Have any staffers been running these? I have had a few potential customers asking about them but I don’t have any first-hand knowledge. I run a 55PD and really like it myself.
Thanks,
Wade
NOTE: This post was originally started in the staff forums but we moved it to the public forums so everyone might benefit.
Sorry Wade, I have a 65lb auto pilot. Both should be good choices. Biggest factor being whether or not they like the auto pilot feature. In my honest opinion the Auto Pilot feature is over rated, I would not pay the extra money for it on my next rig.
I know it’s not a lot of info for you but that’s about all I can tell you I guess 
Check out this post Wade.
Dustin and Steve, thank you both. I never saw that thread before Steve. Interesting. I have had the opportunity to fish with Ryan and observe the autopilot. For pulling spinners/lindy on Okoboji it was pretty nice to have.
My understanding is that the 74lbs thrust is a new option in the AP and PD models. I’m thinking the extra thrust might be appealing to river anglers??? We just started carrying Minn Kota and I have to admit that I do not have the level of knowledge I would like to have when it comes to trolling motors. It’s really nice to have a group of knowledgeable staffers to field questions. I really appreciate it guys!
Wade, I have ran PD’s and auto pilots plus maxxum 74s. Here is my take on all three. First off 74lbs of thrust will handle most every situation be it current or wind. it takes a pretty hard blow to defeat 74lbs of thrust.
The power drive performance is fine but if you want quick response go with the maxxum. As far as auto pilot goes, I agree with Dustin. The most it was used in situation fishing was to hold the boat somewhat in place while baiting a hook or netting a fish. Auto pilot works fine under ideal conditions but frankly those conditions are few and far between.
Wade
I just put a new 74lb thrust on my new rig this year have not used it but it will be a nice unit. and as far as the AP goes I love it I had the AP on both of my boats prior to last year and had no problems rain wind or shine the AP did exactly what it was suppose to do. last year I only had a PD and truely missed the AP Feature.
Thank you Don! Good info.
Anybody use the Wireless Copilot? Is that a worthwhile option. I had a customer from California order a PD and the Copilot instead of getting the AP. It’s cheaper to get a PD and a Copilot than it is to buy the Autopilot in the same model. Wireless control from anywhere in the boat sounds tempting, but what’s the track record on these? Thanks for the feedback.
Hey Wade,
I run a co-pilot on my 65PD, while it is no AP…it does have some awesome features…I can sit in the back of my boat and without the cable running thru the bottom of the boat I can run the bow mount…
I’ve never run an AP but sometime ….
Thanks Dave! Sounds like you’d recommend the Copilot. Good to know! 
I’ll give the co-pilot the thumbs up too. I would not recommend attaching it to a fishing pole or wearing it like a watch however. Just a nice accessory to have in hand when you jump off the foot pedal to net a fish, get bait etc. I keep one in my pocket or laying around and the other I have attached to my steering wheel.
Bass and Walleye boats magazine has a write up in their current issue. Good info for a prospective customer.
J.
Thanks Jon! 
Does that mag. have a website?
Wade I have the auto pilot 65 and I really do like it so far. I say so far as I have not used it alot but I do plan on spending alot more time in the front of the boat this year than I normally do. Its really a nice feature to have. Some people prefer to save the money and not have it like I did on my trolling motor I had before but after having it I glad I do have it.
Thanks, Bill
I have heard more people complain about the AP than compliment it. I have heard horror stories and I’m sure you could do a search on this website to read some of them…
Jon, Bill, & Dave – Thank you!
Trying to watch the Super Bowl and get some work done. I’m having a hard time getting into this game for some reason…
well i took a nap during the game !! 
What game? Oh, that game. I’d rather fish the site. Can’t have every sport addiction you know. Now if the Vikes would ever make it that might be different. But I suppose I should probably get some work done around home as I’ve been at the Sport Show most of the weekend. 
Thanks, Bill
How was that sport show Bill? There’s a big one in Omaha in a few weeks I’ll probably hit. If anyone wants me to handout any sponsor flyers or anything I can do that. I’m gonna make up some In-Depth Flyers to spread around a bit.
Bill, I’ve also got something in mind to help with some funds for Mike. Good to hear he’s doing okay now!
Heres my take on the PD and AP motors. Fishing rivers and open basin areas of lakes these motors will work fine. Try trolling with these motors on contour lines or edges and you may as well throw them in the lake. The AP motor also are spendy to fix.
The show wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be but Sat was a pretty good day. Sounds like Nate sold his 2004 boat that he ran from July-Nov. and a few other boats too. Now hes excited about getting the next one come spring. It was fun to get out to the show. Love being around boats and a fishing atmoshere. Send me a pm on what you are thinking. Thanks, Bill
Well, the game sure got better in the 2nd half. Great ending!
Bill, sent you a PM.
Derek, what trolling motor do you prefer and why?
Thanks,
Wade
I have been using a Vantage 101 but I’m switching to a Maxxum 74 bow mount for better control.
Wouldn’t a post like this be better off in one of the other forums? There is a lot of good info here that others could benefit from as they get geared up for spring.
[admin’s moved this thread to the gear forum where it is now, thanks Scott. Good idea!]
Years ago, I ran the PD and AP. This is back when the foot pads would go bad ever so often. Well after replacing 3 in a season, I quickly went back to the ol’reliable of the Maxxum 101 motor. This motor suits my style of fishing best. Positioning the boat for pitching jigs or cranks in front of wingdams is where the strength and reliability of this motor shines IMO. ITs a rugged motor that is most all mechanical, that way no major freeze ups in sub-freezing temps!
Good point Scott! I was thinking about that too. Logged on today and here it is in the Outdoor Gear Forum. I had to do a double take. Thought I was losing it for a mintue.
Derek, thanks for the explanation!
Steve, I had the same problem. 2 bad foot controls with the PD combined with a slow turn response and I was done. I use the cable drive Maxxum, no problems, solid as a rock!
I don’t have any info on the AutoPilot, but after reading all the post I remember reading the instructions for my trolling motor once and they said to store it in a warm place in the winter. Makes me wonder for you guys that fish all winter if the cold may be messing up your AutoPilot. I had a PowerDrive once and felt that when fishing (I cast a lot)the windy side of the lake the auto pilot responds to slow for boat control. I use a Maxum 74 foot operated…..JIM
My thoughts on the APs…
They have some advantages. 1) Mobility allowing the driver of the boat to do so from just about anywhere in the boat. This is nice when we’re “bank beating” and the fish are aggressive. This allows me to sit back in the boat and fish while my customers get the good seat up front and the first crack at the fish. More often then not the fish up shallow on rip rap, etc., are so aggressive that the first bait they see gets ate. Customers usually get a little tired of watching the guide catch all the fish so I like that feature quite a bit.
2) The trolling motor stays where I point it, even in heavy current.
3) When it works, the AP feature is a dandy.
Some drawbacks…
1) The mount has been improved but it still needs work. One of the worst short-comings is the shaft will freeze in the housing and you either need to beat the bazjesus out of it to break it loose or remember to douse it with silicone at the end of each day on the water. The universal sonar hook-ups with the transducer cords running inside of the shaft is a huge improvement over past designs.
2) The foot pedals are so unreliable from a point of construction that I could scream. 
I get a year out of one, at most, and they run a guy $60+ to get a replacement.
3) The AP feature on mine and every other boat I know that has one that fishes HARD / ALOT of has owned the baot for multiple seasons has gone out. Dead. When they work, they work fine and are quite useful. But they need to work for more than 20 trips or 6 months. And if they can’t stand cold, they need to stop selling them to guys in MN. Period.
I had sent a note off to mini kota suggesting that they make a AP option in the co pilot so that if you own a PD unit you could add AP. I got a reply from whom ever saying that it sounded like a good idea but obviously not good enough to get them to make one.
I guess all I can do is echo the above. The second season my 55PD’s foot pedal would turn left…but not right. Warrenty repair…done over the phone and through email. I’ve been told they don’t like to do this…but if you cry enough like I did…
Because the above motor went out while midway through my fishing vacation, I bought the 55AP. No problems the first year and I liked the AP feature. One year later the motor started doing the “AP waltz”. Couple calls, took it up to Capra’s..no charge (except for the new rod and reel), back on the water…same thing “AP Waltz”. After repair the second time..I haven’t had a problem….but shortly after I got it back, I tripped and caught myself with my foot on the foot pedal….SMOKED IT!
Haven’t used it much since then and keeping my fingers crossed! 
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