I have not been out to check this my self yet and I will soon, but I went to a Humminbird school about a week ago and even though it was not about iLink I ask the instructor about the Spot lock and using it in conjunction with the new antenna that I have. He told me it would hold his boat within 2 feet of the spot. He went on to say even in some wind and his boat does catch some wind it still held his boat very well.

I can not wait to try this out soon! Just thought I would post what I found out so far even if it's not from my trying it yet.

Where can I find out more about the Ilink? I have spot lock on my trolling motor but it will not hold me as still as I would like. Looks like this might help with that problem.

Minn Kota site has a good bit of info. If you get serious about getting this PM me and I will point you to a electronics discount store. I bought the iLink and at the same time I bought the new antenna Humminbird has that has a built in compass so you don't have to worry about how slow you go or if stopped, it knows what direction your boat is facing. I had a pretty new antenna, but it just didn't have the compass.

Here you go....

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/ipilotlink/freshwater.aspx

Thanks.

OkieBob is out of town until Thursday.

Skip, I would ask the HB guy to show you the 2' in person. I have test rode in 3-4 boats with the I-Link Spot Hold, and maybe a 10' HOLD was as close as it would get. I am looking to buy another boat before Spring, and would have like to have the I-Link Spot Hold. But I haven't found a guy that can HOLD anything closer than 10'.

Personally, I would haft to be SHOWN the 2' HOLD before I invested MY $1300.

Just my opinion after fishing in a few. Good Luck



keith

I do value your opinion so thank you!

I will test it on my boat because I have it on already, just have not been fishing where I could use it yet. However I didn't pay $1300, it was more like $900ish maybe close to $1000, but was less than the $1000. I bought it through BBGMarine and he seems to be lower Than other prices I check for a lot of things. Good service too! Sells both Humminbird and Lowrance.

Example the 1198c Si combo for under $2000.

my terrova v2 will hold in a 5'circle, even in the wind....2' is pretty tight......

I am not sure what kind of wind he's talking about, but I plan on asking him. He's a guide here on Toledo Bend and has been for a long time. I have some other questions I want to ask him and just have not called him yet.

Thanks for the info! A 5' circle in the wind is pretty good too though.

I tried the terrova on my 17' Xpress Alum. boat and in a wind (Lake of the Pines in February), it would blow me off the spot by 15-20' then kick in and run thru the spot and repeat. I sold it to a man in Tenn (at a loss).

Same thing I experienced in the Blue Champion. Lost $500 on that month long lesson.

bin there seen that a few times .....
there is a time an place for these units though ...

It is not for crappie fishing....Just my

Even with the new heading sensor antenna....

We shall see, but even if you guys are right, I mainly wanted the iLink for the contour fishing when I troll for crappie on spring and fall. This will be a most welcome part. Long line trolling is about the only way I fish in spring so for me the spot lock is just a side benefit.

I will use the Navionics chart as well as LakeMaster! This is because Toledo Bend is not in HD yet on LakeMaster, but just got my new Platinum Navionics.

So for me I believe it will be worth every penny!

+1 however the link will not follow Navionics...

I know, that's why I also have the LakeMaster for that. It's not like I can't use the Navionics also, just not at the same time. So I figure it's covered.