CoPilot, AutoPilot and i-Pilot from Minn Kota

Minn Kota has a number of incredible autopilot technologies available, but understanding what each one does (and doesn't do) can be confusing. This article discusses Minn Kota's three AutoPilot technologies:

AutoPilot – Maintains a fixed boat heading

CoPilot  – Wireless boat control

i-Pilot – GPS boat control

AutoPilot

Minn Kota AutoPilot is a navigation system that keeps your trolling motor steering in the same direction without having to hold it in place. The system uses an internal compass to maintain a straight and true heading without manually having to keep the motor pointed in the same direction. AutoPilot has a number of useful applications, including:

• Trolling along a ledge, shelf or current line

• Following and fishing a shoreline

• Maintaining a straight heading across open water

AutoPilot technology comes pre-installed on certain models and is compatible with select Minn Kota lines:

• AutoPilot for Terrova
• AutoPilot for Riptide ST

CoPilot

CoPilot is a wireless remote system that allows for wireless boat control from anywhere on the boat, and allows for direction and speed control. CoPilot comes with two parts – a motor attachment that receives wireless signals and controls the motor, and a waterproof, floating remote. 

CoPilot can be used in conjunction with Minn Kota AutoPilot, and AutoPilot can even be activated using the CoPilot Terrova and Riptide ST remotes. Additionally, a CoPilot Wireless Foot Pedal is available for use with CoPilot PowerDrive V2 systems that provides hands-free motor control without the usual associated wires.

CoPilot is compatible comes standard on Riptide SP and ST, and is compatible with select Minn Kota motor lines:

• CoPilot for Terrova
• CoPilot for PowerDrive V2
• CoPilot PowerDrive
• CoPilot Replacement Remote (Terrova, Riptide ST)
• CoPilot Replacement Remote (PowerDrive, V2, Riptide SP)

i-Pilot

i-Pilot is new from Minn Kota, and uses GPS technology to steer and control your trolling motor.  Being able to use GPS technology to automatically control the trolling motor offers a number of exciting possibilities and features:

Record A Track

This feature allows you to save the exact over-the-water paths and re-trace it at the press of a button. Did you hit the perfect fishing ling last time, hitting perfect holes and catching multiple fish? Recall your recorded track from last time and your trolling motor will re-trace the route perfectly – no need to steer at all!

Spot-Lock

The i-Pilot Spot-Lock feature works just like an anchor. The GPS controls your trolling motor direction and speed to keep you in the same location regardless of wind, weather, current or waves! This feature is fantastic for maintaining a casting position while in current or bad weather.

CoPilot and Cruise Control

While i-Pilot uses a different remote than CoPilot, it still offers all the same great wireless control features CoPilot does, as well as Cruise Control! For more information, please see the video below:

Advanced AutoPilot

i-Pilot also includes Advanced AutoPilot technology, so you can set and maintain headings with ease. I-Pilot's AutoPilot feature allows you to wirelessly set and keep a heading, and compensates for wind and waves.

iPilot includes a wireless remote, as well as a receiver that attaches to the motor.  i-Pilot is compatible with a number of Minn Kota trolling motor lines:

• iPilot for Terrova
• i-Pilot for PowerDrive V2
• i-Pilot for Riptide ST
• i-Pilot for Riptide SP
• i-Pilot Remote (Replacement)