pinpoint- can it hold you in one spot in wind?

[Joe]

I searched the archives and have read the brochures. I could find not find the answer to this question. Do they wonder around on flats? How are they for trolling? Please could someone give me a idea of what it is like to own and use one. Any recomendations as far as model would also be appreciated. I've heard good things but would like to hear them again. I have a '84 Lowe Lunker III (16' bass boat, alum V, 40hp Yam)and it feels strange to consider spending more on a trolling motor than I paid for the whole rig. TIA

[Mike_Jensen]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-07-00 AT 11:40AM (CST)[p]Joe
When you are on a flat the best way to run a Pinpoint Positioning Motor is in the manual mode, which is a lot like running a cable driven bow mount. One of the things that the Pinpoint does that most of the cable driven motors that I have had don't do is the motor stays pointed the same direction when you lift you foot off of the pedal. Most cable trolling motors that I have had will spin when a wave hits the bow, the Pinpoint being motor driven stays in place.
As far the economics of spending more money on a trolling motor than your boat-- Thats one I can't help you with! All I can say is try one you'll like it!

Mike

[Minnkotaguy(Mn)]

I have heard that Pinpoints wander around on flats and can't really handle the wind. MY advise would to go with a Auto Pilot or a Maxxum 101.

[Keef]

Pinpoints work, but like any piece of equipment they have limitations. They track slopes real well. Just switch to manual mode on flats. They cope quite well in windy weather, but strong side winds can blow the boat off track and the motor will hunt around in an attempt to find its set depth again.
I bought one last year not fully realising what a revelation it would be and how it would change my fishing. For example, what a great way to map out structure. Normal trolling misses out the nuances, all those bays and points along slope-breaks.
Try the bow mounted Pinpoint with a second trolling motor on the stern - works great. I even tried it with my main 4 stroke motor providing the power and the Pinpoint steering. Sit back and enjoy!

[Mike_Jensen]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-00 AT 10:51AM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-00 AT 10:49*AM (CST)

Autopilots do one thing- and that is keep the boat pointed in the direction you set it, and the head turns too slow to do a good job at that. A Pinpoint does so much more- Depth track, Shore track, Creek channel track, and use 65% less power than an Autopilot! They are not even close enough to compare!
Take it from someone who has owned 4 Autopilots go with the Pinpoint.
Mike

[Grampa_Joe]

Mike brings up a good point. I never had a 101, but I did have a 74# Minn Kota. I sometimes wouldn't make it through a full day on one charge. When I went to a Pinpoint the next year, I went 4 days between charges on the same boat.
As far as wandering on flats goes, it will do the same job any other trolling motor will do with the added benefit of being able to track the edge of said flat.
It does have a very low-profile pedal so you won't be standing one one leg all day like you would with your Maxxum and when you're depth tracking, you don't need your foot on the pedal at all. The Auto pilot is waay too slow to turn and a pain to stow.
As far as handling in the wind goes, it will turn as fast as a cable driven unit but like Mike said, when you take your foot off the pedal, it doesn't turn 90° on your. This is a huge plus in fishing current on the river as well.
-Joe

[N.D.]

If uou want to stay in one spot....Anchor!!
I've used a pinpoint now for coupla years and done a lot of flat fishing. It's like with any other piece of machinery, You have to learn to use it.
With wind and current any motor will challange your skills.
best.

[Joe]

Thanks for the information on the Pinpoint trolling motors. I just got back from doing a little night fishing. COLD. I spent most of my time trying to keep the trolling motor on depth. What a pain. I am going to spring for the Pinpoint. That way I can fish more. No, I did not catch anything. Used the spot light along the riprap 2-3 feet deep. Saw 2 smallmouth,5 rainbows, and 3 walleyes. Made it worth the freezing. Chatfield Res. Colorado.

[Ristorapper]

In no way do you need the 101 pound thrust as someone has mentioned beforehand for the rig you have mentioned.

I have a 17 foot pro sport alum boat and the 24 volt 60 # thrust the 3700 pinpoint has is great plenty for what I need. If you are thinking of getting another boat down the road get this pinpoint big enough for that rig so you can take it with you. On flats run in the manual mode, simple as that. Anything else let this tool do all the work and you concentrate on the fishing.

In the wind/current set it and forget it. the Pinpoint will compensate for the wind/change in current and keep you on track.

I was an auto pilot user too and have upgraded so the speak if you get my drift!! You'll enjoy it.

BW (ND)