Which trolling motor to get with Autopilot?

[Rubberhead*]

I'm planning on putting one brand or another of autopilot trolling motor on the fishing boat. I'm sure I need something in the order of a 24V system, 60lb system...it's for a 18' 10" Key West DC.

I the motors come with various ways to use the autopilot but I am most, maybe entirely, interested in the Anchor feature. Get where I want to fish, hit a button and stay there without anchoring...

Thoughts on brand and model?

[Fatboy]

I have a KW 186 DC.
You will need an 80lb thrust 24 volt model.
One year ago or so I upgraded from a MK Riptide Autopilot to a MK Ulterra with iPilot. Auto-deploy is fantastic and the Spot-lok works great.

[Air Raid]

Pretty pennies but definitely valuable if you get tired of pulling anchors.

[NUTZ]

2th uses a NUTZ 2500-BFMF. It works off of voice command. However, if you choose poor spots it will tell you such and take you to good spots. And it is fueled by whatever beer you are buying. As long as its fluoride free.

[reeltight]

MK Terrova

This works great on mine.

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova a 60" Shaft 80 lbs Thrust 24V Trolling Motor with i-Pilot Link & Bluetooth

IMG_0434.JPG

[Rubberhead*]

MK Terrova

This works great on mine.

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova a 60" Shaft 80 lbs Thrust 24V Trolling Motor with i-Pilot Link & Bluetooth

I've heard that I don't need the i-Pilot Link if I don't have a Humming bird. Is that the case? I've got Garmin electronics and don't plan to change that.

[reeltight]

I've heard that I don't need the i-Pilot Link if I don't have a Humming bird. Is that the case? I've got Garmin electronics and don't plan to change that.

right. If you're not running Humminbird electronics the "link" won't do anything for you. If you have any thought of updating electronics in the future and would consider humminbird it'd be nice to have the option.

[dox08]

Most all Minn Kota terrova and ulterra’s are on backorder with no expected time for release. Might have a hard time finding one.

[reeltight]

Most all Minn Kota terrova and ulterra’s are on backorder with no expected time for release. Might have a hard time finding one.

That's only true if you are looking to buy from Minn Kota directly. You can buy from stocking distributors. They are readily available all over the www including amazon. It's a controlled retail price so you'll pay the same no matter where you buy it.

https://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Rip...8-3&th=1&psc=1

[Rubberhead*]

That's only true if you are looking to buy from Minn Kota directly. You can buy from stocking distributors. They are readily available all over the www including amazon. It's a controlled retail price so you'll pay the same no matter where you buy it.

https://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Rip...8-3&th=1&psc=1

Is that the exact one I need? It has anchor-lock? Tell me...I'm about to press <Buy Now>...

[Rubberhead*]

Besides batteries, battery tray, wire, etc...anything else I need?

[mud ugh]

Besides batteries, battery tray, wire, etc...anything else I need?

you’ll want a quick release bracket and an in line circuit breaker. I’d steer clear of the ulterra. I’ve heard nothing but bad about the auto deploy.

[Jay]

Quick release mount

[reeltight]

sit tight.

[reeltight]

Yes that is the TM you need if you are staying away from LINK edit to add: this is a saltwater version. If you don't do salt you can buy a cheaper freshwater. Make sure you are ordering the 60" / 80lb.

https://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Rip...8-3&th=1&psc=1

assuming you already have the electrical plug (male/femal.

Breaker

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Quick release

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Whackumstackum]

you’ll want a quick release bracket and an in line circuit breaker. I’d steer clear of the ulterra. I’ve heard nothing but bad about the auto deploy.

Pretty sure the current models are good to go, earlier models had problems.

[dox08]

That's only true if you are looking to buy from Minn Kota directly. You can buy from stocking distributors. They are readily available all over the www including amazon. It's a controlled retail price so you'll pay the same no matter where you buy it.

https://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Rip...8-3&th=1&psc=1

I wouldn't hold your breath on that, but for a fact know that distributors are having a hard time as well. I know Big Rock Sports, Elliott Brothers do not have any in stock. Bass Pro, Cableas, etc same issue. The may have a 54" 24V but not a 60" or visa versa. I have 2 buddies trying to find one now for a couple weeks and can't get one.

[reeltight]

And yes the Ulterra's are nice but the Gen1's had issues with the deploy motor housing but the Gen2's are fine. You really don't "need" that though. The spring assisted models are very easy to use.

[reeltight]

I wouldn't hold your breath on that, but for a fact know that distributors are having a hard time as well. I know Big Rock Sports, Elliott Brothers do not have any in stock. Bass Pro, Cableas, etc same issue. The may have a 54" 24V but not a 60" or visa versa. I have 2 buddies trying to find one now for a couple weeks and can't get one.

that link has two available right now. And there's more on Amazon and Ebay as well. I'm not saying they are not in short supply but you can buy today if you want to.

[Fatboy]

This is going to sound crazy- but check out Overstock.com.
Sometimes their coupon codes will work on Minn Kota trolling motors.
I know this for a fact as I purchased a MK Riptide i-PIlot 55lb 12v model for my Pathfinder 15T from Overstock.
When I bought my Ulterra for my KW- I got it from Overtons and one of the Overton's coupon codes worked.
These retailers may be getting smarter- as this was about 12-16 months ago.
In both cases I saved 15%.