I just bought a brand new 17.5 foot Scout 175 Sportfish bay boat with a yamaha 90. I now have to begin the process of searching for a trolling motor. I have no experience whatsoever with buying a trolling motor so I really have no clue what I’m looking for. From what I’ve read, the Minn Kota’s seem like a much better investment than the motor guide. Should I go with the iPilot remote control, or would it be best to get one that I can control with my hand and also maybe purchase a wireless foot pedal for it? I know a lot of it is based upon personal preference, however hearing what more experienced fishermen prefer would certainly help me with making my decision. My budget is around 1200.
MK 12 volt IPILOT i would think would be fine, 24 volt another 250$, bigger batteries etc. if you fish alone at time IPILOT is a deal maker, I would not think the foot pedal would benefit unless you are sitting down.
MK has a rebate that ends last of June btw.
I have the MinKota with built in GPS and love it. Have used pendant remote control for years, perfect for free lining. Electronic anchor super for fishing a spot without rigors of anchoring. Those are what I do most.
If you are going to more drive along the bank and cast a lot, foot control might work better. Ie it keeps your hands free. I’ve had the tiller type hand control and did not like it.
Think you’ll be pleased with Scout.
Roger
I put a Minn Kota with I pilot on my 18 ft Carolina Skiiff It is the 55 lb so it is 12 volt but I run it off 2 batteries i have run it on and off for 2 days fishing and it will still show a full charge. The remote is nice since you can control it from anywhere in the boat. The anchor feature is great. If trolling the hand remote is kinda agravating but overall I am very pleased
I’d go with more than a 55lbs 12 volt model. Iv got a 55 lbs ipilot on my 16 Ft flats boat and its painfully slow! Wish I would’ve gotten bigger. Love the I pilot with remote though. It’s a toss up between the I pilot and motor guide xi5. I pilot seems more popular , but the xi5 motor guide holds better in the anchor mode. I pilot has a better controller. It’s a Chevy Ford argument.
You’re more than welcome to come check out my I pilot if you’d like before you decide.
I put a 24v iPilot on my 16’ flats boat this summer and don’t know how I ever fished without it. The anchor feature and cruise control are great when fishing alone or rigging a family member. The 80lb gives me plenty of power. The 12v would have probably been enough but it’s nice to have power in reserve for our wind and tides.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
I said it on another thread. NO ONE ever wished for less power.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.