MinnKota 74 AP, fast enough pedal response?

[Jim Ordway]

I am considering upgrading my cable 74 for the AP. One gentlemen mentioned that the problem with the AP and electric drive, is that it turns too slow and if you are working in waves along the shore or close to structure, you could have problems. How slow is slow?
Thanks for you input,

[Dutchman]

Jim, I've had several auotpilots and I think it's an adjustment from the cable drive models. The cable drive is more of a feel thing and the AP models are more of a sight thing, meaning that you have to look at where the head is pointing. The upside of this is with an AP the direction it's pointing is the direction that it will continue to go. They are fast, they'll spin right around on you if you lay on the peddle to hard and log. What I like best about the AP's is the hands free ability to keep control of the boat while boating a fish. You can boat a fish comforted with the knowledgs the boat will only go where you wanted it to go. Just my 2 cents...


"Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

[Kalin]

I have a PD that I have used for 2 years and really like it. I jig fish 95% of the time and dont have a problem with boat control or steering lag. The new PD and AP both say they have 40% faster steering response time so that should be plenty fast. Another thing I like is when the prop comes out of the water you dont have to worry about what direction its going to go back in where as higher power cable drive may whip around 90degrees. My .0002 worth

[DRICH]

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE MOUNT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE SHAFT WHEN LOCKED IN THE DOWN POSITION HAS TO MUCH SLOP IN IT. DOSE IT RATTLE OR MAKE NOISE .THAT IS WHAT CONCERNS ME ABOUT BUYING ONE. I WANT ELECTRIC STEER. DON'T LIKE HAVEING TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL ALL THE TIME. THANKS FOR THE INPUT.

[Dutchman]

Depends on how tough you are on them. Personally I bend the catch pin frequently, my Minnkota repairman provides me with spare parts, but I've gone to useing hardened bolts. I have yet to bend one of them. I also have to say that I'm one of the few people that beat these bowmounts to the point that this happens(according to Minnkota)
Once you have thrust on the slop disappears...

"Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

[buster]

It seems to me that if they used a pedal like the Genisis had you could tell where the motor is by foot feel because it acts lie a cable drive. Am I onto something or just on something?

[Toolman]

Jim,

I'm not sure of your main "style" of fishing, but unless you fish in heavy wind/current (like on the river) I don't think you will have any problem with the response speed. Sometimes you do have to check the direction of the head to confirm which way it is pointing, as the others have said. I troll alot and the hands/foot free operation and the co-pilot is worht it's weight in gold IMO. Even if you are position fishing on an inland water (like you may frequently do) I think it works very well. I just wish I got mine this year instead of last, I would have opted for the 74.

Tim

[Jim Ordway]

Ok, If I am getting this correctly:
1. The pedal response is quick, but just does not have the feel of cable.
2.Whenever you let off the pedal, it will continue in that direction and not spin back while bouncing around (as a cable unit can do)
3.Dependable, even with the additional motor that steers the unit.
Another question:
How much difference is the response time of using the pedal vs the handheld remote?
Thanks again,

[RDJ]

Hi Jim, I have to agree with the favorable posts above. I went from a 74# Maxxum on my last boat to a 65# AP on my current boat. I had the same reservations when I made the switch but the boat came with the motor factory rigged. I went as far as getting the dealer to agree to switch the AP for a Maxxum if I was not satisfied. I never made that call to him! I have a few peeves with the motors but the advantages far out weigh the minor negative things. In fact some of them are not even a problem now with the built in transducer. I don't like how you have to string the transducer cable on the "pre" built in models like mine and I did have the mother board go out at 3 mos. old but it was repaired under warranty no questions asked and has not given me a bit of trouble since. It is an awsome motor if you pull spinners or rig bait much. Like was said above, because the motor direction is actuator powered, the motor torque will not spin the head around when it comes out of the water or your foot leaves the pedal. I love being able to get up and grab something or go to the back and net a fish and still have the front rods fishing away and the boat staying on course!! As far as for holding over structure or prompt response, I feel this is no problem. I like to jig fish alot and I don't feel I have any problems staying on my target area or keeping the boat pointed where I want(Maybe I should ask my partners this before I spout off!!). Any how, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have not had any reason to or interest in switching back to a cable drive so far. In fact I am hoping to be able to buy a 74# AP with built in transducer and keep my 65# for a back up in case I have another break down at a tournament as occured last time. None the less, I say thumbs up to the AP..RJ in Montana

[Toolman]

Jim,

To answer your questions:
<1. The pedal response is quick, but just does not have the feel of cable.>
The pedal response is as quick as the servo motor turns the head. It will turn 180° in approximately 2 to 2 1/2 seconds. The "feel" difference relates to the fact that on a cable drive unit, you can "feel" with your foot what direction the motor is pointing by the foot pedal's position (tilt). The AP's pedal is an electronic control which never changes position. The Co-Pilot has an audible beep for each speed change speed change (10 levels) and two beeps for "off". When you adjust direction with either the foot pedal or co-pilot you can hear the servo motor turn. Serves as kind of a directional guidline without looking (you get a feel for it quickly).

<2.Whenever you let off the pedal, it will continue in that direction and not spin back while bouncing around (as a cable unit can do)>
When you let off the pedal, the motor stops and stays right there. In addition, if you have the AP activated, when you change the direction of the motor, the AP locks onto the "new" course (this works well for s-turn trolling in open water).

<3.Dependable, even with the additional motor that steers the unit.>
I don't think I've heard of a servo motor (which controls direction)
that has failed.

<Another question:
How much difference is the response time of using the pedal vs the handheld remote?>
Response time is identical, because both the foot pedal (through a cord) and the remote (through the wireless co-pilot) both run the servo motor.

If you have any more questions about the AP's operation or installation (I've done 2 of them now-one on an Sea Nymph aluminum boat and one on a Tracker glass) ask away here or e-mail me. I'd be happy to tell you all I know (shouldn't take long;))

Tim

[Jim Ordway]

Thanks to all who responded. I feel so confortable with your answers that I will give it a shot this year. As a back up, I will still have the maxxum 74 I will be taking of the boat.
Take care,
Jim O