Does anybody make a unit that

[KlassAct - Rich Ziert]

Does anybody make a trolling motor unit that is somehow able to automatically follow a set depth pattern (not just compass direction) ? Maybe I'm in the wrong building here and should also ask this of depth finder folks. . . or even get GPS involvement.

In any event, wouldn't that be cool. How much would you pay for such a unit ?

[went522]

Motorguide PTSv.

BIRDDOG

[KlassAct - Rich Ziert]

http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=125,58271&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

[ShadBuster UL]

Are these motors any good? Most people on this site use a Minnkota. What is wrong with this motor? In other words if this motor was any good I would think that somebody would be bragging about this motor! I do like the idea of contour following. Lets hear someone speak up! I am a contour troller and I would love to buy this thing if it actually was the bomb!

[ShadBuster UL]

I would pay about $1500 for such a unit or more if it actually worked. If you could add a board/electronics to the Minnkota AP that would be the way to go.

[l]

1st they are pricy. 2nd, Pinpoint introduced them and there was some reliability issues with the Pinpoint version. Motorguide bought Pinpoint. You can find a few threads with feedback from owners if you do an advanced search in Boats-Motors.

My impression is some current user's absolutely love them and are repeat customers but there are some that have had problems.

Regards

[ShadBuster UL]

I did not find the posts that you were talking about. I did the search and no love for the Motorguide.

[Ristorapper]

Running my second Pinpoint since '98. First one was around $1100 and the second was a used one for $200 including a 7520 graph. Wouldn't trade my current unit for the world!!

Anyway as others have said, that technology is now in the Motorguide PTSv units and they are available most anywhere. I've heard good and bad about the motorguide PTSv just as we all have heard about the Pinpoints of old. Seems kinda hit and miss.

All I can say is try not to abuse them up on the bow there; like busting big waves, slamming it into its cradle or down into the water, ect. There is a lot of electronic gear in that motor and can't blame it if it doesn't work if you don't treat it nicely!! I have a very light aluminum hull and will get beat to death if I go out in wind and I think that is part of the reason why my Pinoint units have outlasted most others. We don't do a lot of bouncing around if you know what I mean. I don't think the NEW motorguide PTSv is any different.

[ShadBuster UL]

Two questions. How well does the contour following feature work? For instance, if I am running 5 colors of lead out of the back on 6 boards, I want my turns to be gradual. I don't want any fast tight turns. Will the Motorguide do this for me? Secondly how does Motorguide do on warranty work and repairs? Thanks for your response as I have not heard much about this motor. Does this motor have a remote control? Also can I turn the contour following off and use the compass? How well does the compass do?

[ShadBuster UL]

Two questions. How well does the contour following feature work? For instance, if I am running 5 colors of lead out of the back on 6 boards, I want my turns to be gradual. I don't want any fast tight turns. Will the Motorguide do this for me? Secondly how does Motorguide do on warranty work and repairs? Thanks for your response as I have not heard much about this motor. Does this motor have a remote control? Also can I turn the contour following off and use the compass? How well does the compass do?

[walleyesrus]

yes to the remote control no to the compass. We use them to contour troll leadcore and they work excellent you still want to use your main method of steering your kicker to make some adjustments as the ptsv may take you places you don't want to go but for spinner fishing it will also show you contours you never knew were there. I liken using my ptsv as hiring a guide for the day it runs the boat leaving me free to run the rods tie line ect. The biggest key is to follow the instructions on how to set your straight ahead if that gets off it won;t follow contours correctly also adjust your steering speed higher for windier conditions. Like most things in the right hands they are a tool in the wrong hands a nuisence.

[l]

Advance search - Boats-Motors, subject & message for: Motorguide PTS

Lots of detailed info. This was the 1st hit but there was a bunch of others: http://www.walleyecentral.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=6&topic_id=264814&mode=full

You contour troll with 6 leadcore lines with 5 colors each on boards? interesting - you can find info on how they respond to sharp turns and your remote question if you read enough of the hits in the suggested search.

I think there are different contour following features or you can turn it off and have a regular trolling motor. No compass/AP Minnkota owns that technology.

Good Luck

[ShadBuster UL]

Thanks for the info.