Auto Pilot Trolling Motor

[COB]

Thanks to Shilo and others I am convinced that I want an auto pilot MK motor. I need 74# and 54" shaft. These things sell for ~$900. In all my web surfing I have found these two opportunities. They are the right size, and identical except #1 has a wired Co-pilot which runs around $70.

1, One year old, low hours, excellent condition with one year remaining on the warranty. $700 or make offer. This one is probably in Wisconson.

2. Brand new, but 2-3 years old never removed from MK shipping box. This motor was a free replacement motor for the MK Genesis recall program (Genesis was the real famcy $1400 motor that had autopilot, auto lift, but was a terrible reliability problem) and the fellow never installed it. No warranty. He justs ask to make an offer. This one is in GA about 6 hours drive.

What would you do?

[blackwaterkatz]

Cob, I don't think I would want it unless it was wireless, which is what I have. Of course, if you get a good deal, you could add the wireless later if you wanted to.
The one in the box sounds like a good deal, depending on what price you can get it for. I would say $750 or less.

Be certain the shaft length is ok for your boat!

[Rockin' Blues]

i know they have came a long way,i :sad: had a wireless motor guide when they first came out and had nothing but problems with it,from not turning when you wanted to,to not stopping when you wanted to

[ShilohRed]

I sure like mine. ITs nice to be drifting in the current and set the auto pilot and dip a fish or re rig or bait or eat. and let the TM take over.
But it does take a little while to get used to it. I hope to add the wireless to mine this summer and get rid of the foot controle.
Pete

Thanks to Shilo and others I am convinced that I want an auto pilot MK motor. I need 74# and 54" shaft. These things sell for ~$900. In all my web surfing I have found these two opportunities. They are the right size, and identical except #1 has a wired Co-pilot which runs around $70.

1, One year old, low hours, excellent condition with one year remaining on the warranty. $700 or make offer. This one is probably in Wisconson.

2. Brand new, but 2-3 years old never removed from MK shipping box. This motor was a free replacement motor for the MK Genesis recall program (Genesis was the real famcy $1400 motor that had autopilot, auto lift, but was a terrible reliability problem) and the fellow never installed it. No warranty. He justs ask to make an offer. This one is in GA about 6 hours drive.

What would you do?

[COB]

Thanks guys. I got the new in box one with universal sonar. I think I got a good deal at $500 for Cabela's had them for $800-900. Man this semi-retirement and fishing is getting expensive. But grandma is happy!! Now I have to work a few extra hours to plan on the CoPilot.

[truck]

I love my riptide with auto pilot/wireless remote.I can tell you one thing if it is on auto pilot and every once in a while it makes a sharp turn(90deg) you have a battery going bad.So don't be like me and think it is just a fluke happing every now and then.You will go out someday and it will just stop working.

[Hannibal Mike]

I was shopping this weekend at basspro and almost got the 70lb with 20'cord and can add the wireless feature for about 150$ Do you use the autopilot feature for working the shoreline most, or just maintaining a straight line or hold in the river current? I like the wireless feature, but the autopilot does have my interest. I fish the Mississippi the most, but also a local lake. The minnkota rep was at basspro and said that it had a 2 to 3 year warrenty. My biggest concern (other than cost) is getting it fixed when there is a problem. Hannibal Mike

[ShilohRed]

I use the auto pilot in the current when frift fishing. Set it and fish. I can bait up rerig or dip a fish and the boat is taken care of.
Now I do have to touch the controles some. But just to straighten up when its off some.
It does a great job..
Pete

I was shopping this weekend at basspro and almost got the 70lb with 20'cord and can add the wireless feature for about 150$ Do you use the autopilot feature for working the shoreline most, or just maintaining a straight line or hold in the river current? I like the wireless feature, but the autopilot does have my interest. I fish the Mississippi the most, but also a local lake. The minnkota rep was at basspro and said that it had a 2 to 3 year warrenty. My biggest concern (other than cost) is getting it fixed when there is a problem. Hannibal Mike