Saturday I got out to 4ki with a buddy to hopefully get some sheephead. Most importantly, to test my new Minn Kota iPilot.
I hate to anchor. Okay, I really suck at it and that’s why I hate it.
Friday night, starting around 8:30, I installed the Minn Kota.
it was rather simple. Less than a 30 minute job.
Saturday was calm so finding the structure wasn’t a problem. As soon as I’d see it on the sonar, I hit the anchor button. After letting the trolling motor settle, It held strong. We were right on top of the fish.
Dropped fiddlers down and it was on. It wasn’t the best day, but I got my best sheephead. 22"
Ended with 5 SH plus 5 BSB.
The iPilot held for about 6 hours and still had plenty of battery. I’m impressed so far.
That is exactly the kind of report I’ve been looking for. I’ve got a 19-ft Sea Hunt and have been wondering if the Ipilot would hold over the nearshore reefs. Is it the 80 lb? Thanks! Nice sheepy by the way.
I’m not sure how it would do in strong wind and current. The tide swing was 4ft on Saturday. And the wind was light. Of course, with a 19ft bay boat, I’m not sure I’d want to be out in conditions where an 80 isn’t enough.
I tried to get the New 112 Ipilot, but they were backordered and I got tired of waiting. I think the only time I’d really need 112lbs of thrust is on the rough days nearshore.
Mako 1901 Inshore-Honda 130
10% of the people catch 90% of the fish.
I’m not sure how it would do in strong wind and current. The tide swing was 4ft on Saturday. And the wind was light. Of course, with a 19ft bay boat, I’m not sure I’d want to be out in conditions where an 80 isn’t enough.
I tried to get the New 112 Ipilot, but they were backordered and I got tired of waiting. I think the only time I’d really need 112lbs of thrust is on the rough days nearshore.
Mako 1901 Inshore-Honda 130
10% of the people catch 90% of the fish.
Exactly. I have to choose my days very carefully for those nearshore reef trips. I would mostly be using it inshore. Don’t want the extra weight associated with the 36v 112 system and I don’t think I would necessarily need it.
The i pilot is awesome,i took the skiff to red banks and it held us right on the fish for as long as we wanted…i wish they made something for my bigger boat,heck with dealing with an anchor all the time…
Thanks for that report. I’ve been wondering how well those work. I know my brother-in-law would appreciate it…not having to keep reseting the anchor trying to hold on a spot. I wonder if that would spook the spades when they are on top?
what’s the biggest type of boat those things are made for?
I’d honestly say you’re limited to a bay boat. The longest shaft is 60" and that’s what limits you. There were a handful of times later in the day that the prop came out of the water due to the swells. Mine is a 54" shaft. It wasn’t rough at all on saturday.
I got it more so I can fish hands free inshore since I primarily cast arti’s. You can program paths for it to follow up to 2 miles long.
Mako 1901 Inshore-Honda 130
10% of the people catch 90% of the fish.
dang, i guess my boat my be slightly too big then, depending on your definition of bay boat. 23’ convex V walk around hull with 8’ beam (winner sport cuddy 2280) with twin 120s.
I use mine on a 24’ offshore boat with no problem. Plants of guys use them on boats that size for freshwater striper fishing. Lots of offshore boats up to 25’ use them in our lakes. With the 36volt system and the ability to extant the shaft not much stopping you from useing one. Works great for tarpon, cobia and kingfish. Live bait fishing.
I have one and used it all last season for cobia and bull reds at the bridge. I found it works great in any current the motor can keep up with, it’s just like being on anchor. You will move around in a wind, it takes a second to decide it’s moved and a bit to get back. If it’s varying it can over compensate and have to come back. Still, I’ll use it over anchoring any day.
Hopefully that thing never messes up and kicks a hard left or right and you fall out of the boat[:0]. That kind of Bill Dance blooper could be bad news offshore.
Hey I’m a iPilot addict. One reason I’ve taken my 16’ skiff out to the various nearshore reefs. Next got to find similar “stay here” technology for ? 25-26 ft deep v bow.
I use mine on a 24’ offshore boat with no problem. Plants of guys use them on boats that size for freshwater striper fishing. Lots of offshore boats up to 25’ use them in our lakes. With the 36volt system and the ability to extant the shaft not much stopping you from useing one. Works great for tarpon, cobia and kingfish. Live bait fishing.
really? how much does it cost for a complete setup for a boat that size or my size@ 23 feet.
I’m actually just using a minn Kota with auto pilot. I haven’t broke down to get the ipilot. It’s an 80# thrust with a 24volt system. When I moved from a 24’ skiff to this boat I just used the same trolling motor. Trolling motor, wireless remote, 2 batteries and an on board charger. About $2000. That’s retail. I was lucky enough to be on minn Kota pro staff at the time so I can’t be sure what it cost now. Only thing I would do would be to jump up to the bigger motor with a 36volt system. We all want more horsepower, and longer run time. The I-pilot is the cats meow. You would be surprised how well these trolling motors work in the current. Biggest drawback is waves. Once they get too big the motor will lift out of the water. Your local certified minn Kota repair shop should be able to extend the shaft if needed. I just use a 60" shaft. Hope this helps. Glad to answer any questions I can.
