Thinking of getting spot lock, but really hesitant to let go of the hands-free convenience of having a foot pedal. Looking at getting the motor's head changed out, but then it's only controlled by remote (as in, with your hands).
Anybody make the leap? Regrets? Never looked back?
I'm probably staying basic with it. No programming to following contours or anything, just basically spot lock and I think keeping it at a certain heading.
So I just bought a used boat and the guy I bought it from changed the head to have spot lock feature. I tried the pedal and it can only go straight will not turn left or right. I tried bu friends foot pedal that has spot lock and is a different style pedal and nothing. So am I stuck with always using the remote? I do lots of river fishing and jig with two rods so using the remote at all times stinks. Any suggestions or options for me to utilize a foot pedal? Thanks
262, you should buy a Ultrex. Has all the benefits and control of a cable drive pedal with a convenience of spot lock and remote control. I don;t use the key FOB all that often. I don't like it hanging around my neck and I hate having to look down and it to see which button to push. Spot lock is an absolute must have.
I have a older version terrova non Bluetooth i can i am never looking back. The spot lock is a game changer works great sitting on waypoint jigging for walleye or gills of changing lures without drifting way. I do keep the footpedal stored in front storage compartment just in case battery dies in remote but I keep extra battery in my tackle box so I will probably never use the footpedal. As far as casting for any species just record a track you want to cast and it automatically follows the track you just adjust the speed then it's pretty much hands free. The other settings to make casting easier i just haven't used them so I won't comment. The remote is perfect for trolling spinners rigs for walleye keeps the speed you select and just have to turn and then when your hooked up big spot lock and take your time landing the fish. I also use spot lock on rivers keeps you right on wing dam or a honey hole it handles current with ease. On lakes in 20+ wind spot lock has kept me on waypoint any anchor would not hold.
Remote only will depend on how you fish. When I got my Ulterra I tried the remote on my neck but since I cast a lot it was clumsy to keep using the remote as opposed to the foot pedal. I am a proponent of both and using the system that fits the application. I would not want to be without a foot pedal or remote. Spot lock is the absolute best thing ever invented It's nice to use it when changing rods or a different setup
I picked up a new boat this spring And I went with the terrova that has the spot lock and auto pilot along with the built in transducer for a basic helix 5 with sonar.
i have not regretted spending the extra money for either foot control or remote. I find myself using the remote more than the foot however, depends on the kind of fishing you do.
the spot lock is the cats meow !!!
I should have specified from the beginning... I have a PowerDrive (I think it's the V2 with bluetooth - not sure how the bluetooth fits in, but it's there!)
Middleton, if you want to private message me the info I'd be interested in hearing about it. I watched a few YouTube videos and it seems closest to what I'm looking for and simple enough to install that even a dummy like me could figure it out.
If you are interested and have PowerDrive V2, check out ProNav. I have one and it worked great. All the features of the ipilot link. You can keep your foot pedal. It has a remote too. Also allows you to map a course to follow a shore line or depth contour using Navionics app. I removed mine when I sold my boat and the buyer didn't understand it or want it. I have it up for sale now.
I just got e mail response from minn kota regarding almost exactly the same question. I have older terrova, pre 2017. I have hand remote with spot lock. I also have a corded foot pedal that has autopilot button but no spot lock button. I asked if I could hook up a new corded foot pedal that also has spot lock control.
I was told (no) on terrova models pre 2017.
Oh well. If I am using the foot pedal I will just have to keep the hand remote around my neck so I can spotlock if I so need.
Not the worst.
Thanks for the input. For me, the foot pedal is a must because I do a lot of work around docks and laydowns. Spot lock is more of a luxury for me than a necessity, but needing a whole new motor upgraded prices me out. Oh well! Looks like I'll stick with the ol' anchor on a rope.
Based on what you’ve described you have a power drive.
I went from a power drive to a Terrova and with a Terrova you can use the remote and a foot pedal at the same time. I primarily use the remote but am very glad to have the foot pedal available If I have to change course and my hands are tied up doing something else.
