Quote Originally Posted by kydonky View Post
One word (two words?) AUTOPILOT, AUTO PILOT!!! I have the MK Terrova with AP. (poweer drives also have AP) the Terrova is much easier to deploy and stow than the power drives, although the difference is not that big of a deal. The big deal is the autopilot. the AP setting will take care of minor steering adjustments so you can fish, tie a knot, grab a soda or bait a hook. Not to say they will steer themselves (although some do with the newest gadget the ipilot, a GPS interface that you can program a track into) but they will keep you on a straight line for 100s of feet if not yards without having to make those minor adjustments. I have had both the standard and the AP models and would not consider a model without AP. Both the Power Drives and the Terrova can be upgraded to the new Minnkota Ipilot GPS interface ($399.00 for the Ipilot system). So you do know Santa comes around again next year.
Better shop Ebay, lot of new in the box motors on ebay. (use common sense and paypal for protection). I got my 55 lb terrova on ebay, has
AP & US2. Priced at $1050.00 in Bass Pro, Cabellas, Sportsman guide. Got it new in the box on Ebay $650.00. Have seen many MK Power Drives new in the box on Ebay at real bargin basement prices (40% off list). You have to be a little patient and really follow the listings daily till a bargin comes up (not all listings on ebay are bargins).
I liked my Autopilot for that VERY FEATURE, but if you fish rough water at all, and need to TURN on a dime.....forget the autopilot.

It could literally take 2-3 seconds to turn the head 180 degrees, which simply was WAY TOO MUCH TIME.

I pulled the autopilot and put a MK Maxxum 75 on my boat had have never looked back.

BUT that Autopilot feature in not so rough water, was GREAT for peeling a bank. I guess it kind of depends on what you plan on fishing.

Later,

Geo