MinnKota Co Pilot… It’s a Keeper!

  • jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    February 22, 2003 at 8:41 pm #1231964

    Got my Minnkota Co Pilot the other day. This is one sweet unit. Best thing to come along in a long time. This first pic shows the Co Pilot remote transmitter. Smaller than I first thought. Came complete with the battery installed. They claim the battery will last two full seasons before you need to replace.

    Installation was a breeze. Two screws and about three minutes and I was done! The receiver unit attaches to the outside panel of existing Auto Pilots and Power drives. Then simply plugs into the existing plug where your foot pedal plugs into.

    Before:

    After:

    The unit works with both the remote and the foot pedal. The foot pedal can be plugged in or left unplugged. I like the idea of being able to switch between both. Work the foot pedal with two poles in hand and keep control of the motor when in the back of the boat netting a fish.

    There is no way two Co Pilots can interfere with each other. The units have a programming function that allows each transmitter to be programmed to each unique receiver. Each receiver can have up to ten controllers. So unless you program the transmitter to the receiver, there is no way someone in another boat can “Take Over” your T-motor!

    Time will tell if the unit will hold up to water/wind/heat/cold/ice/ and general banging around! But MinnKota has been a pretty good product in the past. This unit comes with a 2 year warranty. Can’t wait to get it out on the water!

    Jon J.

    bt-eye
    Apple Valley, Mn (Pool 2)
    Posts: 352
    February 22, 2003 at 9:01 pm #252718

    I have to agree with Jon. I took a look at this unit at Jon’s and it’s simplistic design and options you have on where you can place the remote are good. My order is in for one. 3 minutes to install??? Sounds good to me!! More time on the Water Now all that matters is will it stand the test of time.

    Dave Koonce
    Moderator
    Prairie du Chien Wi.
    Posts: 6946
    February 22, 2003 at 9:04 pm #252719

    Hey Jon, whats the cost on the Co Pilot ?

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    February 22, 2003 at 9:09 pm #252720

    I paid $149.95 from Cabela’s. I also paid about $12.00 for shipping with some other stuff in the order too!

    Jon J.

    Dave Koonce
    Moderator
    Prairie du Chien Wi.
    Posts: 6946
    February 22, 2003 at 9:22 pm #252721

    Lookin at your great pix , It doesn’t look like I should have a problem taking my trolling motor off my boat each time I cover my boat.

    lundgeye
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 1209
    February 22, 2003 at 11:21 pm #252723

    When I installed mine the base section of the Minnkota gets about another inch fatter wit the Co-Pilot installed side-saddle. I tried mine for reception across the garage (36 feet) and it was turning the motor with ease just as directed . I just sent in the offer for another free transmitter (with $5 S/H) as a free promotion, can’t beat the deal.

    fireline
    Rochester
    Posts: 813
    February 23, 2003 at 2:18 am #252726

    Jon , what volt is your Co Pilot ,12 ,24, or 36 volt ? I would need a 24 volt for my boat . What thrust is it ? Thanks

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    February 23, 2003 at 5:28 am #252728

    My PowerDrive is a 24 volt. The CoPilot unit will work on all of the MinnKota Trolling motors regardless of the voltage.

    J.

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    February 24, 2003 at 3:30 am #252770

    Thanks for the report. Bill

    DeeZee
    Champlin, Mn
    Posts: 2128
    February 24, 2003 at 1:18 pm #252795

    Jon, Nice report!
    I would love to see a product review on this product once you get some good time on this unit and determine if there are any bugs to deal with or complications.

    Is there a chance you may drop this controller over board if not careful? Is there a velcro application for this or a belt loop hook or somewhere to put it when you stick a fish other than giving it a big heeve ho across t he back of the boat bny accident?

    Thanks for the report as well. Looks interesting!

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    February 24, 2003 at 1:37 pm #252796

    Minkota claims the remote unit will float. And yes, it came with a velcro strap so you can wear the remote like a watch. It also comes with a few holders you can strap to your fishing pole or whatever. Pretty cool deal.

    J.

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