Minkota AP 65 -- One more time

[MathMan]

I am strongly considering purchasing the reconditioned MK AP 65 from Cabela's Bargain Cave (as mentioned in several threads).

The question I have is it worth purchasing the new Universal Sonar Unit instead -- about a $350 question, get another year of warrenty, and some sort of rain coat (from Cabela's).

With my other trolling motors, the wiring for the sonar has always been a hassle. One side of me says that it is only money; but then again it is quite a bit of money.

Any thoughts?

MathMan

p.s. Even though I have read all of the previous posts, I still cannot decide on the 54" or 60". Last year I had the Maxxum 74 in a 52 inch shaft (after about six weeks somesort of circuit board went out and I sent it back to Cabela's). But the 52 inch shaft seemed to work fine for me. But for me, if the weather is real bad, I get off of the water -- no tournaments yet -- perhaps never. Also, my boat is part fishing and part family. So when the trolling motor is on the boat, I want to minimize the portion sticking in the boat (Lund Mr Pike 17).

So the question is -- 54 inch or 60 inch shaft?

[s.f.]

there simply is no such thing as 'too long'. the motor can be mounted
so it doesn't take up room in the boat and yet doesn't stick outside the gunwail.
#49

[Brian_MN]

Go with the 60, it will be there when you need it, even if it's only once in a great while. There's nothing worse than getting blown off a hot bunch of fish because your motor's coming out of the water.

[Czar]

Ditto on the 60" shaft. What the heck go with the built in transducer too. Don`t you deserve it? LOL.

[Brian]

If you are going to put a depth finder up front I would go with the built-in unit. I put a AP-65 on last year and the coax routeing is less than ideal. If you run the wire through the grab handle you will not be able to separate the trolling motor from the depth finder. On my boat the finder is hard wired through the carpeted area up front and it makes it impossible to take the motor off the boat which I would like to do for security sometimes. I have not heard any feedback good orbad about the built-in unit. As far as length of the shaft I went with the 54" on my 1850 Lund and in large waves the motor comes out of the water, it is not very often but it is annoying. I will do it right the second time and get the built-in transducer and the 60" shaft. I love the Auto Pilot system though.

Brian

[Atomic Eye]

An apparent disadvantage to the AP65 vs the Ap55 is the need for the former for 24 volts vs 12 volts for the latter. Any pro & con comments out there?

I'm interested because I just ordered a Lund Pro Sport 1675 with a 115 HP Suzuki with a MinnKota 55AP/G. I can still make last minute changes - any recommendations? Thanks.

Atomic Eye -- "Gone Fission!" or is that "Fish-on?"

[s.f.]

24 volt systems will give almost twice the battery life in 'on the water fishing time'. i have never run a 24v system down in the worst days, but the 12v system will be done in less than a half day in the same conditions.
#49

[RANGER]

Ditto!

[livebait]

Major plus on the new 65ap is the built in transducer, i will run a zercom lpg and a fl18 off the front of the boat and all I need do is unplug one and plug in the other for various applications, plus the fact ai have a backup that is easy to use if one of the two break down.
I have heard that Scheels will be doing some type of similiar special as what Cabelas is doing, perhaps a free moounting plate,wouldnt that be great since you cant use the older style ones.

fear no fish

[JimmerAB]

MathMan,

I run a 65AP with a 60" shaft on my 17 foot boat, which is also used as a fishing/family boat. I find the long shaft (and it is long) doesn't interfere with the people using the bow area when the motor is stowed. However, one of the best investments I made was a quick release bracket for the MK. If I decide to make more room in the boat for watersports, I can take the motor off in less than 2 minutes. The motor can be locked onto the bracket for security, but more importantly to me, it can be removed for security, travel, or winter.

I have used the MK in some rough water where the waves were washing over the bow, but the motor still stayed in the water at all times. Remember, you can always raise the shaft out of the water on calm days, but when it's rough out and there ain't no more, there ain't no more...And by the way, I love the motor! Hope I helped.

Jim

[MathMan]

Livebait:

What is fl18?

Also, what sort of special are you talking about from Cabela's?

Finally, should I know about Scheels -- is it catalog?

Thanks.

MathMan

[MathMan]

Livebait:

What is fl18?

Also, what sort of special are you talking about from Cabela's?

Finally, should I know about Scheels -- is it catalog?

Thanks.

MathMan

[Dave in Mpls]

MathMan-

The FL18 is a new flasher, manufactured by Vexilar.

http://www.vexilar.com/

Regards

[MathMan]

Thanks Dave -- That is what I thought. I have been considering purchasing one of the Vexlar units for ice fishing, but the price has be too much to justify (don't do a great deal of ice fishing). But if there was a "real" need for me to use it on my boat as, I could probably justify the cost.

How are people using the flashers on their boats?

MathMan

[netminder]

I have a pro v 1900 with a power drive 65lbs and 60" shaft. It's the same as the ap65 without the auto pilot. my boat is much deeper to the keel than a Mr Pike, and i think a 54" shaft would have been enough. When i asked Lund last spring what shaft length they suggested a 54". I bought the 60" because it was only $10 more. I do a lot of casting and don't like the motor sticking up a 12"-18" above the top of the fore deck, which I need to do when fishing shallow for pike, walleye or bass. The shaft can be cut down to what ever length you want very easily (remove the bolt holding on the head, disconnect the wires from the head, carefully cut the shaft with a hacksaw working around the shaft so you don't cut the wires, drill a new hole for the head bolt, & connect everything back up and that's it). Bottom line is if you get the 60" and you don't like it you can make it shorter. Making a 54" longer will cost you a bunch.

[rkemery]

Ditto on the longer shaft. Whenever in doubt go the longer. And without a doubt- go with the universal sonar. Screw the price, it will be very worth it. My only dilemma is deciding between PD/AP or cable drive Minn kota's. I like the Maxxum because I am used to it, however I want the universal sonar, but it is not available on a 12V Maxxum. All these important decisions. Life is grand when your most important decesion is choosing a trolling motor, huh?

[MathMan]

NetMinder: Do you think there will be enough for the wires, even for the new Universal Sonar models?

If there is no problem with making a 60" shaft into a 54" shaft, then it really is a no-brainer -- I should get the 60" shaft.

MathMan

[livebait]

The fl18 is a ral time flasher, great application would be verticle jigging and or mapping out a breakline, river chanel so on... with a gps system. Scheels is one of many sporting goods stores in the midwest. Personally i think Scheeels offers very similiar pricings with possibly more knowledge than a great deal of cabelas people. Just an oppinion. No catelog though.

fear no fish

[Calif Bill]

My 65 AP arrived yesterday. WOW, is this thing tall! looks perfect. Will maybe install it tomorrow if the weather gets to 50. Going to the San Francisco Boat show this afternoon after a job interview. Maybe I will be so up from looking at a job, that I will go crazy spending. Not! Still have to deal with the wife. ;)
Bill

[RANGER]

Bill,

Glad to hear it!! Congrats!!

Have you decide what mount to go with?

The reason I ask is that there is a post in another thread running here that mentioned adding an additional set of bolts and nuts (for a total of six) in the retractable/removable mount that I have been talking about and purchased. I hadn't responded to that post because I saw how it was setup when I removed the mount from the box and I had already gone out and bought another set for mine at the hardware. It may not NEED the extra set but my Engineering mind told me I needed them. This is the plate that you mount to your deck/gunnel not the one you mount to the motor.

[Dave in Mpls]

Yep - that 60" shaft makes for one long mother, doesn't it!

Good luck at the interview

Regards

[netminder]

You can check with Minkota but I had an older Autopilot and when the head is removed the wires coming up the shaft all pluged into the circuit board with blade connectors. I would think that the sonar wires are the same. I chose to not get the AP with the new motor because I didn't use it very often and even when it's on you still will need to make adjustments, and in choppy water it's almost useless because the compass that they use is not dampened to prevent it from spinning which will cause the motor to over correct badly. So far I haven't missed the AP and I saved a bit of money but thats me. If all you fish is smaller lakes it should be fine. One other thing, DON'T STOW IT WITH THE AUTOPILOT ON. It will destroy your stearing drive. Good luck.

[EsoxProSport]

Wow, this thread has been helpful. I also just purchased a 02 1675 Pro Sport, and am interested in the AP65 with 60 inch Shaft and a Removable Bracket. I also was thinking of using My Ice fishing FL 8 or maybe A Lowrance I have on the bow. Sounds like the Built in Transducer may be the best way to go. Although now we are talkin some big $$. C'Mon Tax Return!! Next Step.... can anyone say "Genesis"

Has anyone tried an FL8 on the bow? I know the FL18 has Bottom Lock which sounds like it would be obviously better.

[Calif Bill]

Job interview went well. May like the job I interviewed for yesterday better. Engineering medical equipment. Todays job, may consist of 40% travel, mostly to Japan. As to Rangers question, I bought the $59.95 retractable mount that you quoted the number for. Have not looked at the mount carefully yet. The mount bolts to the gunnel in the front that is about 3/16 thick alum. I have a version of the thick Northwest whitewater boats. Will look at the mounting, to wee if I need extra bolts.
Bill

[Pie Eye]

Hi all. Just wanted to add my two cents. After "lurking" around this topic for a while, I ordered one of the reconditioned 65 AutoPilots with the 60 inch shaft from Cabelas. The motor showed up today and like all the others have said, it looks brand new with the exception that one blade of the prop was broken off. I called Cabelas and told them it was damaged in shipping and they are sending out a new prop, No questions asked. Still seems like a great deal to me!

Pie

[perchjerker]

Excellent! Another member for the club!
Our next meeting will be at your place, have the beer and pizza waiting. My co-chairman Ranger will get all the details from you.

Seriously, Cabelas is a real good place to deal with. In 20 or so years, I cant remember 1 problem with them.

Heres a staggering stat:

When they opened up their store in Dundee, Mi, there was a lot of press about it. One thing I read was they send out something like 25 million catalogs a year!

[walley wizard]

i have a 19' targa with a 60" 65 ap . if you buy the mounting kit you can remove the motor from your boat completely and easily anytime you want,wich is great when just pleasure boating with the family or trailering. good luck!