I am new to the forum and am in the market for a new boat. I am leaning towards a center console model so I can take my family fishing. Seems like the center console dealers are pushing the I-pilot trolling motors. I despise hand control trolling motors and have used a foot control most of my life. Just curious to see what you guys have to say about the I-pilot. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

love mine,..remote control and spot-lock are great,..you can still use foot petal if ya want..
plenty of U-tubes that show the use.

I've had an ipilot for about 6 months in a bayboat. Takes some adjusting to if you're used to foot controlled but I really like it so for. Jury still out on the spot lock feature, mine tends to wander around and over control most days, other days works good. I mostly fish shallow, so far its holding up good in the stumps.

XI5 will hold ya much tighter to your spot over the i-Pilot.

+1
Removed an I-pilot and installed Xi5. I am much happier!

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. By the way, this is a great forum and you guys really make me want to get out there and get after 'em!

probably wouldn't be great for crappie fishing; as others have said, it tends to wander around a lot, especially on relatively calm days.

mines is best with a little breeze, that way it's pointed into the wind.
it will 'slide' 4-8 feet back and forth in a straight line, or less. with no wind it will wander in a 4-8 foot circle which seems like its sliding more because the back of the boat moves in a bigger circle..
I'm 67. and it beats fighting a wire controlled foot pedal all day. the remote , autopilot, etc are all great..
and it goes all day with minimum battery useage...sweet to me. I have a 24V and so far I do not miss dragging an anchor in and out..I ave the MinnKota 80,..60" shaft

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/10914087/1

Here is a link to a lengthy discussion comparing the ipilot to the motor guide xi5. You will likely be very disappointed if you get an ipilot for crappie fishing, especially if you are already good with a foot control tm. Highly encourage to find someone that has both and fish with them before making a decision. It doesn't take long to see the differences in person.

ATM97,

Thanks for providing the link to the previous discussion on the Xi5 and the I-pilot. Looks like I need to go the route of the Xi-5. I appreciate everyone's input!

B ut then you have to switch to Lowrance as well dont you?

No. I have the xi5 and Humminbirds. Now, I don't have all of the functions that I could with the Lawrence, but I get the xi5 spot lock.

Really? I thought they only worked with Lowrance. I have the 998C SI. I'll have to look at them now I guess.

Humminbird networks with Minn Kota, Lowrance will network with motorguide. Neither has to network with a fishfinder for spot lock or anchor feature.

I can't use the built in transducer. I have my bird transducer mounted on there. Let me know if you want to check it out sometime.