i-Pilot trolling motor is no doubt a big player in the remote trolling motor’s world by making fishing much easier with spot lock, auto pilot, auto track, and more appealing features.
However, are the i-Pilot trolling motors reliable?
How does the big brand Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor work in real-word applications?
This post will discuss everything you may care about before hitting that purchase button, including reasons to buy an i-Pilot trolling motor, how to use it, and best models for both freshwater and saltwater.
If you are new to the i-Pilot trolling motor system or the GPS trolling motor types, we’ve got your back. This post will start with the basics so you will never get lost.
- What Is i-Pilot Trolling Motor (i-Pilot vs i-Pilot Link)
- Top 6 Reasons to Buy i-Pilot System (with User Comments)
- How to Use i-Pilot Trolling Motor (How Does It Work)
- Best i-Pilot Trolling Motors (Freshwater & Saltwater)
- FAQs About Trolling Motor with i-Pilot
Note: Not all i-Pilot trolling motors provide the convenience of auto deploy. If you wish to deploy or stow the trolling motor with the push of a button when fishing alone, you should be looking for the models that feature the Auto Deploy feature specially.
What Is i-Pilot Trolling Motor
Simply put, an i-Pilot trolling motor is a GPS trolling motor developed by Minn Kota that enables remote/foot pedal control, the most popular spot lock, auto deploy, auto track, cruise control, and other features.
So i-Pilot is not the same as spot lock, and it come with richer functions.
Compared other brand GPS trolling motors, trolling motors with i-Pilot are known for their reliability, warranty and customer service, and the bonus of screen display on the remote.
If you have searched around, you might have noticed that some trolling motors models are labeled with i-Pilot link instead of i-Pilot.
So what’s the difference between the i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link trolling motors?
Basically, i-Pilot Link offers all features provided by i-Pilot trolling motor, plus the capacity to link to your Humminbird fish finder which enables additional features.
Here is a comparison chart for your quick reference of the i-Pilot Link bonus:
| Functions | i-Pilot Trolling Motor | i-Pilot Link Trolling Motor |
| Spot Lock | 16 Spots | 2500 Spots |
| iTracks | 16 iTracks | 66 iTracks |
| iTrack Offset | × | √ |
| Backtrack | × | √ |
| Follow the Contour | × | √ |
| Contour Offset | × | √ |
| Circle Mode | × | √ |
Editor’s Note: In this i-Pilot trolling motors buying guide, we also include i-Pilot link trolling motor models so you can choose based on your specific needs.
Top 6 Reasons to Buy i-Pilot Trolling Motor
Are Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motors any good?
Of course, and that’s why most people say they will never go back to a manual steer when they do have an i-Pilot trolling motor. Some even complain they are spoiled.
Here are the top 6 reasons that you will love i-Pilot trolling motors:
#1. Remote Control
With the i-Pilot trolling motor remote, you can fish hands and feet free! That’s to say, you can move around and still control the trolling motor which is a big bonus for bigger boats.
The remote controls might take a bit of getting used to, but soon it will become second nature to you. And the foot control is also available if you fish mostly with the foot pedal.
#2. Spot Lock/Virtual Anchor
Another big benefit that makes the i-Pilot trolling motor popular is the spot lock feature.
With a simple press of button on the remote or foot pedal of the motor, your boat will hold position regardless of current and wind.
Besides that, you aren’t limited to using the trolling motor with i-Pilot in shallow water like the Pro Pole. With the virtual anchoring, there is no need to worry about fishing in water too deep for a power pole.
#3. iTracks
With iTrack capability enabled on the Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor, you can steer a memorized course 2 miles long, with up to 16 courses. Thanks to its accurate steering, it saves you a lot of time and trouble making adjustment.
#4. AutoPilot
The advanced autopilot available on i-Pilot trolling motor allows you to travel automatically on a fixed navigational course.
Normally with a manual steer motor you may need to make a lot of adjustments along a shoreline depending on wind, current and other factors. Thanks to the accurate autopilot function, fewer corrections are needed which are sometimes too small to make manually.
#5. Display Screen
The display LCD screen is a plus for i-Pilot trolling motors which allows you to visually see your motor speed setting, GPS speed, battery charge status, and more.
#6. Warranty
Nobody will want to have their Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor in repair soon after they buy it.
Many users report that they have never had any issues with i-Pilot. If you are worried about the reliability of the advanced technologies, you are covered with 2 years warranty.
Some i-Pilot Trolling Motor Reviews from Personal Experiences:
“I love my I- Pilot and I would challenge anyone to fish a shoreline even irregular manually and with the I-Pilot used correctly the I-Pilot will make at least 1/2 the course corrections a manual motor steer would make.”
“It’s a game changer! No exaggeration. Not having after using it is like going ice fishing without your sonar.”
“I am sure many people will not give up their manual steering, but they are missing a lot of features not possible unless you have an I-pilot.”
“It simplifies trolling and having an i-Pilot trolling motor with spot lock is endlessly useful!”
How to Use i-Pilot Trolling Motor
Unlike the transom mount trolling motors, there seem to be many advanced features available on bow mount i-Pilot trolling motors which could make you feel overwhelmed.
In fact, using the i-Pilot trolling motor is made easy with the pre-installed system (on selected models including the Ultrex, Ulterra, Terrova, and their saltwater Riptide versions).
You can use it with either the wireless remote or foot pedal (coming with the package).
Some of you might further wonder how the i-Pilot trolling motor work?
The i-Pilot trolling motor works right out of the box. So, you don’t need a separate GPS receiver or fish finder to make it work: the GPS receiver is installed in the motor.
Best i-Pilot Trolling Motors
In fact, there are only limited Minn Kota trolling motors come with pre-installed i-Pilot.
What is the best i-Pilot trolling motor?
It depends on your needs. Whether you want to have the i-Pilot features out of the box or want to save your cost on the i-Pilot system, you can find the right choice on this list.
#1. Terrova Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Terrova i-Pilot trolling motor is one of the most popular GPS models on the market.
If you need a motor that’s strong enough to counter winds and keep you in one place using GPS without anchoring, Terrova is the top choice.
It’s relatively affordable and smaller compared with the Ultrex and Ulterra. If you want to have an i-Pilot driving system that is ready to use out of the box without other fancy features, Terrova will never let you down.
Coming with both remote and pedal, you can still enjoy heel to toe steering similar to cable drive motors or control it remotely, plus a bunch of advantages of the i-Pilot.
| Thrust | 112 lbs, 80 lbs, 55 lbs |
| Voltage | 36 v, 24 v, 12 v |
| Shaft length | 45’, 54’, 60’, 72’ |
Also, if you want 12v GPS trolling motor, Terrova is your only option.
You can see the positive GPS trolling motor reviews almost everywhere on the Internet:
“I’ve had my new Terrova with i-Pilot for a few weeks now and one word describes it – Amazing. It’s so easy to just put it on autopilot and forget about driving the motor while I fish a bank. I think I’ve been catching more since I’ve got it because I can concentrate on fishing rather than driving the motor.”
#2. Ulterra Trolling Motor
If you like the idea of the self-deploy with the push of a button and don’t mind paying a few hundred more, the Ulterra i-Pilot trolling motor will never let you down.
This i-Pilot trolling motor features what you desire most including the attractive spot-lock, path recording function, and allows you to command speed as you wish.
Besides that, the Ulterra comes with upgraded i-Pilot link. It talks to the Humminbird fish finder (sold separately) which allows more advanced features than Terrova.
For example, you can retrace your route in reverse, or set a predetermined distance from your contour and your motor will follow the contour at that distance. – There are simply a lot more to explore with the Humminbird capacity.
| Thrust | 112 lbs, 80 lbs, |
| Voltage | 36 v, 24 v |
| Shaft length | 45’, 60’, 72’ |
Here are how users think about it in real world applications:
“This is the most amazing piece of fishing technology I have ever seen and or fished with. A little expensive but worth every penny. The anchor mode is the bomb, you find a good spot, hit the anchor button and it holds you in a 5 ft area … even in the wind. Then one button to stop it, one button to lift itself out of the water and store itself. Hit the gas motor and your off.“
Note: These two i-pilot trolling motors listed here are electric steering types. If you fancy the way of cable steering, check out the Minn Kota Ultrex. For detailed comparison of the three, click here.
#3. PowerDrive Trolling Motor
Looking at buying a new trolling motor with i-Pilot and thinking about saving a little money?
Check out the PowerDrive with i-Pilot.
Starting from $650, the basic pack of PowerDrive trolling motor is a much more affordable option that comes with a foot pedal. To enable the i-Pilot features, you need to purchase i-Pilot system separately which costs around $450 extra.
If you simply need an i-pilot trolling motor with spot lock, the PowerDrive could be the most cost-effective option available.
It offers different thrust options of 45 lbs, 55 lbs, and 70 lbs to suit your specific needs.
However, remember that with PowerDrive, you can not use the foot pedal at the same time with the remote. And also, the stowing and deploying experiences are reported easier with other i-Pilot models listed above.
| Thrust | 45 lbs, 55 lbs, 70 lbs |
| Voltage | 12 v, 24 v |
| Shaft length | 48’, 54’, 60’ |
For those of you who are hesitate about which one to choose between the Terrova and Powerdrive V2, here is a detailed comparison.
Also check out what customers have to say about the PowerDrive trolling motor:
“Well packaged upon receipt. Easy to install. The 60″ shaft gave us plenty of reach to get down in the water, and the 70lbs of thrust was more than enough to fight the tides on our Lund 1750 Tyee. It takes a little time to get used to the foot petal. I am very pleased.“
GPS Trolling Motor for Saltwater: Riptide Series
Looking for saltwater i-Pilot trolling motor alternatives?
None of you will want to be affected by the saltwater when fishing or having fun on water.
In that case, make sure you get the Riptide i-pilot trolling motor which features grit-blasted lower unit housing and coated in aluminum to prevent oxidization and rust.
If you are a saltwater angler, check out the corrosive resistant versions of the 3 recommended models for your small boat, pontoon, kayak, etc:
| Product | Riptide Terrova | Riptide Ulterra | Riptide PowerDrive |
| Image |  |  |  |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
FAQs About Trolling Motors with i-Pilot
For more questions regarding the Minn Kota GPS trolling motors, read through the following most commonly asked ones and get quick answers here.
1. I am ignorant about the thrust needed for my specific boat with the type of fishing I plan on doing. Any suggestions?
To make things easier for you, here is a i-Pilot trolling motor size chart you can refer to:
| Boat Weight (lb) | Max Boat Length (ft) | Recommended Minimum Thrust Level (lb of thrust) | Battery Needed |
| 1500 or less | 14 | 30 | 1 battery (12 v) |
| 2000 | 17-18 | 40-45 | 1 battery (12 v) |
| 2500 | 20-21 | 50-55 | 1 battery (12 v) |
| 3000-3500 | 23 | 70 | 2 batteries (24 v) |
| 4000 | 25 | 80 | 2 batteries (24 v) |
| 4500-5000 | 25 | 101-112 | 3 batteries (36 v) |
2. Do I need 36v or 24v for the trolling motor?
The voltage level indicates how powerful the trolling motor is. More voltage means a larger electric motor. You may also refer to the chart above for the voltage selection guide.
3. How to select the proper shaft length for the i-Pilot trolling motor?
Choosing the appropriate shaft length is important as it determines how the i-Pilot trolling motor performs in water. Here is a recommendation table to help you find the best fit:
| Bow to Waterline | Recommended Shaft Length |
| 0’’ to 10’’ | 36’’ |
| 16’’ to 22’’ | 43’’ to 45’’ |
| 22’’ to 28’’ | 48’’ to 52’’ |
| 28’’ to 34’’ | 54’’ to 72’’ |
4. Can I add i-Pilot to my trolling motor?
I-Pilot systems can only be added to selected Minn Kota trolling motor models, including the Terrova, Riptide Terrova (ST), PowerDrive, PowerDrive V2, Riptide PowerDrive (SP), and Ulterra.