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Nov 23, 2022 18:19:15   #
NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA
 
My new Minn Kota PowerDrive 70 with I-Pilot shipped yesterday. Anyone willing to share some installation advice/tips will be greatly appreciated.

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Nov 23, 2022 18:42:10   #
J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
My new Minn Kota PowerDrive 70 with I-Pilot shipped yesterday. Anyone willing to share some installation advice/tips will be greatly appreciated.


Did you get the installation plate that makes it removable?

It’s just a matter of 4 bolts that install it to the deck without that plate. My boat is all aluminum so it was super simple. With a fiberglass bass boat I’m sure it’s a little more difficult but well within your abilities.

The I-pilot and spot lock are ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGERS!! Makes fishing so much easier when the boat drives itself. I barely know how to use mine and I love it!!!

Tight lines
J

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Nov 23, 2022 18:58:00   #
Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
My new Minn Kota PowerDrive 70 with I-Pilot shipped yesterday. Anyone willing to share some installation advice/tips will be greatly appreciated.


I put mine on a removable slide mount too Steve. I wanted to take it off for the winter, so I could draw my cover tighter. You don't have winter so you don't need it. If you're lucky you'll be able to use some of the holes from your old one. If not, seal them up good to keep water out. Just double check your positioning before drilling any holes. Good luck, and take some pictures.

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Nov 24, 2022 03:20:01   #
NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA
 
J in Cleveland wrote:
Did you get the installation plate that makes it removable?

It’s just a matter of 4 bolts that install it to the deck without that plate. My boat is all aluminum so it was super simple. With a fiberglass bass boat I’m sure it’s a little more difficult but well within your abilities.

The I-pilot and spot lock are ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGERS!! Makes fishing so much easier when the boat drives itself. I barely know how to use mine and I love it!!!

Tight lines
J


Thanks J.... I'm excited to use this trolling motor. I have my fingers crossed that autopilot will make a difference in the wind.

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Nov 24, 2022 03:32:30   #
NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA
 
Fredfish wrote:
I put mine on a removable slide mount too Steve. I wanted to take it off for the winter, so I could draw my cover tighter. You don't have winter so you don't need it. If you're lucky you'll be able to use some of the holes from your old one. If not, seal them up good to keep water out. Just double check your positioning before drilling any holes. Good luck, and take some pictures.


Awesome tip right there Fred. I didn't even think about filling the old holes. Now I'll be sure to have what I need before I start. Thank you sir!
I didn't order the removable plate as I don't see why I'd need one. Going to stick with Lead Acid batteries for now as mine are less than a year old. I was also surprised to read from Minn Kota that running your trolling motor above 85% of max speed with Lithium batteries will cause the motor to fail sooner. I'd never heard that before.

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Nov 24, 2022 07:57:45   #
Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
Awesome tip right there Fred. I didn't even think about filling the old holes. Now I'll be sure to have what I need before I start. Thank you sir!
I didn't order the removable plate as I don't see why I'd need one. Going to stick with Lead Acid batteries for now as mine are less than a year old. I was also surprised to read from Minn Kota that running your trolling motor above 85% of max speed with Lithium batteries will cause the motor to fail sooner. I'd never heard that before.


You're welcome Steve. That's right, you don't need the quick release. I never heard that either, but I wonder if it's because the voltage doesn't drop, until they're dead? They're nice, but the technology isn't quite there yet, with the" bursting into flames " thing still happening . If I was gonna upgrade I'd probably go to Mat, or Gel types, and even those are expensive.

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Nov 24, 2022 13:40:13   #
woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
Thanks J.... I'm excited to use this trolling motor. I have my fingers crossed that autopilot will make a difference in the wind.


Huge difference, it just keeps the boat going where you point it. My wife's first comment on the Terrova I got the first time we tried the auto pilot in a really hard wind was "I don't know what you paid for this thing but it's worth every penny".

We fought keeping the boat going straight manually and were about to give it up, I didn't think the AP had a chance in this serious level of wind but figured what the heck, let's try it.

Gamechanger, makes fishing a different experience...you can fish instead of piloting the boat.

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Nov 24, 2022 13:47:24   #
woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
Awesome tip right there Fred. I didn't even think about filling the old holes. Now I'll be sure to have what I need before I start. Thank you sir!
I didn't order the removable plate as I don't see why I'd need one. Going to stick with Lead Acid batteries for now as mine are less than a year old. I was also surprised to read from Minn Kota that running your trolling motor above 85% of max speed with Lithium batteries will cause the motor to fail sooner. I'd never heard that before.


I haven't heard that either, in fact Minn Kota represents that lithium is far better for the motor because it delivers exact voltage without any drop right up until they quit. Deep cycle batteries can be run until depleted, but they won't last as well if you do it, they actually need to be charged before being drained...and the voltage drops as the charge goes down, which is very hard on the motor.

I have a pair of 120AH that I have run hard all day and still had power left. I have checked to see if they are getting warm and they don't even get mildly warm. I also check the cable and have upgraded the guage.

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Nov 24, 2022 13:55:55   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
Thanks J.... I'm excited to use this trolling motor. I have my fingers crossed that autopilot will make a difference in the wind.


It will make a major difference in the wind. When mounting it, check the movement both up and down. I had to make some major modifications to my rail, and make a mounting platform to clear the anchor. Note: My boat is not a bass boat. I will try to get photos later today. The two greatest additions to my fishing experience are 1. a boat (60 years ago) and 2. my spot lock trolling motor (one year ago). I bought an optional foot pedal with mine. After my first trip, that pedal sits in my garage. I just use the remote hung on a neck lanyard. It does take a bit of a learning curve, but I had the normal operating stuff down in no time. I am still learning new stuff that I can do with it every trip. My boat is a 17 foot klamath, a fairly light boat with high freeboard that blows in the wind easy. Even with that, I have deliberately pushed the motor pretty hard, using spot lock for over 3 hours and the autopilot most of the day. I still had enough power to troll at .8 mph for kokanee half of the second day with my 70 hp 24 volt Terrova. I have Walmart marine batteries to run the 24 volts. Two primary and two backup. The 4 batteries are worth the extra weight in the boat as I have backup and can charge 2 overnight at the RV when docked at a no power marina. If you do that, get a quality cart to tote the batteries. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.

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Nov 24, 2022 14:00:49   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
bapabear wrote:
It will make a major difference in the wind. When mounting it, check the movement both up and down. I had to make some major modifications to my rail, and make a mounting platform to clear the anchor. Note: My boat is not a bass boat. I will try to get photos later today. The two greatest additions to my fishing experience are 1. a boat (60 years ago) and 2. my spot lock trolling motor (one year ago). I bought an optional foot pedal with mine. After my first trip, that pedal sits in my garage. I just use the remote hung on a neck lanyard. It does take a bit of a learning curve, but I had the normal operating stuff down in no time. I am still learning new stuff that I can do with it every trip. My boat is a 17 foot klamath, a fairly light boat with high freeboard that blows in the wind easy. Even with that, I have deliberately pushed the motor pretty hard, using spot lock for over 3 hours and the autopilot most of the day. I still had enough power to troll at .8 mph for kokanee half of the second day with my 70 hp 24 volt Terrova. I have Walmart marine batteries to run the 24 volts. Two primary and two backup. The 4 batteries are worth the extra weight in the boat as I have backup and can charge 2 overnight at the RV when docked at a no power marina. If you do that, get a quality cart to tote the batteries. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.
It will make a major difference in the wind. When... (show quote)


I forgot to mention, be sure to use adequate size wire for the run to the batteries including propers size splices and connections.

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Nov 25, 2022 02:11:32   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
Here are the photos I said I would try to get in an earlier post.









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Nov 25, 2022 07:55:57   #
NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA
 
woodguru wrote:
I haven't heard that either, in fact Minn Kota represents that lithium is far better for the motor because it delivers exact voltage without any drop right up until they quit. Deep cycle batteries can be run until depleted, but they won't last as well if you do it, they actually need to be charged before being drained...and the voltage drops as the charge goes down, which is very hard on the motor.

I have a pair of 120AH that I have run hard all day and still had power left. I have checked to see if they are getting warm and they don't even get mildly warm. I also check the cable and have upgraded the guage.
I haven't heard that either, in fact Minn Kota rep... (show quote)


The article I read on the Minn Kota web site said it has something to do with trolling motors being engineered and designed for use with lead acid batteries. It didn't get more specific than that but it implies that it is applicable to all manufacturers. I'm going to see if I can find it again.

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Nov 25, 2022 08:02:54   #
NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA
 
bapabear wrote:
I forgot to mention, be sure to use adequate size wire for the run to the batteries including propers size splices and connections.


Thanks for the info and Happy Thanks giving to you and yours. My boat has 2 pairs of 6 guage wire already pulled. I'm worried about the connector that's on it for the Edge 45. Doesn't look as big as the one in your pics.

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Nov 25, 2022 12:54:30   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
Thanks for the info and Happy Thanks giving to you and yours. My boat has 2 pairs of 6 guage wire already pulled. I'm worried about the connector that's on it for the Edge 45. Doesn't look as big as the one in your pics.


I expect you will have to put a larger plug on as your 6 gage wire will likely not fit in the female side. I just cut the old plug off and bought a bigger one on. Though the plug is three prong, I just left one prong empty. It is a quick switch. I have absolutely no heat problems. Enjoy

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Nov 25, 2022 13:01:16   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
NoCal Steve wrote:
The article I read on the Minn Kota web site said it has something to do with trolling motors being engineered and designed for use with lead acid batteries. It didn't get more specific than that but it implies that it is applicable to all manufacturers. I'm going to see if I can find it again.


I like my lead acid batteries. I can by three sets for the dost of one and the boats 12 volt four bank charger did not have to be replaced. I just put in a battery switch to isolate the batteries for charging when a/c power is available.

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