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Is the Minn-Kota Autopilot feature worth an extra $300?

Slyster

By Slyster
in Bass

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Slyster Mentor

Slyster

Posted
Posted

Considering I target bass only... is the Minn-Kota autopilot feature worth an extra $300?

I bought a standard Powerdrive bow mount motor today.. but since I haven't installed it I could exchange it for the AP version. I bought this non-AP version since I didn't feel that AP is so important for bass fishing... since I don't troll etc... but am now wondering? The price difference is $379 versus $679.. that's $300 dollars more! Is AP worthwhile or not?

Comments? Experiences?

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TurnUpTheFishing Veteran

TurnUpTheFishing

Posted
Posted

I too mostly fish bass and have had both units. When I had the autopilot unit I rarely used it and when I did it was mainly for muskie and walleye. The circuit board then went nuts so we junked the autopilot and run a plain old powerdrive now.

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TNFL Mentor

TNFL

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interesting, My friend used to have an AP and I loved it. I was saving my cash for a new T-motor on my boat, but maybe now I will skip the AP and get that fancy GPS!

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SluggoMaster Community Regular

SluggoMaster

Posted
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I have it on mine and use it 1% of the time. I pretty much only use it for trolling between spots. I have used it in heavy current, and just pointed it upstream and it holds well. If you fish as much as I do, the PD is not a good unit. I have replaced many of the components on my unit, and I will be getting a Maxxum Pro next time. smile.gif

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Slyster Mentor

Slyster

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How does it behave in the wind? If you are going with the wind coming from the side.. do you drift like 45 degrees from your AP direction? Wondering if the AP can really hold a course in this situation.

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TNFL Mentor

TNFL

Posted
Posted

I had a cable steering Motor Guide and I hated it! In heavy winds the bow would lift and the cable steering would not hold straight unless I kept my foot on the peddle the whole time. I felt like Daniel-son practicing for the crane kick at the pier. Now I'm tring to balance on one foot whilst bouncing in 2 foot waves. As if fishing in the wind wasn't hard enough already. I'd be going straight, bow would lift, next thing I know its hard left. Maybe the newer ones tightened up the control!

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Deitz Dittrich Grand Master

Deitz Dittrich

Posted
Posted

Its all in what you are used to and your style fishing. I myself can not stand power drive units. I feel like a fool trying to drive them, I feel I constantly have to look to see which direction the head is facing, the head turns to slow for when I want it to turn fast.

I have a Minnkota Maxxum, and love it. Its a cable drive. I know which way that head is facing just by the angle of my foot. I never look at which way its facing. If you look at a bass boat. I seriously cant remember ever seeing a powerdrive type unit on one?

No offence to anyone who like the powerdrive and or Auto Piolet type units. As I stated, its all in your fishing style, and what is important to you. These are just my opinions.

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Slyster Mentor

Slyster

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Well too late now! I do like the fact the the footprint on the boat is much smaller with the powerdrive (small boat with little to work with up front) and the cord is long so I can control it from the back. I imagine I'll get used to it fast.

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HellaBass Proficient

HellaBass

Posted
Posted

Quote:

Why do you suggest that? More accurate control?

Couple Reasons:

Instant turning, no waiting for the motor to turn, more responsive when fishing shallow cover and the wind is blowing

I can feel where I am going through the feedback I get on the pedal and the angle'

Once you get used to it, you forget you are running your trolling motor. I have used mine for a long time with the arrow broken and don't even miss it wink.gif

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