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Posts: 188
Location: Madison, WI | Auto, the Minn Kota Pilot, who was installed on my new boat got the axe after less than a few hours of work. It seems that he was meant to be captain on the Valdez as he could not keep a steady course in even mild winds and nearly flat water. I think he had / has some sort of chemical dependency issue and was either high as a kite or going through the DT's. Whatever the cause I had hired his kind before and wanted no part of that headache. At any rate, does anyone have a recommendation on a bow mount trolling motor other than an AP. I'm seriously considering a cable drive unit just for the reliability. Craig Eversoll |
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Posts: 115
| Criag
I've been using auto pilots for years with no problems. I've heard they sometimes need to be recalibrated , But I've been lucky with mine.
Goog hunting dudes and dude'ets
Michael Kopp |
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Posts: 188
Location: Madison, WI | I'm really happy for you... my experiences (in my boat and everyone elses boat that I've been in that is equipped with an AP) are not as positive. I have a four year old unit in my garage that has less then four hours on it before it took a dump - I could not get a refund on it. Now this new improved unit with even less hours that is just as useless. In the case M-W Marine in Milwaukee where I bought the boat will replace it, I'm just trying to decide what to replace it with. Craig Eversoll |
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Posts: 57
Location: Winneconne, WI | Try the Maxxum. I have never had any problems with it (knock on wood).
Brad
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | I had fished Power Drive series with and without A.P. and this season tried a Maxxum... No way would I go back...love the Maxxum. |
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Posts: 148
Location: DES MOINES, IOWA | MAXXUM. A REAL HORSE. BEATS ANYTHING ELSE I HAVE USED IN THE PAST. GOOD FISHING. |
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Posts: 1536
Location: God's Country......USA..... Western Wisconsin | Been fishin' with an electric motor for many more years than I care to talk about or remember. Kind of dates me if I told you that I started with a "Silvertroll" hand controlled electric. Then graduated to a Shakespeare 3 speed plus reverse. Wow this was almost state of the art. Have had Mercury Thrusters, Motor Guides etc. Guess I never really had a good "trolling" motor till I got a "Maxxum" in 1998. These are the best electrics I have ever used. Had a 54# on my '98 Ranger and have a 74# on my 519 now. No real problems with either motor, just lots of hours on the water with plenty of power. Goes through the weeds like a dream. You can probably tell that I like them a lot. My $.02 worth for whatever it is worth. Hope that you enjoy whatever you install. |
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Location: Pewaukee, WI | does the max have an option similar to the auto pilot??????
not had any problems with my AP, old and new and never had a reason to switch...just wondering.........having auto pilot is a mighty nice option |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Hey Craig, What are the specs on your old unit? I own 2 and I love them but would like a bigger one for my 19' deep-vee. You can e-mail me at [email protected] thnx |
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Posts: 2089
| Craig,
I echo what others have said regarding the Maxxum. Bought my boat used and it came with a complete Pinpoint system . The previous owner had problems and sent it in and had to have a TM so he bought a Maxxum. Pinpoint was fixed but now gathering dust in MY garage. No reason to take the Maxxum off. Had one on my 681 and it was stud motor. Good luck . Steve |
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Posts: 177
Location: Germantown & Land O Lakes WI | Whooaaaaa....for a minute I thought Tom Dietz got the boot again...my buddies and I think Tommy looks alot like Otto the Auto Pilot from the movie AirPlane.
Attachments
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 otto and tom.jpg (43KB - 166 downloads)
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Posts: 492
Location: Lindenhurst, Illinois | Do the Maxxum's have a "constant on" feature? Anybody have any idea how much a 74# 52" shaft would cost? |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Maxxum's have a Momentary (when you step on it) and a Constant On feature, as well as speed control, tension control for how loose/tight you like your pedal.
Guessing a 74lb long shaft is around $650, I would suggest getting the one with the built in transducer if you can afford the extra $100. |
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Posts: 177
Location: Germantown & Land O Lakes WI | meehab......759.99 and 839.99 w/ Universal Sonar.
These are Gander Mtn. prices |
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Posts: 188
Location: Madison, WI | I'll give the Maxxum a try. It's kind of a "swallow my pride" thing as I am not terribly happy with Minn Kota. I'm hoping the quality issues are only related to the AP/PD series. Based on the comments here I'm guessing that is the case. Craig |
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