Lawcrusher - I have a Minn Kota Co-pilot for sale and I think I don’t live too far from you if you want to consider it. It’s not exactly what you want but it’s a deal. It is a 40# freshwater model. I’m not sure of the shaft length.
Motorguide just announced there new gps trolling motor to compete with Ipilot. Not sure how it is going to be, but the stow away lever looks good.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
quote:
Originally posted by Wild BillLawcrusher - I have a Minn Kota Co-pilot for sale and I think I don’t live too far from you if you want to consider it. It’s not exactly what you want but it’s a deal. It is a 40# freshwater model. I’m not sure of the shaft length.
Not sure that I want freshwater version … we get salty several times a year … plus with a 22’ bay boat I think the minimum thrust I should consider would be 54# … unless you guys tell me otherwise … I mean, my boat is pictured in my signature … you tell me … I’ve always been told to get the biggest you can afford … My upward limit is $1,500 … I was hoping to use that towards BOTH a trolling motor AND an electronics upgrade … but I’m thinking it’ll just be the trolling motor for now …
Funny how there’s a HUGE price difference between a 54" shaft and the 60" shaft … I plan on putting her in the water this weekend and making measurements because if I can get away with a 54" then it’ll easily save me a couple hundred bucks … o_O
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
You can have a 60" shaft put in a 54" motor! Just had to have it done myself. Cost me $130.
Lawcrusher, you want a minimum of 70 pounds of thrust on a boat the size of yours in a V2 model. 80 if you go with the Riptide. Yes. They are 24 volt models requiring an extra battery, but the extra power and stamina will be well worth it in high winds. I don’t know what your deadrise is at the bow, but 54" should be enough. 60 would be even better… I’m good at spending other people’s money:smiley: However, you want the best Ipilot you can get.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
I got the Minn Kota Riptide SP 70/iPilot with a 54" shaft for … [drumroll] … $1k tax title & shipped to my house … Not reman or used … Brand New outta the box WITH an additional two year warranty (total of three years) …
I picked up two Group 29 Marine Deep cycles this evening …
My boat already came wired for a trolling motor, but it’s a three wire 24V setup so I have to change the plugs since I can’t find a male end to attach to the trolling motor … Boat also can wired with TWO 50 amp circuit breakers so I didn’t need to get them either …
All that’s left is to get a dual bank on board charger so all I have to do is plug in when I get home …
Thanks for all the advice and input from everyone … Now all I gotta do is figure out how to use the darn thing … I’ve never ever used a trolling motor before much less one with all the features the iPilot has … Should be interesting to say the least … 
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
I’m not a striper chaser but I think you have good advice above.
I use a brand new 55lb Minn-Kota on a worn out 14’ semi-v aluminum that only has an 8 horse outboard on it, and I could do to have an 80lb on it for when I’m in current (it’s my spare “get back to the dock” motor since the outboard is really old lol).
On a 21’ boat, I’d definitely not go any lower than 80lb thrust. Given what a 21’ boat costs to rig up, the iPilot is a relatively small investment. If you don’t want to dump the cash on it right now, buy yourself a used cheap freshwater motor for a while.
My fishing is primarily inshore salt, and if I had the spot-lock feature, I’d be spending a lot more time fishing rather than fiddling with speed control and direction all the time (mine is a variable speed which helps).
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
Lawcrusher, looks like you got a great deal! Congrats!!
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
I have use a standard foot-controlled trolling motor forever. When I started shopping for a new boat, I had made up my mind that I wanted a saltwater series hand-operated trolling motor on it. When I bought my current boat, it came with a Minn Kota auto pilot and I converted it over to i-Pilot and I am very satisfied. Lawcrusher, you will be will be very pleased with it. Next feature for me may be the i-Pilot Link but first, I need to talk to someone who uses it.
Ranger Bay 2000
Yamaha F150
Molon Labe!
Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France (paraphrased)
RIP my Puppy Dog 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013
quote:
Originally posted by LawcrusherI got the Minn Kota Riptide SP 70/iPilot with a 54" shaft for … [drumroll] … $1k tax title & shipped to my house …
Where did you order/buy it from?
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
quote:
Originally posted by crabjackquote:
Originally posted by LawcrusherI got the Minn Kota Riptide SP 70/iPilot with a 54" shaft for … [drumroll] … $1k tax title & shipped to my house …
Where did you order/buy it from?
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
http://www.thedigitaloasis.com … trolling motor actually shipped from Newberry - got here in a day via UPS
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
I got mine from them as well. Mine shipped from KY. Found them on ebay. They are just a middle man company that can order direct from people like ellet bros (newberry-chapin) big rock sports etc. I got my first ipilot (54#) thrust for right a r ound 840$ I think and it even had the built in transducer in the foot… Needless to say they have pretty good deals.
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
That was a very good deal on the 70#…as MM stated, there are good deals on eBay.
Ankona Cayenne
60 hp E-Tec
“There is something about hunting those fish that will stick with me and my future fishing plans like a bad case of striper herpes”
-SCOF
Yep … I’m getting my next Fishfinder from them … if I don’t win the MSC raffle in October … LOL
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
quote:
http://www.thedigitaloasis.com … trolling motor actually shipped from Newberry - got here in a day via UPS
Thanks, Looks like they have some great prices.
I’m considering switching out my trolling motor in the near future. Fishing with Fogman and seeing his i-pilot in action really got me thinking hard about this.
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
Just love reading this forum and the MSC meetings to learn about new things and Patti got the itch. So we can either spend the money on our selves or leave it for the kids. Checked around on the internet and could have saved a few dollars and time, but being old and paranoid, placed our order with Bass Pro for Minn Kota Power Drive V2 with I Pilot and a Lowrance Elite 7 HDI. So we’ll have some new toys soon. Since we just bought 2 of the remaining tickets for the MSC raffle on the Lowrance HDS-12 Gen2, if we win it, we’ll make a good deal to somebody.
Conratz!! I’ve had a E-7 HDI since January and like it. It’s not an HDS, but it’s a great unit for the price.
I almost went with I Pilot too when my controller board and wires burned up in my trolling motor a couple of months ago, but Mark at Crappie Hole was able to fix it for $175. I at least have auto pilot, so I’ll just keep it for now. Sounds like if Crabjack gets one, I will be one of the only ones I know without I Pilot 
. LOL
Did you get a Navionics lake chip for the FF? …or is the one you have now already on a micro SD?
Good luck with your new toys!!
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Congrats for sure. Did u get the one with downscan? Lowrance has been kinda pulling one over on a couple people. Gotta read the fine print on the HDI units. They say DS capable but are selling the unit with the wrong ducer for 100$ less than the one that comes with the dual transducer.
either way time to get out there and use them…lol… u will enjoy for sure
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
We’ve already got a Navionics Hot Maps Premium chip in our Humminbird and it is suppose to work in the Elite 7. We’re getting Down Scan and things sure are not clear about the Transducer. Initially I thought that a Transducer was not even included with the unit, so I ordered what was needed, but then on some further checking, I sensed that a Transducer was included. A call to Bass Pro Shops says that the Down Scan Transducer to 1000 feet is included. So I’ll see what I get when it arrives. May be returning one.
Anyway, the new stuff should be fun.
I’m going to buy a canepole and outfish all ya’ll
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke