Thread: Minn Kota i Pilot questions and answers

Is the 6" longer shaft a deal-breaker for you?

Up here, where fishing in 2-3 footers is commonplace, we typically run the longest shaft length possible to keep the motor in the water when fighting the waves.

If the 54" shaft is more important to you than being able to use the foot pedal, then perhaps the PD V2 70 lb model with pre-rigged i-Pilot is the way to go.

I could make it work but even a 54" is longer than i really need.

And I don't fish in two footers in fresh water.:D

Originally Posted by Good Stuff

I could make it work but even a 54" is longer than i really need.

And I don't fish in two footers in fresh water.:D

Call MinnKota authorized factory service centers in your area. Ask 'em if they'll shorten the shaft for you and still honor the warranty should you need it in the future. Call at least 2. Keep your paperwork. I did all this and was quoted "about $30 for 1 hour's work". I was going to shorten a 60" to 42" and the dealer had no problem doing it for me. He said that it was a simple procedure. I ended up finding a deal on a vanilla 45" and added i-pilot. If I hadn't, I'd have gone this route and not looked back! Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by luvin.fishin

Call MinnKota authorized factory service centers in your area. Ask 'em if they'll shorten the shaft for you and still honor the warranty should you need it in the future. Call at least 2. Keep your paperwork. I did all this and was quoted "about $30 for 1 hour's work". I was going to shorten a 60" to 42" and the dealer had no problem doing it for me. He said that it was a simple procedure. I ended up finding a deal on a vanilla 45" and added i-pilot. If I hadn't, I'd have gone this route and not looked back! Hope this helps.

It is no big deal to shorten a shaft on a V2. Quite simple actually, but I am not sure about the shaft on a Terrova. A friend of mine shortened his by about 6 inches in a short period of time and it was easy to do. He also called Minn Kota and was told that this would not void his warranty whatsoever. Jabbo also cut some length off his V2 and said it was an easy fix. Maybe he will chime in on all the particulars. I would think that it would not be any different on a Terrova, but I can't be certain about it.

It is a simple task to shorten the shaft on the Terrova. remove the control head. Cut the shaft to length, being careful not to cut the wires. A hacksaw will give you control need to complete this task. You will need to drill a new hole to mount the control head.

Originally Posted by Good Stuff

I am looking for a 80 lb. 24 volt Terrova 54" shaft with factory installed i-pilot from cabelas but it seems they don't offer it in that length? Why would they only offer it in other sizes? It seems cheaper to buy it already installed than add it later compared to the prices for the other sizes?

I've got auto-pilot & a co-pilot for $200.00 if you wanted to get the 54 inch terova and add this equipment.

Mike\662-526-8298
Sardis Lake

Jason,

You're probably getting tired of all these questions, but until you sqelch me...here goes:o

I was able to do just a short test the other day, in a VERY large river. I was actually kind of over in a bay with little wind and little current. Spot stop (anchor thing) worked great.

I then set a little route and I think "little" may have been my problem. I did several turns and angle in a very small area, and it didn't perform very well, but I'm thinking I was setting a UN realistic route for this GPS feature? Do you know how tight of a route you can lay. I mean can I go right at shore and then turn 90 degrees 25' before I hit shore and expect it to make that on it's own next time without turning to late and hitting shore??

As always, thanks.

Can the i pilot be added to any year Riptide autopilot or copilot trolling motor? I have heard that it can only be added to the newer ones.