Best I-Pilot Trolling Motors: When you go out with your boat, anywhere and at any point in time, you want to do it easily, quickly and comfortably. Aside from the fishing, for example, you want to enjoy using your boat. Ever heard people speak of their boats as if they were beings. “I took her out today and she was marvelous.” This is where a trolling motor comes in and becomes extremely important. Further than that, you will need to get a trolling motor that is compatible with the features on your boat. It is important for one to have all the aspects of their boat in mind before purchasing a trolling motor. Once that is achieved, then you get down to the business of choosing a trolling motor that will serve your specific needs when you are on the lake fishing, for example. This is a review of an array of I Pilot trolling motors from Minn Kota that would possibly serve an array of needs. Read on, you just might find one that will be the perfect fit for what you are looking for.
Best I-Pilot Trolling Motor Reviews
Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 80 with I-Pilot and Bluetooth
- 60" Shaft, 24v, 80 lbs Thrust
- i-Pilot GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted GPS system in fishing. i-Pilot uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. i-Pilot makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from its easy-to-read large LCD screen.
- AutoPilot: Automatically navigate your boat in any direction you choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current
- Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: With swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking, the Weedless Wedge 2 is one of the most trusted props in fishing
This motor uses a 24 volt system giving your boat 80lbs of thrust at the end of a 60 inch shaft. The motor’s voltage capacity of 24V is on the average level of voltage capacity. It enables the motor have a longer running time since it provides the same thrust while drawing less amperage. You can actually fish for a longer period of time. Its 60 inch shaft length is a bit longer than the standard 42 inches. It will, however, be extremely suitable for the big water specialist that have a longer bow or stern.
The motor has a saltwater advantage. Saltwater is known to have different species, boat types and challenges. The Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra was built just for that. Its riptide’s premium grade alloys, designed for saltwater, are fortified by a multi step cleaning process. The motor stops corrosion before it even starts while packing a lot of performance and power at the same time. The motor’s power trim allows you to adjust its depth quite easily in these waters depending on the changing conditions. This is a pretty good package deal for a saltwater trolling motor.
Its’ motor can operate on the I-Pilot wireless system accessory. This GPS-powered navigation system is another great aspect about this motor that promotes easier boat control. It ensures that your boat remains on its path and sometimes anchor it. The Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 80 also has the auto stow and deploy feature which greatly eases your burden. You can automatically get your motor in and out of the water with the I-Pilot remote. It gives you the freedom to concentrate on your fishing rather than maneuvering to set up your boat in a certain position or anchoring it for that matter.
The digital maximizer on the motor provides up to five times longer running time on a single charge. This simply means your trolling motor is engineered to run for longer on one single charge. So even if you operate your boat at lower speeds, you still get full torque to lag the 80 lbs. Doing this will also extend your motor’s battery life.
Pros
- Suitable for saltwater.
- I-Pilot system fastens navigation.
- Motor runs longer cause of digital maximizer.
- Durable battery life.
Cons
- Sets off bow of boat a bit further than needed.
Minn Kota Ultrex 80 US 52inches i-Pilot and Bluetooth
- 52" Shaft, 24v, 80 lbs Thrust
- Universal Sonar 2: Keeps your transducer and wiring completely concealed and protected, running everything through the trolling motor's shaft, with shielded connectors
- i-Pilot GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted GPS system in fishing. i-Pilot uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. i-Pilot makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from its easy-to-read large LCD screen
- Spot-Lock with Jog: Spot-Lock will hold you in place with unparalleled GPS accuracy. Available on i-Pilot GPS system that is pre-installed, Spot-Lock gives you the power to stay right on top of any productive fishing spot, without touching your trolling motor. With the included heading sensor, you can use Jog to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction. Activate Spot-Lock from the i-Pilot remote or Humminbird fish finder
- AutoPilot: Automatically navigate your boat in any direction you choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current
The Minn Kota Ultrex US 52 inches I-Pilot has a 24V voltage capacity which is average amperage. It is just about enough for the 80lbs thrust power. The 24V voltage capacity enables the motor run for longer periods of time. Its 52 inch shaft length is a bit longer than the standard 42 inches. It is quite suitable for individuals with big bows or sterns.
This motor is user friendly because of the electronic assist steering. With the power steering feature made available, you can forget about foot fatigue. It is the same heel/ toe pedal steering that anglers prefer about traditional cable steer motors. It has been made easier by power steering. Power steering makes it easier to make steering adjustments. This reduces the frequent foot fatigue and steering effort making Ultrex the most responsive motor. The power steering feature ensures that you have a very smooth ride on that fishing trip. The steering lock feature available with this motor, maintains the motor head in the direction it was last left in. No more worry about your motor swaying with the tide and currents of the water.
The Minn Kota Ultrex 80 US 52 inches also offers all the benefits of the I-Pilot GPS based navigation system. This feature will come in handy especially for individuals with hummingbird fish finders. It allows automatic control and steering of your boat. A touch screen remote is available to help in steering the boat while on autopilot. You can check out your battery level on the remote as it has a battery meter display.
Pros
- Very easy to use and steer
- Smooth running mechanism.
- The I-Pilot allows for great control and smoother rides.
- Steering lock maintains the motor head in
- Works well for its price range.
Cons
- The touch screen remote is an optional purchase. You will have to pay extra to get the touch screen remote.
Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 112
- 60" Shaft, 36v, 112 lbs Thrust
- i-Pilot GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted GPS system in fishing. i-Pilot uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. i-Pilot makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from its easy-to-read large LCD screen.
- AutoPilot: Automatically navigate your boat in any direction you choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current
- Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: With swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking, the Weedless Wedge 2 is one of the most trusted props in fishing
The motor uses a 36V option. This is the highest voltage capacity available. It enables you fish for a longer period of time and they give out more thrust power allowing for smoother rides while on the water. This voltage option is better suited for boats that are more than 16 feet long. It ensures they run efficiently and smoothly. Another feature found on the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 112 is the digital maximizer. It provides up to five times longer run time on one single charge.
The Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 112 has a shaft that measures up to 60 inches which is quite suitable for big boats likely to have this motor. It ensures the angler’s electric motor does not cavitate and spook all the fish away.
This particular trolling motor has the auto stow and deploy that makes your fishing experience much better. Auto stow and deploy allows you get your motor in and out of the water using the included I-Pilot remote. In addition, this motor has a power trim, which allows you easily raise and lower the depth of the motor with the push of a button on your remote. This is suitable especially in changing conditions.
This motor can be steered via the automatic I-pilot remote that works via Bluetooth. It allows automatic control and steering of your boat. A touch screen remote is available to help in steering the boat while on autopilot. You can check out your battery level on the remote as it has a battery meter display.
Saltwater has different species and challenges. The Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 112 has a saltwater advantage. It’s riptide’s premium grade alloys are fortified by a multi step cleaning process. This ensures that your motor’s material remains durable.
Pros
- Runs for longer time.
- Smoother mechanism.
- Longer lasting battery so longer fishing trips.
Cons
- Sets off bow of boat a bit further than needed.
Minn Kota Ultrex 112 US2
- Features: power steering reduces steering effort and foot fatigue
- Features: steering lock; keeps motor head pointed in the direction you left it last
- Features: lift assist design; raise the motor by barely lifting a finger
It retains the same heel/ toe steering you are used to but it has been made easier with power steering. The power steering prevents the occurrence of foot fatigue by reducing the effort applied. It ends up making your boat driving a comfortable experience. The motor also has a steering lock that will ensure the motor head is pointed in the direction it was originally left in. There will be no wobbling or swaying of your motor with the water’s currents.
The Minn Kota Ultrex 112 US2 weighing twenty pounds, continues to reduce your work and ensure you have an easy time. It does this courtesy of the lift assist design that raise the motor by itself. You barely lift a finger to start raising your motor manually. Ease and comfort all in one.
The I-Pilot link integrates the GPS system enabling you to navigate in any direction you please in your boat. Its trolling motor communicates and delivers automatic boat control. You relax and let your boat move on autopilot.
Pros
- User friendly
- Smooth mechanism so a smooth ride.
Minn Kota Ultrex 80lbs
- For adventures. By adventures
With a voltage capacity of 24V allows the Minn Kota Ultrex motor a thrust level of 80. This coupled with the 60 inches shaft is a great combination for big water enthusiasts.
The motor has an I-pilot link and Bluetooth function. This delivers automatic bat control directly from the I-pilot remote via a fast and secure Bluetooth connection. You can use the ever familiar and popular technology of either your phone or tab to steer your boat. How cool. This makes it so easy for you to control your boat automatically. The I-pilot delivers comfortable precise speed steering. The motor has a battery meter as well that is displayed on the I-pilot link remote control LCD screen. You are able to keep an eye on how much battery life is remaining.
This trolling motor has the power steering feature: the same heel/toe steering you used before but made easier. The power steering reduces your steering effort as well as foot fatigue as you try controlling the boat. This makes the ride the smoothest because of how responsive the motor is. The motor has a steering lock which keeps the motor head pointed in the direction it was last left in. So no wobbling or swaying of your boat courtesy of an unstable steering.
You do not have to struggle with lifting the motor. This comes with a lift assist design so you can raise your motor without so much as raising a finger.
Pros
- User-friendly and easy to use.
- Suitable for rough weather conditions.
What is an I pilot/Bluetooth/trolling motor?
Trolling Motors
This is a self-contained unit affixed to an angler’s boat at either the bow or astern. It includes an electric motor, propeller and controls. Trolling motors that are not electric, use gasoline. A gasoline-powered outboard on a boat, if not the vessel’s primary source of propulsion, can be referred to as a trolling motor. They aid with precision maneuvering of the boat to enable the angler cast his bait to where the fish are located. Trolling motors have advanced in their design and sophistication over the years. They have grown to require less of manual effort in order to operate them. Some of the trolling motors will list standard I-pilot as a feature while others will list the I-pilot link.
The standard I-Pilot is a GPS-based trolling system. While in the water, anglers can use the I-Pilot or the I-Pilot Link systems for easier boat control and positioning. It allows you the freedom to focus your attention on presenting bait and catching loads of fish. The standard I-Pilot features, especially those of Minn Kota motors, include:
- ITrack Record/Playback.
- Advanced Autopilot.
- Cruise Control.
- Co-Pilot.
- Remote: The newer version comes with a larger LCD screen and more intuitive controls.
- Reinvented Spot Lock: Newer versions will have newer hardware and software algorithms combining to create the most accurate electronic GPS anchor ever.
- Jog: This enables you to move your current spot lock position to the left or right, forward or backward, with the simple push of a button.
The new I-Pilot remote also includes:
- Rugged, soft grip design on the remote. There is no dropping of this remote anytime soon.
- 33% larger, full sunlight-viewable LCD screen. In some motors, it might be an additional purchase.
- New soft keys for easier and expanded menu navigation.
- Power supplied by 3 AAA batteries, with an anticipated battery lifetime of approximately longer fishing season.
What is The I-Pilot Link in a Trolling Motor
The i-pilot link integrates the GPS enabling you to navigate in any direction you please in your boat. Its trolling motor to communicate and deliver automatic boat control. In addition to that, the i-pilot link, with the help of a Lake master app, will allow you follow any depth contour you chose automatically .An i-pilot link installs quickly and easily. All you have to do afterward, is to replace the top of your i-pilot link compatible trolling motor head, activate your remote. And you are set to start fishing. The i-pilot link can facilitate quite a number of things. These include locking onto spots, learning and retracing paths and depth contours. This enables you to create a custom route. The i-pilot link will mark your current spot, use its records of your movement, retrace your steps and form a route of that. That is quite convenient. It would do you great service if you get a trolling motor with this GPS fishing system. You get to enjoy the one activity you came out for without hustling yourself for direction and fishing spots, for example. You sit back and let the i-pilot link take automatic control of steering your boat. The difference basically comes down to the fact that the I-Pilot Link has an extra number of features than the I-Pilot. All new I-Pilot Link systems will include:
- Remote: Compact design with larger full-color touchscreen LCD.
- Reinvented Spot Lock: New hardware and software algorithms combine to create the most accurate GPS anchor ever.
- Jog: Move your current Spot Lock position 5 feet to the left or right, forward or backward, by simply pushing a button.
- Phone App : Trolling motor controls and software updates (iOS and Android)
- Circle: Select a position, set in an offset distance and travel around the selected location in a circular direction at the speed of your choice. How amazing and pretty easy can fishing get?
- Virtual Remote: Control speed, steering, Spot Lock and Advanced Autopilot directly from your boat.
Its’ older features include:
- Copilot
- Cruise control
- Advanced Autopilot
- iTrack record and playback
- Backtrack
- Follow the contour and contour offset
The new I-Pilot Link remote features include:
- Compact soft grip design that fits better in the user’s hand.
- Large, full color, sunlight-viewable LCD screen.
- Dual Interface Control.
- Touch screen user interface with intuitive, customizable menu.
- Full function keypad control.
- Integrated, rechargeable battery, with an anticipated battery charge of approximately one fishing day.
There are no major systematic differences between the standard i-pilot and the i-pilot link. They vary in small capacities. I-pilot link, for example, has extra features that include the Spot Lock, which can store up t 2500 different spot lock positions. In terms of iTracks, the i-Pilot link can store up to 66 different tracks. The i-Pilot link also has a depth contour feature and cruise control. The choice is yours to make, on which would be most suitable. Most individuals have preferred the standard i-Pilot for a long time citing there is nothing special about the i-Pilot link that would cost a decent amount more. However, those who have used the link say there is so much to do with the kit, it changes the way you fish. It is only a matter of discovery, learning and attempting to use.
Bluetooth Perks in a Trolling Motor
The Bluetooth wireless communication between a remote and the trolling motor controller is the determining force of all I-Pilot and I-Pilot Link system. Newer versions of the I-Pilot and I-Pilot Link system extend the controls to a phone. Technology is surely taking over and making it easier for all of us. These newer features include:
- Most used motor controls: Prop on/ off, Prop speed, High-speed bypass, Spot-Lock, and Autopilot.
- Compatible with Android and iOS devices.
- Software updates
- Wireless product registration.
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Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
