Considering putting an iPilot on my SeaHunt 211 Ultra. Would like to get some ■■■■■■■■ from those that have them before I pull the trigger.
My boats in for a service right now and they quoted me around $2600. + tax for the 80lb thrust with the 60" shaft. I would really like some ■■■■■■■■ from folks that have used these. Are they really worth the money? I was hoping to use it both inshore and offshore bottom fishing.
I suppose my next question is does anyone have experience with this solution on a 20-21 center console? Want to make sure it’s not too much boat for an 80lb thrust motor with a 60" shaft.
Appreciate all of the ■■■■■■■■…I pulled the trigger!
It all depends on what is included in that price. I would guess a Sea Hunt doesn’t have power up there, so they probably have a few hundred getting a receptacle. Plus install. Then add 2 batteries and trays at probably another $300.
If they are pricing the Ipilot LINK, then it retails for $1819. Only needed if you have a Humminbird and what the interface utility of it. Seems complicated to me. I like the hand held remote.
The Ipilot without LINK retails for $1479. Then the price could go up even more if you add a foot control to the unit.
I could see a dealer charging $2600 installed for the regular Ipilot 2 batteries, plug, mount, and labor.
I’ve been looking into the cost myself. For an IPilot 80-lb with 54-in shaft, a quick mount release for the motor, two size 27 batteries and trays, and a 2 bank Minnkota charger, I priced it out at just at $2,000. There are rebates on most of the Minnkota products right now too. Those rebates might come close to paying the labor they are charging. Like Geronimo said, depends on how much work it takes to get you power up there. I don’t think their quote is exorbitant for a 60-in. shaft motor based on what I’ve seen.
I’ve seen the iPilot with spotlock in action on a friends 22’ boat. Deepest we’ve used it is around 100’ last summer. Very impressive, dependable and quiet operation. Only problem with spotlock, if you can call it a problem, was one day when the wind was gusting to around 25 mph and changing direction often. The iPilot seemed to have trouble adjusting to quick wind direction changes. However, most folks would not be fishing in those conditions.
I put a 80 # 60" I pilot on my boat in December for $1499, free shipping it took me only 30 min to install( all ready had wire run)
Went back last week and installed a quick relese to move the motor to my other boats as needed!
Since I got an iPilot 3 years ago, I haven’t used my anchor once. It can save a spot and position you on that spot, even if you are a 1/4 mile away. I’ve used this feature when the stripers get in deep water during the summer on Murray. No more anchoring in 70’ of water. For me, it was the best investment out of all the “toys” I have bought.
Fishing is a prefectible art…in which nevertheless, no man is perfect – Gifford Pinchot
If the price you quote is a full install with wiring, batteries, etc I would say it is worth it. Just make sure they are using the correct wire gauge and taking the wire length into account. As well as proper terminals. I have an iPilot and I love it! I am sure the Spot lock is an even sweeter setup. These digital motors are very sensitive to power output so its important the wiring be done right.
go to sportsmansguide.com. i bought my ipilot 80# from them. ended up just over $1200 after rebates and also the $29 to join the discount club with sportsmans. memebers get 10% off everything. they also have a good customer service group. $2600 sounds a good bit high even with all the goodies.
I just had an ipilot RTSP70 54" shaft installed on my 1900 Baymax Tidewater. This is the 70# version.
Cost of Motor $1200 for 70# $1400 for 80#
Quick Connect $80
Batteries $240 Interstate
Trays $10 Each Ebay
Male plug $20
Install 1 hour what ever your guy charges.
Wire run from console to front with female plug. They installed quick connect and motor, battery trays, batteries, and connected wires. I love it. I would recommend anyone purchase the ipilot. Easy to learn how to operate, and they work well.
I just ordered the 80 lb ipilot 60" shaft. That and the mount was 1559. There is an 80$ rebate on it right now. I have 2 group 31’s and a half mile of 2 ga wire.
Already this year I have lost 2 reef anchors. I hope this thing makes moving around structure fun instead of pulling 200’ of rope a half dozen times.
Not to hijack the thread because I think it’s relavant, but how much performance difference is there between a group 27 and a 31 battery? I have a 19 ft and hope to someday scratch up enough quarters to get the ipilot. Was planning on group 27.
the group 31 has a lot more useage hrs than the 27. larger battery, holds charge longer. would be a good choice. i am using one for a cranking battery at this time. could not be happier.
the group 31 has a lot more useage hrs than the 27. larger battery, holds charge longer. would be a good choice. i am using one for a cranking battery at this time. could not be happier.
Everything he said plus they are what big rigs run so they are readily available. Most of them will do a 25a draw for 180+ mins. I have one now for cranking and 2 others for my trolling.
We have this one customer who hauls those big wind turbine blades and he replaces his batteries every year. I paid the core charge on them. Next year when he comes in I will rotate them out.
ive got a 22 Nauticstar bay boat.have the 80lb 54 in shaft ipilot.never have to use my powerpole much anymore.i run 2 27 batteries from Battery Plus.i fish over 100 days a year.much better and easier the hand steering.i like the head being closer to the deck,no handle or arm in the way
ive got a 22 Nauticstar bay boat.have the 80lb 54 in shaft ipilot.never have to use my powerpole much anymore.i run 2 27 batteries from Battery Plus.i fish over 100 days a year.much better and easier the hand steering.i like the head being closer to the deck,no handle or arm in the way
That is good to hear. I have my doubts on 80 lb and my 22 foot boat. I got my motor mounted and battery trays in. Hopefully this weekend I can test it out.
Do you think it would make it possible to run shrimp poles by yourself? If you programmed the string of poles as a route and spot locked at the bait, would it work? I 1 pole it when I go myself but rarely do as good as if I could run a string.
I absolutely love my i-Pilot. I use the cruise control and the direction lock all the time. The spot lock is nice, but I haven’t used that feature much yet, but I see a time in the near future where it will get used a lot. They are worth the money, within reason. The price you were quoted doesn’t sound too high if you can’t do the work yourself.
Molon Labe!
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