Minn Kota and i-Pilot / i-Pilot Link

[dubob]

I have a Minn Kota w/ iPilot (24vdc) on my boat.  I do not have either the auto-stow or the sonar link (not compatible with Lowrance).  I was told by a tournament walleye fisherman that the link is a must for him as it allows following a specific contour line (depth) which works very well for walleye fishing I was told.  Since my primary walleye water is Willard Bay and it is primarily flat everywhere, I didn't see the need.  I can manually follow a contour and record the track for up to 2 miles and then retrace it forever, so its does give me an option in this regard.  But overall, I haven't felt severely handicapped without the link.

I do push the boat forward in a straight line with my 9.9 hp kicker and do all my steering with the electric.  I also have an iTroll w/ Hunt Mode to control the speed of the kicker and absolutely love it.

So, bottom line is this; as a minimum, you should get an electric up front w/ iPilot.  If you have a Humminbird sonar, the link would be a plus, but not required for most of your fishing.  The iTroll with Hunt Mode is also a nice to have tool and, for me, is worth its cost ($480).  Hope that helps.