I am strongly considering purchasing an I-pilot for mr Ranger 177TR. I would like feedback from those who have used it. I am intrigued by the spot lock capability. I seem to spend more time trying to hold my boat in position than fishing. Thanks in advance for you input.

You will still drift off your target even with the spot lock especially on a windy day. It is IMO still a valuable tool to have.

Now if you are upgrading the entire motor to a Terrova the electric steer is unbeatable.

David @ shut-up-and-fish
Your One Stop Shop

I have had mine for over a year and love it. It will take getting use to but worth it.

I've been making the tranistion this fall and am in love with the iPilot Link features. What's really cool is the ability to Network with the Humminbird and LakeMaster Maps. Even if you don't have all the components to network the iPilot Link has more storage capacity for iTracks and SPot Locks and software can be updated via the Humminbird unit.

I've got several video of the new features from my first few days using the Terrova with iPilot Link

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2940BB00283713CA

Love/hate relationship. Hate the way it mounts, hate the loud noise the turning motor makes (it's bound to scare/alert fish), hate how slow spot lock is to react to being blown off course, and there is no way you can drop shot while on spot lock on a windy day. Also sucks in heavy timber, submerged trees.

Works great in open water. Love spot lock while fishing humps if throwing: a crankbait, spinnerbait, heavy worm or heavy jig. Love the autopilot and return to spot function.

If a person was a hardcore tournament fisherman the best option would to have a special release mount made that would take the Fortrex & Terrova and you could swap the motor out for the lake you are on. Some days I love mine, some days I'd like to throw it in the lake.

Have you run the new iPilot Link? Some of this may be addressed...and another thing MinnKota will be able to do more with updates on the iPilot Link since it will allow the software for the controller and the remote to be programmable thru the Humminbird. Some new features for sure.

I took the Terrova into the Timber an area that drove me crazy with my Fortrex the time before and it wasn't really that bad.

http://youtu.be/HWuh7FlGOw8

Here are a couple videos of iPilot Link on the spot lock

http://youtu.be/ffD83Ej9Y9A
http://youtu.be/2aGVjxMtKZ4

I've never used the iPilot and just switching from the Fortrex to the Terrova and do tournament fish...I'm not seeing as many disadvantages as people mention actually finding alot more benefits. Have a FLW TOur Pro and some other Professional Anglers asking about and thinking about switching because of the benefits of Terrova with iPilot link.

Nope, can't afford the I-pilot link and it wont help with the mounting situation and the noise the turning motor makes anyways. But if and when they figure out how to make a mount that will slide forwards and backwards so I don't have the Terrova base ripping my front roller apart I will buy one.

Skeeter is offering a sliding mount but don't remember who is making it but I know when they install a Terrova they are installing the Sliding Plate. I'll see what I can find out.

2nd that. I DO have the quick release mount.

RSRlures.com and members of the forum built a sliding mount which they installed for me on my new Terrova. Unfortunately, I had an accident and have not yet been able to use it. But, it slides the Terrova back out of the way so trailering is no longer an issue. From what I've seen, it's a winner!

As to spot lock on the iPilot, it definately depends on what you are trying to do. I only fish crappie and that means I have to stay locked over structure (brushpiles/condos/etc) and for this it is a total waste of time and money! BUT, I have been assured that the new iPilotLink solves this problem. I'm trying to get one now and I'll let you know how it works out after giving it a test run or two. But, I believe if you expect spotlock to act like an anchor, you are going to be sadly dissapointed. Right now, if it can hold a 30' radius consider it good. It doesn't even come close to advertised 5' radius. More like a factor of 10!

I am very interested in this when you get the info. Thanks

It's RGR Industries or something I have not had a chance but working a Boat Show this week for Skeeter and will try to find out manufacturer.

Thanks Doug; information would be greatly appreciated.

They are being built for Skeeter for the Multi Species boats but can be ordered from your local Skeeter Dealer thru the parts department.

So visit your local Skeeter Dealer.

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