TP13 Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 I have a older model 2200v that the old motorguide tm has giving out. I like the idea of the newer gps trolling motors but have heard different things about the use of them and how necessary it is to spend the money. Depending on the type of fishing that you do, ( I do bay and marsh) what’s the consensus on type of trolling motor: gps versus non gps? Is it that useful? Full disclosure i do have a powerpole. Just looking for what most people do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 There is no question that “spot lock” is a game changer. The question you need to ask yourself is if a self deploying model is worth the extra money and reliability issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 ^^^^^what he said^^^^^^ I will never go back to non gps TMs. I personally dont like the self deploying ones. The down side of the GPS versions is that if the remote is dead, so is your fishing day (They really should have a manual back up option!) and you exacerbate that with the ulterra. But spot lock and heading lock literally will catch you more fish because you have your hands on the rod more often instead of fiddling qith the TM, and we all know that fish watch for you to get distracted before they bite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 What they said and add a foot control as a backup to the remote. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROZEN Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 What they said ⬆️.........ever throw an anchor in the bay, where it’s too deep for the PP? You won’t ever again with spot lock! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FINCHASER Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 Spot lock mandatory for me.... 3rd most important thing on my boat (hull is #1, outboard is #2) However it depends on what type of fishing YOU do as to which is best. If you use a TM mainly to run banks fish, around docks etc hand control is better... much easier to adjust course and steer with the right extension handle. When I ran one I rigged it on a foot switch and could step on it to power on and bump the extension handle with a knee or hip to control the boat even when fighting a fish. If you anchor up most of the time (in water to deep for PP) then the spot lock option is the way to go and worth every penny and even the aggravation at times (when they break) I hate at times having to fumble for a remote and hit multiple buttons to move the boat... if you are fighting a fish its just about impossible to stay tight with one hand off the reel handle to use the remote but in my case most of my fishing time is spent on something I dont have to do that often. I havent tried the foot control yet but plan too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 Finchaser posted just as I was typing and his post make perfect since. I'm in the same boat is PT13. My hand control trolling motor will need replacing soon. If you don't have manual steering don't you spend a lot of time using the remote? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanjj Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 I put a Minn Kota I- Pilot 110 lb 36 V on my 22 PF and have thoroughly enjoyed it for the past three years. It does not self deploy but is very easy to , but the gps spot lock is a game changer. No regrets. I went with 36 volts because we have a 6 ft tide difference between low and high and the current really gets moving....not sure I needed 36v, but it has been wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotthereelworld Posted August 28, 2019 Report Share Posted August 28, 2019 The spot lock is a game changer from a fishing aspect. I've got a Minn Kota Terrova, which has been great on my RF18, until it broke. I was recently pretty disappointed with Minn Kota's customer service after the motor crapped out at four months old. They were willing to fix it on their dime, but I had to wait till an authorized dealer in my area had the chance to look at it, which at its shortest was 10 days out, not ideal for a fishing guide in the middle of the season. There were suggestions from them that I buy another back up motor, certainly not what I wanted to hear. I could have easily fixed the issue myself and been back on the water if they had just sent me the part. Just something to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TP13 Posted August 29, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2019 Thanks guys. I was hoping to not have to give $2k for one. But I had a feeling that was going to be the sentiment. I wont get into the whole MK VS MG debate. But glad to know it’s that important. A lot of people here have the MK, have seen some good reports on the MG. Will have to start researching I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted August 29, 2019 Report Share Posted August 29, 2019 I would never run a tiller again. Run twin PPs and still use spot lock but love the remote. Left both MG and MK for Rhodan. Remotes about size of your vehicle remote and motor is quieter, stronger and GPS is superior to both the Ms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 29, 2019 Report Share Posted August 29, 2019 Ulterra for me 100%..... I had one for many years with a few problems....board went bad on the on/off switch and a few other items...but, in general, i love the idea of hitting it click click, goes down and i point it to a fishing point 100 yards away....i get my gear ready, have a cold one or stogie lit up and by that time, i'm fishing....same thing on heading out..... I use only DEKA 27's, I keep them 100% charged after each trip, i use my circuit breaker when charging.... DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubble Posted August 29, 2019 Report Share Posted August 29, 2019 Same as Dino. I have the self deploy 36v for my Pathy. I've often worried about mechanical issues but so far so good. It really does change the game for boat positioning. Not much work involved at all. My buddies have the manual deploy. It's fine too. We both have the foot control. I love it because I don't have to fiddle with a hand control that may be in my pocket, hanging from my belt or around my neck. Ever tried to fight a fish, and position the boat in a swift current around obstructions while looking for the remote? Just look down and tap spot lock with your foot and run around the boat all you need to. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeK Posted August 29, 2019 Report Share Posted August 29, 2019 I wouldn't exchange my self deploying Ulterra for anything. I installed it early this summer and it's definitely a game changer. My dad (used to old-school setting anchors kind of fishing) keeps saying how I'm "cheating" with that thing ;-). Keep in mind, though, the base is gigantic on that thing. I had to move my deck cleat on my 2008 RF16 (mounted two new pop-up cleats on each side of the bow instead) in order to get it mounted correctly where it wouldn't get ripped off if I missed my trailer slightly when loading/unloading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 30, 2019 Report Share Posted August 30, 2019 On 8/29/2019 at 11:56 AM, rubble said: Ever tried to fight a fish, and position the boat in a swift current around obstructions while looking for the remote? Just look down and tap spot lock with your foot and run around the boat all you need to. I dont catch that big a feeeesh dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finbully Posted August 30, 2019 Report Share Posted August 30, 2019 On 8/28/2019 at 8:16 PM, TP13 said: Thanks guys. I was hoping to not have to give $2k for one. But I had a feeling that was going to be the sentiment. I wont get into the whole MK VS MG debate. But glad to know it’s that important. A lot of people here have the MK, have seen some good reports on the MG. Will have to start researching I guess. MK v MG I highly recommend you consider Rhodan before buying either of the above. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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