Minnkota Spot Lock

GET THE NET

Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2017
Posts
28
Likes
3
Points
68
Its probably been brought up on here before but I can't find it.
I have an Ulterra trolling motor with Ipilot. When I use spot lock after a while the cord will get twisted around the head. Is there an update a guy can do to prevent this? I would think they have this figured out. The thing knows exactly where it needs to be without twisting up the cord when I hit the stow button.
 


shorthairsrus

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2015
Posts
8,422
Likes
486
Points
383
I have an old one ---

a. big motor is down
b. Position the boat so the trolling motor is into the wind/current
c. Run it for a few seconds off spot lock so its sort of in place then hit the button

If the wind is to strong or sometimes to little i may have issues then its just not spot lock time; 9 times out 10 though i never have any issues. you can calibrate em and all this other sht.
 

SDMF

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2015
Posts
10,908
Likes
620
Points
438
Mine will unwind itself if it gets too twisted.

I'll admit it, I hate a full twist or anything greater. I turn off the spot-lock, spin the motor quick and re-lock.
 

guywhofishes

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2015
Posts
28,637
Likes
3,848
Points
948
Location
Faaargo, ND
I'll admit it, I hate a full twist or anything greater. I turn off the spot-lock, spin the motor quick and re-lock.

Same with my XI5. Why chance it?

I had an old MK that twisted a cable off. Pissed me off pretty bad. One of the reasons I jumped to MG.
 


wslayer

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Posts
2,254
Likes
385
Points
333
I have the old school Terrova spot lock. That thing swings the ass end of the boat around terribly bad when in the wind. Is there a GPS up grade for the old ones that anyone knows about? Sock or 5 gal bucket is the only way to keep it close without swinging like a merry-go-round.
 

Slappy

★★★★★ Legendary Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2021
Posts
753
Likes
532
Points
253
Location
Bismarck
Terrova spot lock is only based on trolling motor head GPS. It attempts to keep that unit close to the set point. It has no idea or concern what the rest of the boat does. You have to use some judgement of wind and current to position the boat before spot locking if you want to minimize frustration.
 

zoops

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
May 17, 2015
Posts
1,796
Likes
155
Points
268
Terrova spot lock is only based on trolling motor head GPS. It attempts to keep that unit close to the set point. It has no idea or concern what the rest of the boat does. You have to use some judgement of wind and current to position the boat before spot locking if you want to minimize frustration.
They do include the heading sensor puck now that is supposed to help. Can’t imagine it’s possible to get rid of all back end sway in wind or current as the motor only has control at the bow after all. But yes, older ones are known for the coil issue.
 

riverview

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2015
Posts
2,983
Likes
799
Points
398
a lot of times i will drop a anchor off the back corner of the boat when its windy and i have the sensor puck.
 


sweeney

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2015
Posts
2,793
Likes
143
Points
313
Location
mandan
Buy the new technology Bluetooth with gps puck all problems solved.
 

Auggie

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2015
Posts
2,496
Likes
627
Points
373
Location
Dickinson, ND
I have the old school Terrova spot lock. That thing swings the ass end of the boat around terribly bad when in the wind. Is there a GPS up grade for the old ones that anyone knows about? Sock or 5 gal bucket is the only way to keep it close without swinging like a merry-go-round.

When it's dead calm, sometimes I'll run the kicker in reverse at the lowest RPM. When there's a wind, I'll run the kicker forward with a little gas. This reduces the swing quite a bit. When it's windy, the kicker greatly extends battery life and doesn't swing as bad in the waves either.

I have a first gen Terrova spot lock and have liked it. But just bought a new one. I'm going all in on Hummingbird.
 

sdtransplant

Established Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2019
Posts
194
Likes
2
Points
83
Location
panhandle Ne
I have the gen 1 (2014 model ) terrova , the spot lock sucks on it. It will run 15 ft past then damn near throw you out of the seat when it goes 15ft back to the spot or even 15ft past , would putting a gps puck on help the problem ?
 

zoops

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
May 17, 2015
Posts
1,796
Likes
155
Points
268
I have the gen 1 (2014 model ) terrova , the spot lock sucks on it. It will run 15 ft past then damn near throw you out of the seat when it goes 15ft back to the spot or even 15ft past , would putting a gps puck on help the problem ?

I don't think the old ones communicate with the heading sensor pucks unless you maybe put a new head on the motor, which would be about the same cost as upgrading to a whole new motor.
 

Auggie

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2015
Posts
2,496
Likes
627
Points
373
Location
Dickinson, ND
I don't think the old ones communicate with the heading sensor pucks unless you maybe put a new head on the motor, which would be about the same cost as upgrading to a whole new motor.

The gos antenna is internal on the new Min Kotas. The puck is a compass and communicates via Bluetooth.
 


Recent Posts

Friends of NDA

Top Posters of the Month

  • This month: 166
  • This month: 136
  • This month: 121
  • This month: 110
  • This month: 105
  • This month: 88
  • This month: 84
  • This month: 79
  • This month: 76
  • This month: 76
Top Bottom