New I-pilot’s anchor mode?

[billyoungb]

I have a big deck boat and an older Terrova and the spotlock totally sucks on that thing. It will let you drift about 10 yards before moving back to your location and is really slow about it. I am not happy with mine. Wish I could afford one of the new ones.

[Hanr3]

So when Minn Kota says spot lock should be good between 3 to 5 feet they are joking?
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No, the difference is they changed the settings. Instead of drifting 10-20' before the unit reacts, it starts to react almost instantly and at lower power speeds. The other complaint was the motor wouldn't ramp down and would overshoot the mark, they spin around and try to get you back on the spot. This is especially evident on calm days, or days with 1-5mph that shifts direction.

No offence, however I find that most who complain about the accuracy don't really understand how it functions. Spot lock really shines in sustained winds, even the old version. It will drift, use that to your advantage. Mark your spot 10' upwind and let the wind push you back. Spotlock will hold you at the outer limit. I can stay on a brush pile all day using that technique, and have. Been on it so long that the remote control shuts down due to a lack of activity. When the wind changes directions, you need to pull anchor and reset, just like you do with two anchors in the water. Where people have the most trouble is under light variable winds. On those days, I just manually control the boat, anchoring up every 5 minutes is impractical. Just like it is with two anchors in the water.

[dhaire]

Well, not to get into any contention but I assure you I am reasonably competent based upon Minn Kota’s technical folks. I called yesterday to find out the latest software version for my trolling motor and remote and after getting it rehashed my alleged woes about spot lock. The technician listened to my litany of a year and half of efforts and concluded my actions were in line with any advice he could offer. As a salve, I am sure, he complimented me on my depth of knowledge and offered me a job (smile). Yes, I am aware of wind being your friend as well as the bow remaining somewhat in position while the rest of the boat moves around. I have had little success with setting the spot lock and allowing wind or current to let the boat drift into position as it occasionally works correctly and homes in on the original spot lock position. I use the reset technique occasionally but it still wanders in a short timeframe. I do thank you for your insights and did not take offense.


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[EWS]

Why is Minn Kota saying they won't replace the whole unit dhaire?

[dhaire]

Not sure as I think I just got a lemon. I asked my marine dealership, the one that installed it, and Minn Kota said no.


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