Minn kota now...or spring?

[Sakakawea]

Looking at a new minn kota bow mount. should a guy buy now or this fall when things go on sale or is it wise to wait til spring? Is minn kota coming out with anything new for 2012?

[Jason Halfen]

The new MinnKota additions for 2012 include:

1. Updated i-Pilot accessory. The most significant enhancement to i-Pilot is the new remote. The LCD screen and function icons are 20 percent larger and the keypad has improved visibility, durability, and tactile feel. The new remote has a slimmer, more ergonomic design as well as an easy-access battery compartment. In addition, i-Pilot is now capable of storing a total of six Spot-Lock and six Record A Track locations compared to three locations each on the original version.

2. Updated Edge and Riptide SE models. Below is some information on the motor updates:

"The new motor mounts on the Edge and Riptide SE motors feature an extruded upper arm made from marine-grade anodized aluminum that is built for years of trouble-free use.

Along with the improved mount, the new Edge cable-steer motors feature a redesigned motor head that is constructed of highly impact-resistant, hybrid composite material for unmatched durability. The head also integrates a high-visibility directional indicator. And the ultra-responsive foot pedal is ergonomically designed for precise speed and steering control.

All Riptide SE motors are constructed to withstand the harsh environment of saltwater and the anodized aluminum upper arm is no exception. The motors also feature fully encapsulated electronics and a patented sacrificial zinc anode for added corrosion protection. Riptide SE motors also include Digital Maximizer technology that provides up to five times longer run time on a single charge.

Both the Edge and Riptide SE motors utilize a Latch & Door mounting system for easy removal of the motor for security and storage. Adding to their ruggedness, both models have a composite shaft that is guaranteed for life."

[3M TA3]

Buy in the spring. Your warranty will get you through an entire season or two that way and you wind up with the lastest gadgets.

3M TA3 i just bought a minn kota terrova with i pilot! Since jason said there are new 'gadgets' coming in 2012. What do you mean by winding up with the lastest gadgets with the warranty. I would like to have the six spot lock and six record a track feature.

Mountain spring

[Shellback]

Will the new remote be compatible with the previous I-Pilots, and is the extra anchor and route storage incorporated into the remote, or the head?

[teamlund]

now, last thing you are going to want yo do when you are itching to get the boat out inthe spring is to deal with finding a new bow mount and installing it. Even though its not a big deal, it will be one last thing to deal with in the spring.

[Jason Halfen]

Originally Posted by Shellback

Will the new remote be compatible with the previous I-Pilots, and is the extra anchor and route storage incorporated into the remote, or the head?

The new remote is backwards compatible with current head units. However, the combination of old head + new remote will not have the additional storage space that the new remote + new head unit will feature.

The new remote, when purchased separately, has an MSRP of $159.99.

[dtmg]

What does backwards compatable mean?

[Jason Halfen]

Originally Posted by dtmg

What does backwards compatable mean?

It means that the new remote will work with the current head unit.

[REW]

Jason,
Wait until spring.
Every day companies invent new things. Companies write new software.
Companies add features to existing units.

So, the general advice is to wait until the last possible moment to buy your new item because you will then have the item that is being put out by the company that has all of the companies latest developments for the item in question integrated into the unit.

When the word back wards compatible is used, it simply means that the latest item in a line of products will continue to function with older accessories and or software related items.

Many times, do to such large technical changes, it is in the companies best interest to NOT make an item backward compatible. That is, in some products due to the dramatic changes implemented in a newly developed product, it is not in the companies best financial interest to continue to support earlier releases, earlier accessories, or earlier software on a newly released product. If a company does that, it will generally clearly state that this newly released item is a stand a lone item that does NOT support older products.

Good luck
REW