Minn Kota I pilot
 

Painted my bow pulpit today and hoping to get it put on this week. Planning to mount an 80lb. thrust 60'' I pilot on it.
Read thru past posts and I know REEL used a 70 or 80 on his boat and seemed to do well.
Seems like the V may be border line for a 24v vs 36v as I will be using in fresh as well as salt water fishing but def. hoping to get by with a 24.
Thought I would run my idea by the pro's and get opinions before I shelled out the coin.:head::head:

Reel would def be one to talk to about it.

I havent saw one on a v20 but ive fished a lot of boats with terrova/ipilots

on similar boats around here a 112lb motor with a 72in shaft is preferred. Here on Erie with the chop the 60in shafts dont like to stay in the water

a lot of people around here have added a "rudder" to the electric motor and claim it helps out tremendously with the steering and battery life

Pulled the trigger on the 80 I pilot yesterday and hope it works out good.
James the rudder you speak of sound interesting.

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/commu...00#post1992300


http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/commu...d.php?t=276635

those will show you some pics and explain it a bit

So you went w/the 24 vt...it will serve you well in fresh and most of the time in salt...the only time you might have an issue is when wind AND current are working against you.

Coupla things about these motors...1-connections and hot batteries....BOTH need to be as good as you can make em...the electronics in MKs won't tolerate depleted power...battery connections, plug ins etc...anywhere there's a weak link will have a bad effect on performance...go ahead and buy an onboard battery charger for the two batteries...I had two AC Delco 31s that lasted forever cuz they were on the charger 24/7 or either in use...and UNPLUG the motor when on charger
2-turn the AP OFF when you lay it down in stored position
3-carry a spare remote control battery with you

These are great motors, but everybody I know w/one has sooner or later had to have a MK certified shop replace one or more boards in the head. Get used to it...made in Mexico, it's just a fact of life w/these things...if she starts spinning around by herself it's either a bad connection or one of the boards needs to be replaced...

From my description it may sound like these things are POS...not the case; just have heavily used them over many years...you'll get a lot of good years outta yours...

Oh yeah...installed the prop should be 18" or more below the boats water line...and on rough days that may not be enough...I don't use the MK those days...

Thanks for chiming in guys , felt like the 24v may be border line but what the heck... if its too windy or too much current just throw out the hook or just don't be there!!
Got a pair of group 29 Interstate batteries yesterday, now it's time to start mounting and wiring.
BTW good to see REEL back and thanks for the info.

Good luck w/it...I know you're gonna enjoy it!!...:beer:

How has the 24v with 60" shaft worked out for you guys? Ive been holding out for a used 36v with a 72" but have struck out so far. I have the oppertunity to buy one now with a 60" shaft at a very good price and i think im going to go for it, just wanted to see how you guys like it

James... the I pilot worked out great. Pulls the V surprisingly good, once in a tidal creek with strong headwind and swift outgoing tide could not gain ground but other wise does very good, also love the anchor lock feature.