Minn Kota Powerdrive with auto pilot

Anybody running this motor? I'm trying to decide if I want the autopilot and the universal transducer. Any and all input will be much appreciated as this decision keeps getting harder to make. One minute I want the whole package and the next minute I'd rather just get the motor without autopilot and the transducer. I need help

Guaranteed Damon will say no autopilot. I think it might take over the digital pedal too. Hold for about 10 minutes. I'll ask him.

Don't do it. Auto pilot means no pedal. You can always add co pilot later.

That's my biggest problem. Not being able to use the pedal. He said the terrova can use both but that motor is more and I'm not sure the value is there.

Shawn, why not a hand control motor and a big foot switch? I find in a small boat that's the way to go . Also why spend all that extra money for the built in ducer. I fish shallow a lot and have an SI ducer on the front of my boat and with a shield i've never had a problem breaking a ducer.

Shawn, why not a hand control motor and a big foot switch? I find in a small boat that's the way to go . Also why spend all that extra money for the built in ducer. I fish shallow a lot and have an SI ducer on the front of my boat and with a shield i've never had a problem breaking a ducer.

After fishing today with Sam and seeing his in action I think I'm going to get just the TM and spend the money on a nice fishfinder

My experience: We had a minn Kota power drive on our John boat 2 years ago. I don't recall the exact model, but it had the option to add the wireless control. I would never buy one again. When you click left or right the power head motor is NOT SILENT. It's a loud, electric motor turning the head. I always thought this would spook the fish.

Ok. TRUE STORY. On my home lake, I have "turtle cove", and one day got into a side by side run with a massive turtle. It was incredible. When the snapper began turning away from me, I clicked the right pedal to follow, and the turtle IMMEDIATELY turned and dove. There is no doubt, they scare the fish.

Second downfall of the power head. When you need to make a quick spin in reverse (after unhooking from a dock or tree) the power head is a slow turn, where as the cable system can quickly, and quietly, turn the head.

i noticed the noise but didn't think it was loud at all. it was all above the water too so i'm not really sure about spooking fish. i don't think it would be more than people talking or any sort of banging around on the boat.

maybe the turtle was spooked by the prop noise and water displacement?

Maybe the turtle thought your boat was a bigger turtle trying to hump it

Turtle don't have ears, although they do possess an inner ear and the auditory connections to their brains they are used not so much for hearing but are used to sense vibration, at which they are highly tuned. They have heightened senses of smell and sight as a result as well. Chances are he felt and saw you coming long before you saw him.

And that's all I have to say about that.... Lol amazing what you learn hanging out reading to your kids!!!

That makes my hump theory even more possible

Shawn how did you guys do at Upper Mystic?

Sam caught a dink. That was it. Oh and we ended up fishing Lower

Sam caught a dink. That was it. Oh and we ended up fishing Lower

Nice to see you guys got out, Im packed away until our first event in April, unless I co agler a few Cran Bog Hawg Events before then

It was a really great feeling to be out on the water. Plus that's the first time Sam and I fished together. He's a cool guy to hang with (see the MAFF pattern?) 37 degree water though. Got to try out some new gear and was lucky enough to be part of his boat's maiden voyage in which he forgot the plug and I forgot to check it. Hey Sam we're taking on water. lol good times