Hey folks…I just ordered a new riptide with I-pilot along with a RTA quick release bracket, and a minn kota 2 bank on board charger with an A/C power port…When it comes in I was going to trialer my boat from Knightsville where I live all the way to Hanckell Marine on Savannah Hwy to have it installed…However, I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions on anywhere closer I could take it to…Also I know Hanckell is very busy and don’t want to have to leave my boat for a week or more to have it installed…anyone know who could help me and have it done in a day or two???
Any suggestions would be helpful!!
livin life one day at a time!!!
2006 Seafox172
05 Mercury90hp(saltwater)
Sweet setup. Did you use Bugs Money to buy it (Ha Ha) just funnin ya
Yeah Chris will do a good job - they do get pretty busy this time of year so you might want to discuss how long it will take them too before you drop it off.
You can probably do this yourself if you are handy. BOSN and I mounted his without too much trouble.
Thanks for your replies guys!!..
wstrickland…I went out on my friends boat and he had one…I do LOVE it!!!..we used the anchor feature on his and the boat literally stayed in place…was amazing!!
Jimmy this Charleston Marine…where is it…is that the one on Dorchester Rd???
and Opti…lol…haha…yes I did use Bugs Money to buy it…I kill bugs I make money…I buy fishing stuff!!!..cool huh???..lol…lol…
livin life one day at a time!!!
2006 Seafox172
05 Mercury90hp(saltwater)
Yep, Charleston marine is a few miles from 526 on Dorchester Rd. I have a rip tide auto pilot and have it mounted w motor guide rubber screw in things and they are garbage. i am thinking of getting a bracket similar to what you got!!
I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
my equipment arrived yesterday at my house via UPS…Now I have to make a choice as to where I should go…I have recieved PM after PM…some saying go here and other saying don’t go there…any other suggestions would be appreciated!!
livin life one day at a time!!!
2006 Seafox172
05 Mercury90hp(saltwater)
Not to knock any of the marine mechanics in the area, but installing a trolling motor is not quite rocket science. I installed mine in a few hours in my garage with a nice cold beer or two. Just a thought, but Charleston Marine is great if you decide to pay.
I have the riptide autopilot and was considering the convert to the I-Pilot, but I cannot justify it right now when my autopilot is still under warrenty. I believe I will get the I-Pilot when mine ap f#$%s up.
I just got done installing my new Minn Kota SP 55 with i-pilot. Installing it isn’t rocket science, but is does take a little work. First thing was getting the electrical completed. I recommend getting a good quality locking motor plug and socket. Use waterproof adhesive lined heat shrink connectors throughout. Use a circuit breaker and mount as close to the battery as possible. My 12V 55# thrust unit required a 60A breaker. You can use a fuse; you will need to use a maxi fuse for that size.
As for the mounting, I did use the Minn Kota quick release mount. Make sure you are absolutely happy with the location before mounting. Check the positioning deployed and stowed checking for interferance, maintaining your deck space, and trying to keep the motor shaft as close to centerline as possible. I had to slightly modify the mounting pad as the way the bow is shaped it hung over the forward end of the deck slightly leaving one screw hole unusable; simple fix of making another hole offset slightly. I intitially mounted with the appropriate size screws (the deck is cored with plywood so fairly strong), but did find that if I contort my arm through the anchor locker I can reach the back side of at least 2 screws so I will be changing out to through bolted 1/4-20 hardware. I did bed the pad with 5200 to give additional strength and prevent water intrusion into the deck.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Sea Hunt Triton 160 (yet to be named)
Native Manta Ray 14
bugs
we are the only factory cetified minn kota facility in the area
when we first took on minn kota we struggled severly with parts and technicians
turnaround time was dismall and depressing.
both of those issue have been solved and we are stocking parts, and have a full time technician now days.
Charleston Marine is a stand-up shop and Chris is a great guy, as many will comment. I bought my TM from them, but I installed it myself. I’ve also had general work done at Seel’s on Savannah Hwy and will vouch for their quality workmanship and turnaround time. Can’t go wrong either way.
If you don’t do it yourself, I strongly recommend using one of the authorized minncota shops. These units have a warrenty and even minncota makes lemons. If the units are improperly installed (without breaker, etc.), your future warranty service may suffer.
Thanks guys for your help…issue is solved I took my boat this past Monday (yesterday) to get it installed at Seel’s and they also serviced my motor while there!!..they called me about 5:00 today and said it was ready…He gave me a real good deal and I think I’ll be satisfied…
Finnaddict…they did put a curcuit board/breaker in!!
And Chris V. if I have any problems with Seel’s in the future…I’ll check you out…thank you for your reply on this thread!!
livin life one day at a time!!!
2006 Seafox172
05 Mercury90hp(saltwater)
i am sure seels is great but if you ever have any problems w the tm i would go out to Charleston Marine. I have always had certified minn kota shops work on my motors in the past and think it is a good idea for some reason. but that is just me Bugs.anyway, I am sure you are going to really enjoy your new toy!!
I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
