Minn Kota Powerdrive to Ipilot conversion

[JA1990]

Raiders,

I am one of the unfortunate ones who does not have the privilage of owneing an ipilot minn kota. I do how ever own a 2003 Minn Kota V1 Powerdrive. I have been doing some research and have been in touch with some Minn Kota specialists accross the pond and they have stated it is possible to convert my Powerdrive to an Ipilot capable one.

I simply need to upgrade the control board to a V2 board and basically retro fit the IPILOT head. All these parts will cost around 900 AUD delivered.

I will no doubt be making the purchase soon but has anyone had any similar experience doing this and what are their thoughts? Or is it worth just buying a $2500 MK outright? 

Once obtain the parts I will create a video so others can see becasue unfortunately there is very vague info about this online.

Just for info I have a 40LB thrust model the 48'' shaft. Let me know what you guys think.

[Nolongeramember]

Hi mate. I have a V1 and I did this exact conversion when the ipilot just came out. Back then Minn Kota couldn’t tell me if it will work or not but I took the risk. It’s been working perfectly ever since and I recommend it if you want to save money from buying a whole new Ipilot unit.

I had to change the board to a V2 and then fit the kit like you said. 

A few things I recommend after owning this for so long is to solder every electrical joint on the whole unit including the board. You have to cut some of the original plastic and then seal with sealant but it’s worth it to avoid loose wire problems that make the unit do silly things on its own or just not work and ruining your fishing day. 

Good luck. 

[JA1990]

 Very much appreciate the input, finally to hear from someone who has done it.

i was thinking on giving some parts a bit of an overhaul and sealing some components. 

I bought the MK 2 years ago for like $200 and the foot controller crapped it self after a few weeks. So I made my own but then starting researching and that's how I found it.

is yours a 40lb and what size boat do you have? Do you go off shore fishing with it ?

[Nolongeramember]

I remember having the same issue. I couldn’t find anyone that had done it or any confirmation if it would work properly or not, but from what I saw between the 2 versions I figured it should work. 

I have a 4.9m runabout. 54lb Minn Kota. I don’t use it offshore but it would be ok if the current and wind are low. 

[JA1990]

Ok So 54lb runabout most likely a little bit heavier then a 4.2 renegade. Hopefully the spot lock feature works ok on the renegade being a 40lb. I have used it with the peddle and works fine but sometimes stuggles against tide but the tides in brisbane waters are really strong so i guess alot of people would struggle.

How long ago did you do yours, I think its great that such an obsolete motor can be upgraded!

I wonder for a power upgrade is as simple as upgrading the armature, one thing at a time i guess.

[Nolongeramember]

The 54 would be better but I suppose the 40 will hold position using ipilot with the same difficulty or ease as when you have been doing it manually. So if it’s been satisfactory then it won’t be any different with ipilot. 

I done mine a long time ago. When the ipilot kit first came along. 9 years ago or something. 

If your planning on wanting more power as well then you should consider whether just getting a whole new unit is a better option rather than upgrading things and still having an ‘old’ unit in the end. 

[JA1990]

I fully agree with what your saying, $900 is a lot to dump on a 15 year old trolling motor lol. 

[JA1990]

Soooo for an update I didn't end up following through with the conversion. I did how ever get a new MK. Regarding the old one I'll probably put him for sale soon.

looking forward to testing the new MK out! It should be good!

[Berleyguts]

What length shaft and thrust did you go for?

[JA1990]

54 inch 54lb 12v. Wasn't impressed it didnt come with a fuse and holder, ill have to suss one out over the weekend.