Posted 8/5/2012 4:38 PM (#576127) Subject: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 477
Location: Iowa
I think I am going to upgrade my trolling motor yet this year. I'm going with the Terrova 80, but not sure if I need the I-pilot or auto pilot. I've never had anything that fancy. I'm used to just running a cable foot control. Does it take long to get used to either of these? What are your favorite features? Does anyone regret getting either one?
Posted 8/5/2012 4:53 PM (#576129 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
I've got iPilot and about the only feature I use on it is the AutoPilot. I use the spot lock feature occasionally. I'll probably get slammed for this, but I've cussed my iPilot as much as I've praised it. It's got cool features, but there's no replacement for knowing proper boat control. iPilot doesn't like the wind....
Posted 8/5/2012 4:59 PM (#576131 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 477
Location: Iowa
Thank you for the honest answer. I wondered how wind and current affected things. I like the idea of spot lock, while fishing for other species, and I think auto pilot would be nice at times, just can't decide if it is worth the extra $ for my use.
Posted 8/5/2012 5:02 PM (#576132 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
i like mine but i would hold off if you have humminbird there going to tie them to gether so it will follow the contour lines on your map so when this comes out this fall ill be upgrading to that
Posted 8/5/2012 5:03 PM (#576133 - in reply to #576127) Subject: RE: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN
Shawn, I love my iPilot. Spotlock is a great feature. Nose the boat into the wind or current, set the spot, go to the back of the boat (or the front if it makes sense), start working the structure and your boat will meander an area about the size of a 2-car garage while you fish. The combined benefits of Autopilot and GPS aren't shabby either. Not only can you record a track or heading, but with the combined capabilities of GPS you can also control your speed. Slow trolling, casting a known breakline or weed edge or retracing a path across any area are pretty effortless with iPilot. My boat is a '95 but it fishes like it's state-of-the-art. If you've got the scratch, I'd encourage you to buy it.
Posted 8/5/2012 5:05 PM (#576134 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
I went from CoPilot on a Terrova to iPilot on a Riptide. I went with iPilot only because the recent rebates were for iPilot models. I know more than one avid fishermen, and a couple guides that arne't fans of it either, and thus my initial reluctance in getting it. I'd not say I regret it by any means; it does have cool stuff on it. Just stuff I never use, and I still have to tweak it when it's running in AP, or on the few times I've got it running a trail. In my experience, in the wind AP is more of a zig-zag on the heading, rather than a tight, straight line on the heading. But it gets you there. That's why I say it's nice, but it'll never take the place of knowing boat control. But I could see where walleye guys or guys that fish distinct structure would really like it.
Posted 8/5/2012 5:13 PM (#576136 - in reply to #576133) Subject: RE: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN
In fairness to the previous post about performance in wind, I haven't had a piece of electronics in my boat (or any boat for that matter) that didn't have some limitations. All I know is I fished on Vermilion solo for a week and spotlock was a wonderful feature in even moderate winds. Any safe and savvy boater knows they need to assess wind and current risks and always have an escape plan to avoid rock piles, shorelines and other boaters in the event of equipment failure. I keep my anchor handy and make sure my motor runs well so I can have a couple of backups. Thankfully, I've never had to use either one. Just my 2 cents.
Posted 8/5/2012 5:16 PM (#576138 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Location: Eastern Ontario
I had an autopilot and because I fish alone frequently I miss the unit keeping me from being blown onto shore or rocks while dealing with a fish my next unit will be an Ipilot
Posted 8/5/2012 5:24 PM (#576143 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
Agreed, but I'm not talking about safety or avoiding obstacles. I'm talking about it not knowing where the boat is; just the iPilot module. Meaning, if I'm working a trail down a piece of structure and the wind is blowing hard from a different direction than when I laid the track, the boat can swing downwind. The trolling motor is right where it should be, but the boat is in the wrong place. Minor burden when casting gear, but kills a cast when fly casting.
Same with AP, in the wind it may go 20-40 yards in the wrong direction before it catches itself and makes an adjustment to the proper bearing. So like I say, it'll get you there, but it's more of a zig zag than a straight line.
I'm not complaining of it's limitations. I understand that. I'm just saying you still need to stay on top of it and manage it yourself and know boat control. It's not the end-all, be-all to running a boat, and I find myself manually running the boat nearly as much as I did with my CoPilot.
Posted 8/5/2012 5:46 PM (#576149 - in reply to #576143) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 303
Location: Not where I want to be!
Wouldn't be without the I-pilot. I really like the cruise control, as I usually run my boat into the wind. Strong head winds and gusts are minimized. Spot lock is awsome for releasing fish and not worrying about where the boat is drifting. The enhanced auto pilot will take you to a certain point as it creats waypoints in front of the boat and goes to them. So side slide isn't a factor. If you can afford it, do it!
Posted 8/5/2012 5:59 PM (#576152 - in reply to #576132) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 477
Location: Iowa
muskyhunter47 - 8/5/2012 5:02 PM
i like mine but i would hold off if you have humminbird there going to tie them to gether so it will follow the contour lines on your map so when this comes out this fall ill be upgrading to that
Thanks. I am thinking of trying hummingbird next year also. Might be a good reason to hold off. Any idea of actual release date yet?
Posted 8/5/2012 7:29 PM (#576166 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
what sucks is i just bought the i pilot for 500 bucks good for one year.know ill have to buy the new link wish i could trade in my i pilot in for the link just pay the difference
Posted 8/6/2012 12:29 AM (#576197 - in reply to #576166) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 68
My Humble Opinion: If you have the $, get the ipilot. i really like mine. since you have waited this long, you may want to wait on the update to be used with the Humminbird.
Posted 8/6/2012 7:06 AM (#576216 - in reply to #576127) Subject: RE: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin
A lot of neat features on it. Too complicated for old brain cells to handle unless you get out and use the unit a lot. With my minimal trips the last few years I have to consult the owners manual before each outing and do remedial studying at night just to keep all the functions straight. It's a little better than my Autopilot, but not much from what I've seen. Haven't used spotlock enough to see it help, but hopefully I'll remedy that situation shortly. I got it because it was a super deal at the time, one I would have been stupid to pass up.
ande
Posted 8/6/2012 9:08 AM (#576231 - in reply to #576127) Subject: RE: I-Pilot yes or no
I-Pilot yes.
I use mine a lot. I use the record trail when its calm.......doesn't work well in a good wind, unless running a straight course into it.
Spot lock. I use this continually in the wind. I wouldn't be with out it!!!!!!
Cruise control. For walleye fishing it is amazing.
When I have a guest with me I have him fish out of the front sometimes while I run the boat from my remote in the back.
Years ago I bought a non color graph because of a lot of posts saying color wasn't needed. Then there were posts saying a double ten was not needed. etc.. etc..
My opinion is to use any tool that makes fishing better or adds to the quality of the time on the water.
Posted 8/6/2012 11:45 AM (#576254 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 833
If all you do is cast for muskies you probably won't find it that much better than a trolling motor with regular auto pilot. Basically the only feature you are going to use with any regularity is the spot lock, usually when you want to fan cast or process a fish. If you want to use the advanced auto pilot it can make holding a course easier when dealing with wind. (to a point, 15mph and up is pretty much "good luck" IMO) Overall though, casting and the remote are not very compatible since you really cannot do both at the same time.
However...
If you do more than just cast and chase more than muskies, then the motor is simply amazing. For holding a breakline or fishign for walleyes it is unreal. A great, great tool for fishing deeper structure. One thing to keep in mind: If the new i-link works as advertised, it will have the potential to provide incredible boat control advatanges while working deep structure and deep weed lines with it's horizontal offset feature. That feature has all kinds of potential for musky fishing IMO.
Posted 8/6/2012 12:02 PM (#576256 - in reply to #576254) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 238
Location: Rhinelander
I have the i-pilot with auto pilot. The auto pilot is a nice feature musky fishing but I still consider myself a "pulser" when fishing. Meaning rarely, if ever, leave the terrova on 100% auto pilot and continous run. I still wouldn't be with out auto pilot, I like it a lot, but still control speed and direction by pulsing the on off and slipping, where required, with the wind.
The i-pilot spot lock or anchor is a nice feature but that's about all I use as of now. The (3) trails you can save is know where enough for how I fish as I may hit structure on differnet sides or angles depending on wind, sun or whatever depending on the day.
Smallie
Posted 8/6/2012 4:52 PM (#576309 - in reply to #576154) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Point of clarification... I'm in the market right now for both an iPilot and a Side Imaging Humminbird. Is my assumption correct that I can buy both separately now and add the iPilot Link later? Or is there some reason you have to wait until December to but a newer model of each to get these linked together? Thank you ~
Posted 8/6/2012 6:20 PM (#576319 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 43
I love my I pilot. Record a track and set the cruise control. All I have to do is cast. It actually follows the path better if you go against the wind, which is what all the greats tell us to.
Posted 8/26/2012 5:23 PM (#580978 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 477
Location: Iowa
I bit the bullet and ordered it today. Any installation tips that are not in the manual? Boat currently has a motorguide so I doubt the bolt pattern matches, but I have drilled holes already so a couple more is no big deal, I guess.
Posted 8/28/2012 3:33 PM (#581363 - in reply to #576127) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 183
Location: Grand Forks ND
One thing that hasn't been mentioned for those of you having trouble with the iPilot and wind:
The iPilot has autopilot and advanced autopilot. Advanced autopilot will have the North signal with a ring around it. Unless it is pretty calm I almost always turn advanced autopilot off by pressing and holding the autopilot button until the ring goes away. If the boat is at an angle and you are using the trolling motor to "bump" once in a while to keep you on course the plain autopilot works much better because it keeps your motor pointed straight. The advanced autopilot will mark a point where the motor was originally pointed and always try to go to that point.
Even when using just the footpad you need to check the remote, because sometimes the advanced autopilot will turn on when you turn on autopilot on the foot pedal. Sometimes it doesn't....I haven't quite figured out why.
Posted 8/29/2012 11:22 AM (#581520 - in reply to #581363) Subject: Re: I-Pilot yes or no
Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin
MuskyManiac09 - 8/28/2012 3:33 PM
One thing that hasn't been mentioned for those of you having trouble with the iPilot and wind:
The iPilot has autopilot and advanced autopilot. Advanced autopilot will have the North signal with a ring around it. Unless it is pretty calm I almost always turn advanced autopilot off by pressing and holding the autopilot button until the ring goes away. If the boat is at an angle and you are using the trolling motor to "bump" once in a while to keep you on course the plain autopilot works much better because it keeps your motor pointed straight. The advanced autopilot will mark a point where the motor was originally pointed and always try to go to that point.
Even when using just the footpad you need to check the remote, because sometimes the advanced autopilot will turn on when you turn on autopilot on the foot pedal. Sometimes it doesn't....I haven't quite figured out why.
Thank you so much!! You are the first person I've seen that has been able to answer whether the unit still has the 'standard' auto-pilot or not. Very helpful.
I-Pilot yes or no