Minn Kota I-Pilot remote. Read and weep

[M R Dux]

My 2012 Terrova 80 I-pilot had a different remote than my 2015 RipTide 112 I-Pilot does. The screen on the new remote is larger. I checked their site for comparison photos but didn't find any.

[wicklundrh]

Ahhh, now I got you. I have the newer one then. Looks like it might be pretty hit or miss with these things then

[SIcrappie]

I've got the newer style remote and no problems with mine. I got it in 2014.
I did put dielectric grease on the battery from the very first day I had it. I've changed the battery 2 times just to prevent any problems.
Chris

[tenncrappie]

The old remote if you will read I was refering to the Co Pilot that I had prior to this unit. Never had any trouble with anything on it, motor remote or what. No I have never dropped it in the water throwed it against a brick wall or anything of that nature. It's pretty clear there are other folks beside myself that have had trouble. Guess Minn Kota quality control is out to lunch.

[wicklundrh]

I understand. I had a co-pilot years ago... way less buttons and less screens. You can purchase a co-pilot style remote for your I-Pilot. I guess I would chalk it up to something similar as a TV remote. It goes bad, I get a new one. Like I said, I own six of them (remotes). I always carry a backup in each of my boats.

That being said, I wonder what the difference is between the crappy ones that some are speaking of and the good ones that the rest of us have? While trolling, does yours go in to "sleep mode"? IE, does the screen go blank? There has to be some sort of difference that is causing one of them to utilize more battery. All of my units go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity (not touching a button). That might be it. If it is, why do some do it and some do not?

Do you always leave the backlight on? That might be another consideration. I've done some research on some other threads and the issues seem to be pretty hit or miss. Not pouring salt in the wound, but have you tried another remote? We do get a lemon from time to time.

[trypman1]

I am having the same problem with my unit, Lowrance must have ought them.

[tenncrappie]

Yes my screen goes blank and then last spring I'm trolling with 8 rods out and it decides to turn a complete circle. Talking about a mess. Liked to have had Minn Kota CEO sitting in the back when that happened!!

[ricky]

I have to "smack" mine with my hand from time to time. I had a hand held gps that I had to do that with.

[wicklundrh]

Yes my screen goes blank and then last spring I'm trolling with 8 rods out and it decides to turn a complete circle. Talking about a mess. Liked to have had Minn Kota CEO sitting in the back when that happened!!

I have a buddy that switched from Minn Kota to Motorguide. His exact words.... "If something happened to it today, I would go and buy another one tomorrow".


I was waiting for words like this as he fishing pretty similar to the way that I do (for walleye and crappie). He does a ton of trolling and said it was far superior to the Terrova he had on his other boat. Plus the spot lock cannot be beat. Every piece of electronics I own is Lowrance so I have given serious thought to switching over to the XI5. He does have all the bells and whistles with it including the NMEA connection.

I've had a few crappy things happen with my Terrova that I cannot explain. Just waiting for the day it no longer works (probably during the middle of a tournament). Glad I at least don't have the battery remote issues that others speak of

[tenncrappie]

May be what i have to do. I had a motorguide 7 or 8 years ago and had trouble with it. but may have to go back.