24V Autopilot reliability.

[Hoppertunist]

I did some searches on 24V Minnkota Autopilot performance and saw some reliability issues specific to the 24V model. There hasn't been much posted since then on how well they are doing. How do you like your 24V Autopilots, especially with the remote steering now? What do you do with 16ft of cable when you want to run it from the back of the boat? I see that and would suspect I'd be tripping all over it. Do you run it down the gunwales to get it off the floor? Does the remote steering still keep the Autopilot enabled, just changing direction?

I currently own a 24V Motorguide Autoguide with the RF pedal('98 model), the one that they had to quit making due to the Minnkota lawsuit. Worked well for 6 years but my pedal has given up the ghost and parts are no longer available since they only made them for a few months. I really liked the cordless control and the autosteering, hate to give it up. I haven't heard any new dates on release for the new Pinpoint, don't know what the capabilities will be. I'm without a motor in the middle of summer and have to say I don't like it! Need to make some decisions soon. Your advise would be appreciated.

Hopper

[perchjerker]

[b]I have a AP65. It has worked fine. The footpedal will over ride the autopilot function and go in the new direction you have set.

As far as tripping over the cable and what do you do with it, I leave mine coiled up in the bow. I use a Co-pilot wireless remote, so the cord is a non-issue. The cord is actually 18 ft, before I had the co-pilot I just ran it along the gunnel, it didnt get in the way much, ever from the back of the boat. But the co-pilot is worth its weight in gold. (actually, it may be worth more, the remote is as light as a feather)

[Das Boot 3]

I have a 65AP with co-pilot on my SF1850 and have no complaints. Just like PJ, I think the co-pilot is a major happiness factor with this unit. You get spoiled quickly once you get one.
BD3

[Hoppertunist]

After using my RF footpedal for 6 years I know what you are talking about. Hopefully having to stop casting/reeling to tweak direction won't be a disadvantage over the footpedal.

Hopper

[rebelrn2001]

I am curoius about this lawsuit you spoke of. I had a Motorguide RF controled unit on my old Lund. This would be about back in 1997. It almost killed me. It suddenly quit working while on MAX and took me directly into a big concrete pillar on the Fox River in De Pere, WI. I called Motorguide to tell them and the guy said "do you have an aluminum boat?", I said 'yes' and he said "well, there you go, they sometimes interfere with the signal". They never ask what kind of boat you own when you go to buy one!!! I'd appreciate any further info you could supply. I am just curious, not looking to sue anyone.

[perchjerker]

I thought the lawsuit was over copyright infringement over the auto pilot, not the rf control.

And Hpooer, if you get the co-pilot, it comes with brackets you can mount to the handle of your rod, so you can control the unit and still fish with the same hand. It works out great. I have one on a spinning rod and the other on a baitcaster.

[Hoppertunist]

I've had mine on an Aluminum Smokercraft Phantom 17ft since '98. At times it would have trouble shooting a signal through a large object (like my wife or a battery or something) but otherwise performed flawlessly until now.

Hopper

[perchjerker]

careful what you say about you wife...;-)

[Huck]

I have a 65AP,Co-Pilot on a 19' CC I have problems with AP going krazy in rough water or when crossing wake of other boat or no reason at all,sent back to MinnKota and they found problem and fixed. The AP does the same thing as if nothing had changed. Many others on here have had the same problem.Anyone I have talked to have had problems with AP. The co pilot is great, I guess I will just put up with problems with AP when it works it's great. I'm not sure it's a fixable problem and I'm not ready to spend another 35$ sending it back to them.Also everything else has been checked out,everything all new,Batterys wireing breakers etc. Huck

[eagle_a1]

Perchjerker is right on the money on this issue, all I can say is to his reply is "Ditto". I also have the 65AP w/60"shaft and Co-Pilot and Universal Sonar. I don't even uncoil the cable anymore.Go get it and you won't be sorry, right PJ.........??