key fob.

[Skillet]

Well, to clarify...

AutoPilot is actually a little gyroscope in the head of the trolling motor.  It keeps going in exactly the same direction you leave it at.  You can turn it on or off.

CoPilot is a wireless remote system that plugs into your motor.  Using the little key fob you refer to, you can turn it on and off, control speed, direction, and in some models turn the autopilot on or off remotely as well. 

IPilot is like CoPilot on steriods.  It is basically a hand-held GPS location device that you  control your trolling motor with.  It has the ability to remember tracks and retrace them, it can "spot lock" which is one of the cooler features for jigging structure, etc.  Pretty versatile tools.

You could add CoPilot to nearly any Powerdrive motor (electric motor driving the head direction), and you could add IPilot to the V2 version.  You either had and AutoPilot or you didn't - couldn't change that.  The upgraded version of the Powerdrive was called the Terrova and they sold them concurrently, and now it looks like they've added an "Ulterra" model. 

A bit confusing, but it is what it is...

[wildmanoutdoors]

So you dont needa an I Pilot then. You would need the Co-Pilot. Its a bolt on extra that has wireless steer but also auto corrects.

The I Pilot is a GPS enabled of sort wireless remote steer.

Co pilot may not work on the Edge style motors. I believe it only works on power drive styles. Which are more lick the riptides and such and are more of a pain to lift and deploy.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Never mind, Skillets on it!

[C-Money]

Great info, Thank you guys very much for the help!!