MinnKota Co-Pilot

[Bucktail Butch]

I'm thinking about putting a new bow mount MinnKota Power Drive trolling motor (50 lb. thrust, 48 or 54 in. shaft) with the new Co-Pilot feature on my 16 ft. Lund. Does anyone have any comments on this choice, particularly on the Co-Pilot? It's pretty new and so far I haven't seen or heard anything good or bad about it. Any input would be appreciated.

[ESOX]

Walleye Mike put one on this year, I'm sure he will have something to say. I will be adding one sometime soon. I'll be so happy to get that pedal off the deck....

[jpollman]

Watcha gonna do with your old one Paul ? ;) :D

[ESOX]

I can retrofit the copilot to my autopilot, and control it from anywhere on the boat with NO PEDAL!!!:D:D:D

[fatboy]

ButchT- I put a co-pilot on my new 65lb auto-pilot. IT'S GREAT ! It is so easy to work the boat with it. I used to set the foot pedal on my knee and use my hand to work it anyway.The speed works at ten levels (clicks on the + or - buttons) Just dont leave it in your pocket and then not take the same jacket next time out :eek: So hows the fishing at platte bay ? I fished there last summer one weekend and it was the highlight of my summer. Next time I have to stay out of that sleepy bear bar or whatever it's called in honor (pizza was good but the beer was too cold !:D

[fatboy]

ESOX- As long as it is the newer type with the rectangle plug shape. YES NO MORE PEDAL ! Store it in the boat just incase you loose/forget or misplace the little remote;)

[jpollman]

Cool ! I didnt' know you could retrofit yours E.

When I do finally spring for an electric, the wireless co-pilot is the way that I'm going for sure ! I think it'll be WELL worth the few extra $$.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I JUST LOVE IT!!!! You can be in the back of the boat and adjust if necessary,no foot pedal. You get an extra controller right now for $4.99 shipping. Took about 10 days to get mine. It works well in conjuction with the auto pilot. The only thing is alot of the times you don't know what speed your at unless you keep track by counting. But thats minor.
You can also use the foot pedal while using the remote. The pedal overrides the remote.

Alot of good reports for this unit on Walleye Central.com

I put on the 60" 65lb thrust. 54" may have been enough. But get the 65lb thrust. Pulls my 18ft at 2.5mph (gps)

Did you ever see a man not like a remote controll????

[outdoorzman1]

You are absolutely right on that walleye mike. I have never seen a man not like a remote. LOL. Anyways, could someone explain to me how it works? I want to put a new trolling motor on my boat, so I might be interested.
Thanks a bunch.

[Bucktail Butch]

Thanks a lot for all the input, guys. Sounds like I'm at least thinking in the right direction.
Walleye Mike, the reason I was thinking 50 lb. was the fact that it has the Maximizer circuitry and it is a 12 volt setup. I kind of figured it would be enough to pull my 16 footer, but I may have to rethink that. Thanks.

[Bucktail Butch]

Hey Fatboy,
The Platte Bay report isn't all that great. The browns and steelheads are almost nonexistant so far this year. I don't know what's goin' on but nobody's catchin' much of nothin' so far. If I hear anything I'll either post it or give you a PM.
Butch

PS The pizza's still good and the beer is still cold!!! C'mon back when things get better, fish-wise.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Go with the 24 volt if you can. You'll run all day.

[ESOX]

If you do any big water, get the 24V. That 50# will have a hard time holding you in even a 15 mph wind.