View Full Version : MinnKota AutoPilots
Now that I have found that the Genesis are both hard to find and do not work, can anyone share their thoughts on the newer autopilots? It is going to be either a Maxxum or AutoPilot. Any first hand experiance that you care to share would be greatly appreciated.
Quicksilver
05-21-2002, 09:14 AM
I've got a new MK Autopilot....AP65 with 54" shaft and built-in sonar transducer. It's on a Ranger 692 and I use the Lowrance X-85. I've previously had Motorguide units.
(+)holds course well, even in wind. Motor is strong and seems to use battery juice judiciously. Pretty easy to deploy.
(-)vibrates at higher speeds, especially when it turns slighly to the right. I believe that is related to the less-than-rigid composite shaft. It's a pain to stow, especially if you have any back problems. You have to lift, pull and twist it at the same time. My previous motors had the Gator Mount and that was easy compared to the MK Autopilot. I had lot's of problems with RF interference in my X-85. The dealer installed a ground wire in the shaft that I attach to the negative terminal on my #1 trolling motor battery. That pretty much took care of the problem.
Good fishing.
I have the same unit on my new boat. So far I like it. I have the X-51, and it works just fine with the Universal Sonar transducer on the motor. Last Saturday, I fished a muskie tourney. It was quite windy. The AP65 had plenty of power, the auto pilot functioned flawlessly, and after probably running at level 4 for 8 of the 10 hours on the water, I was plesently surprised that my batteries retained almost full charge. Lights on the charger went out after only a short time after I plugged it in. Very easy on the batteries. My first Auoto Pilot, and I am impressed with it so far.
Tight Lines All,
Shep
fishhogg
05-21-2002, 02:52 PM
Joe,
What boat are you going to put this on? What kind of fishing do you do? (ie: trolling, rigging, jigging, etc.) This will make a difference.
I use an AP65 with a 60" shaft on my LUND 1800 PRO-V, roughly a 1500lb hull without all the goodies. It does a wonderfull job of controlling my boat. I use it to troll, rig, jig, anything it takes to put walleyes in the boat!
I don't know how it would fair with a heavier hull? I have a buddy that has one on his LUND PRO-V 1900 LE and he swears by his. But he is mostly a troller on great lakes.
Send me an email with specific questions. By the way I am not sponsored by Minn Kota.
Keep your hook sharp!
reddog
05-22-2002, 10:30 PM
There are some issues with the 65 AP as you can see on the general discussion board,
http://www.walleyecentral.com/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=18155&forum=generaldiscussion&viewmode=threaded
Even with some issues, I wouldnt trade mine.
perchjerker
05-23-2002, 02:41 AM
I have a recond. AP 65 60" I got from Cabelas a few months ago.
It has been just fine so far. My favorite use for it has been using it along with my kicker for steering while trolling. Love the 18 ft cord, the response from the steering is right now.
The only thing I dont like is stowing it. Its awkward with having to grab the head, sliding that bottom heavy unit up and twisting it to lock it in the bracket. I wish they would have put some kind of hand hold on the head, maybe a large ring or something to grab. I also wish it had a on off switch for the AP on the foot control.
Havent had any of the problems described in the other thread (yet).
Cangl
05-23-2002, 08:24 PM
If your right handed try and mount it with the head coming back to your right shoulder, makes it easier to deploy and store. The stronger arm will have to pull and push down while turning it sideways into the cradle. Left handed go left with them. Silicone cradle, shaft and power head helps also. Ran mine right up on the pilings and breakwall with a cabin cruiser roller while being towed by a smallmouth. Bent the shaft to the hull and the flexible shaft pushed the boat back off the breakwall! Did not even bust or bend the prop.
With the second one New lined it up in a stump field put it in high and went right through it and that shaft and prop bend left right and up and down and walked through it! Guy I was fishing with about had a stroke. What are you doing? Its new! I was just testing it that's all. }> That prop is indestructable and virtually weedless.
perchjerker
05-26-2002, 08:30 AM
Cangs-
Thanks for the tip about the silicone.
When I was out yesterday I also found out its easier if I pull the motor straight out of the water first before trying to tip it.
PS did real good again in the river yesterday.