I am looking to replace my Motorguide Tour Edition trolling motor with an Ultrex. Do I need I-pilot or I-pilot link? I'm old school and not sure what the difference is.
I have Lowrance HDS 9"s on the console and front deck.

If you don't see any HB units in your future get the I pilot. I pilot link will network with humminbird units and allow additional functions.

Lowrance is coming out with their new motor to allow networking capabilities

44 Diesel is correct. Even if you have Humminbird units, I wouldn't spend the money again on the link. I have no need for the follow the contour function or take me to a waypoint.

How about using iPilot LINK to have GPS/Heading with the displays?

I have the iPilot Link with Lowrance. It’s like having a $400 remote. Haha.

I initially had it with Helix graphs, but the graphs weren’t to my liking. I do like having a rechargeable, easy to read remote though.

I’d save the money and just get the basic, basic model. No HDI, no link. The pedal has pretty much all you need, and your smart phone can use an app to access jog and waypoints.

The link doesn’t display your heading. The unit gps or external heading antenna will provide your heading. I really like the Lowrance Point 1. It will display your heading wven when your not moving.

iPilot LINK will show heading and it can be used to display waypoints on the 360 view instead of using the AS GPS HS that is included with a 360. It is selectable as a GPS source in the Network menu the same as the AS GPS HS. I use it frequently depending on the setup I use on a particular day.

Thanks for correcting me Wayne. I didn’t remember the link being on of the items selectable under GPS sources. By selecting it, will it project a line or just display your heading in degrees?

Thanks guys for the help!! Much appreciated.

It will do the heading line if you turn it on, otherwise the position icon will do the pointing.
Basically there is no difference between using the Humminbird AS GPS HS or the Minnkota iPilot/LINK.
Actually using the iPilot will be more accurate for sonar waypoints since the GPS antenna would be directly above the trolling motor transducer.
Plus you would have a lot more locations to place the Minnkota Heading Sensor where magnetic interference is an issue.

I've had both and use HB units. When I had it I said that I could do without it. Now I don't have it and I really miss it.

My situation is/was identical to yours. Running HDS9's bow and console, with a Fortrex 80 on the bow. But I finally got tired of fighting the wind while having to retie, or some other chore that couldn't be done while controlling the TM. Gotta have Spot-Lock. So I ordered an Ultrex with the sonar/DI/SI transducer... and decided to switch to Humminbird (like I've wanted to for awhile) and ordered two Helix10 DI/SI for bow and console. Total spur of the moment impulse decision on the Helix's (4K for the two). Those kind of decisions get expensive.

I should be getting the boat back today sometime. I went overboard on cost, more than I initially planned. But that's boat upgrading for you. Ready for a for sure learning curve.