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Author Topic:   Minn Kota ST55 I-Pilot

KDW posted 03-15-2012 12:03 PM ET (US)
Has anyone out there tried the new bow mount Minn Kota ST55 I-Pilot trolling motor? If so, how well does it work in various wind and current conditions and on what boat?
I'm thinking about buying one for my 1991 Outrage 17. Everything I've read sounds really good, but I know that can be deceiving sometimes.
Thanks for any feedback,
Kenny
Blane posted 03-15-2012 12:53 PM ET (US)
What type of water do you fish? If windy with current Id suggest more than 55lbs. I have the 55 on my montauk and while it works great its right on the edge of not enough power when things get a bit rough.....with your outrage it would be better to have more power than less!
KDW posted 03-15-2012 01:12 PM ET (US)
Understood.
I mainly fish fresh water inland lakes in the southeast, but 2 times a year I spend a week on coastal SC.
The listed dry weight (1,020 Lbs) of my 17' Outrage I isn't far off the smirked Montauk weight.
Since I will be adding a bow-mounted trolling motor and bow seat, I really don't think I can handle the extra battery weight for a 24V system. Also, I would have to re-wire to install the battery(ies?) under the center console, which I don't want to do either. Right now I have (2) batteries and both are under the stern jump seats and this works very well.
Thanks for your comments. I guess I'll need to live with the 55 Lbs thrust motor and accept it won't do everything I'd like it to do.
Kenny
Blane posted 03-16-2012 02:30 PM ET (US)
I mainly fish the CA delta where wind and current are major factors. There are times where I wish for more power but its typically on marginal days to be out anyhow.....for what your going to use it for Im sure you will be fine the majority of the time. Riptides are awesome. Take a hard look at the iPilot option it is very cool and a very good fishing tool!
ktm3ten posted 03-19-2012 07:22 PM ET (US)
I have the ST80 Riptide with iPilot on my '08 Montauk 170. There's times, though rare, when I wish I had a bit more, but never any less power. Not exactly sure how your boat compares, but I like the 80 lb of thrust. iPilot is a must, but get the new remote, its a big step up.
KDW posted 03-21-2012 04:43 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the feedback.
Is that new remote you are recommending the wireless foot control or hand-held type?

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Author	Topic: Minn Kota ST55 I-Pilot
KDW	posted 03-15-2012 12:03 PM ET (US) Has anyone out there tried the new bow mount Minn Kota ST55 I-Pilot trolling motor? If so, how well does it work in various wind and current conditions and on what boat? I'm thinking about buying one for my 1991 Outrage 17. Everything I've read sounds really good, but I know that can be deceiving sometimes. Thanks for any feedback, Kenny
Blane	posted 03-15-2012 12:53 PM ET (US) What type of water do you fish? If windy with current Id suggest more than 55lbs. I have the 55 on my montauk and while it works great its right on the edge of not enough power when things get a bit rough.....with your outrage it would be better to have more power than less!
KDW	posted 03-15-2012 01:12 PM ET (US) Understood. I mainly fish fresh water inland lakes in the southeast, but 2 times a year I spend a week on coastal SC. The listed dry weight (1,020 Lbs) of my 17' Outrage I isn't far off the smirked Montauk weight. Since I will be adding a bow-mounted trolling motor and bow seat, I really don't think I can handle the extra battery weight for a 24V system. Also, I would have to re-wire to install the battery(ies?) under the center console, which I don't want to do either. Right now I have (2) batteries and both are under the stern jump seats and this works very well. Thanks for your comments. I guess I'll need to live with the 55 Lbs thrust motor and accept it won't do everything I'd like it to do. Kenny
Blane	posted 03-16-2012 02:30 PM ET (US) I mainly fish the CA delta where wind and current are major factors. There are times where I wish for more power but its typically on marginal days to be out anyhow.....for what your going to use it for Im sure you will be fine the majority of the time. Riptides are awesome. Take a hard look at the iPilot option it is very cool and a very good fishing tool!
ktm3ten	posted 03-19-2012 07:22 PM ET (US) I have the ST80 Riptide with iPilot on my '08 Montauk 170. There's times, though rare, when I wish I had a bit more, but never any less power. Not exactly sure how your boat compares, but I like the 80 lb of thrust. iPilot is a must, but get the new remote, its a big step up.
KDW	posted 03-21-2012 04:43 PM ET (US) Thanks for the feedback. Is that new remote you are recommending the wireless foot control or hand-held type?