Kicker and Electric used together

[Haulin Bass]

Good morning all
I have an issue turning my boat when it is windy and trolling with the kicker. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of the electric on the front being used to assist in steering under these conditions and if there would be any ill effects to the electric being deployed but sitting idle while trolling with the kicker. ie possible back charging to battery Speeds would be mostly 1.0 - 2.0 mph

[Wallyboss]

Works well. i used to do it all the time when I trolled for walleyes. I would just lock up the steering on the kicker and only used the electric for direction.

[Haulin Bass]

Thanks Wallyboss

Good to know it can be done.

[Wallyboss]

Works well especially with Auto pilot on my electric

[Haulin Bass]

I can see that for sure "hands free boat driving"

[Erie-Eyes]

I use my auto pilot all the time with my kicker as I like to troll lot. Kicker is used to power the boat, auto pilot on a low setting (varies depending on wind/current) controls direction. Works very well for me, particularly if I'm fishing alone.

[Haulin Bass]

Good to know Erie Thx. Do you follow a stored route or just use the autopilot mode. Also if following a route can you still manually adj the speed?

[Wallyboss]

Auto pilot on my motor is just point and go. It doesn't follow a certain stored route.

[Haulin Bass]

Yup but is there not a another mode that follows pre stored routes?

[Wallyboss]

I think that option is called I-Pilot or something!!! the option auto-pilot on a Minn Kota is only point and go.

[Haulin Bass]

Thx yeah you r correct.The I pilot does both

[PunchRig]

Yup but is there not a another mode that follows pre stored routes?

Yes there is stored routes, i can store 8 on my xi5 MGuide, for up to 4 miles each, the terrova stores 4 up to a mile, the Xi5 has 2 internal gps heads and is alot more accurate than my old terrova, i can draw a route out on my lowrance and it will follow it ,as well,i've only owned the xi5 for 2 years and still haven't tapped all it's features,the only disappointment i have with it is it can't bait hooks or fetch a cold one, but whatcha' want for $2500, lol

[Erie-Eyes]

Good to know Erie Thx. Do you follow a stored route or just use the autopilot mode. Also if following a route can you still manually adj the speed?

You need the i-pilot to record & follow routes. Mine is the old auto pilot - manually set and adjust headings, and manually adjust speeds as required. If I was a few years younger I'd be investing in a new i-pilot - I think they are awesome.