i-Pilot Features, Why it’s High on the Wish List
If I was to say the i-pilot is the perfect Christmas present for someone who loves fishing, you might think it’s a stretch. But trust me if you haven’t bought one for your trolling motor yourself yet, you’ll love it.
What’s an i-Pilot and do I need one?
Does every fisherman want one? Absolutely, yes, they do — an easy question to answer.
Do you need an ipilot? Probably not.
The most innovative, technologically advanced trolling system on the market. Once you’ve seen it in action, it goes on everyone’s Christmas list. Why wouldn’t it? Stacked with all the features you could want to allow more rod-in-hand time to chase that big bass.
All available at the touch of a button on the remote hanging around your neck or on the foot pedal you’re driving with. And the best part, it’s so easy to use that even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can operate it with ease.
Let’s run through the features. We’ve included Minn Kota videos so you’ll see for yourself the performance to expect from the i-Pilot.
- Spot-lock
- Spot-lock jog
- iTracks
- Go-to
- advanced autopilot
- speed and steering
- bluetooth
- mobile app
- cruise control
- full lcd screen
Spot-Lock
Shown on the remote as an anchor down the bottom, it’s the most used feature locking in those magic spots where the fish are biting hardest with accurate GPS co-ordinates so you can return time and again.
Spot-Lock Jog
Moves the boat forward and back, left and right 5 feet in any direction, so you move with the fish staying on top of the action and never miss a strike.
iTracks – (This is gold!)
iTracks logs and maps your traveled paths so you can retrace and return to any spots you want, anytime at the touch of a button.
Go-To
Just push the button to return to any of your previous spot locks or iTracks and your boat will drive itself there, all you have to do is relax and fish, let the boat do the rest.
Advanced Autopilot
Pick your heading, click the button and stay on it. This is a great feature for following shorelines or just for trolling around.
Speed and Steering
Your direction and speed are at your fingertips, displayed with big easy to use buttons pointing in any direction you might want to go. Even the biggest ‘sausage fingers’ can drive them and manoeuvre with ease.
Bluetooth
A great feature giving you a secure, fast connection and allows you to update your i-Pilot straight from your phone anywhere, anytime there’s a new update adding more awesome features.
Mobile App
You can get them from the App Store or Google Play depending if you’re an Apple or Android user, but the main thing is, i-Pilot is compatible with both so don’t worry, they won’t leave you out.
Absolutely the best part about this system is that you can drive, update and have complete control from your mobile device. It’s compatible with iphones and ipads as well as android, provided they’re running iOS 8.0 or up, and for androids, you’ll need a 4.4.2 or up.
i-Pilot is available integrated on several of Minn Kota’s top freshwater and saltwater models.
Cruise Control
Just like in your car, once you find that perfect trolling speed on the day, press the button and lock it in then take up your rod and get fishing.
Full LCD Screen
Makes maneuvering a breeze by displaying speed, direction, and distance to your destination clearly at a glance. The screen has just been updated to a larger display making viewing easier in low light or when the weather turns.
These are the freshwater trolling motors options:
Saltwater trolling motor options with ipilot:
Minn Kota shows just what their jewel can do in this short video. You can see which button controls what on the i-Pilot v2.
All of this is also protected by the famous Minn Kota 2 year warranty so be sure you don’t misplace your receipt because your warranty starts at purchase date, not the manufacture date. Make sure your spend 5 minutes when you get home and register your ipilot online just in case you misplace your receipt.
Tip: Photocopy your receipt. The ink can fade quickly from a cashier receipt so if it’s not printed, photocopy it to keep your 2-year warranty legible and intact.
How to Install an i-Pilot GPS Trolling System
This video shows it being installed on a PowerDrive V2 trolling motor
