Trolling Motor I Pilot
 

Looking at purchasing a Riptide ST 112 I pilot. I'd like to get any local suggestions positive or negative that fish south la. I'm not sure if I should get the 60" or 72". It will be mounted on a 24' bluewave. Will the 60" shaft be long enough when fishing 15 miles offshore in 1 to 3 footers and not become air born when the bow crest the swells. 72" seems long and will take up more space. Any past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I have a friend with a boat 38 inches from bow to water in calm water (25 Pathfinder) he has a 60" ipilot. He says it's fine when calm, but would rather have a 72 when choppy.

Call Superior trolling motors on banks. He will lead you in the right direction. I have used them for years. He knows exactly what you will need.

i have the 60" 112 on a Nautic Star 224XTS. I've used the anchor feature nearly every offshore trip so far. There was only one trip where i couldn't and its because the seas were extremely choppy with a few waves being close to 3'ers with rolling white caps, which was pretty unfavorable conditions to be fishing in anyway.

Pretty much if there is a slight to good chop, it stays in the water. Conditions have to be pretty unfavorable for me not to use it, otherwise it works fine and is excellent on battery. I can use anchor feature all day offshore and have 75% left of battery when I get back home. I love the thing, so much easier than tossing and picking up anchor every time you need to make a big move or slight move.

+1

I have the 60" shaft and everytime you get 2' or higher waves I kick myself for not going with the 72" shaft. I am in a 20' deep "V" Tidewater so my bow to water line is a little higher than your bayboat.

IMO, you cannot go wrong with the longer shaft...

That is all great input. Thank you. From what I'm hearing I think it is worth giving up the extra space on the ball and getting a 72 inch.

X2

Go long or go home:)!

X2

I'm planning on changing out my two year old 24V iPilot with a 60" shaft soon for Ulterra with a 72" shaft, but according to the MK website, the 24V is not available with a 72" shaft. Anyone know different?

BTW, anyone interested in a like new iPilot soon, let me know.

The same advice that was given to me above....call/purchase from Superior Trolling Motors in Lafayette. They are the exports in SW LA. Ordered the 36v 72". There's a reason why they have about 20+ boats in their yard, plus a 2 wk waiting list if you need their services.

The 24' pure bay only needs a 60" shaft. If it comes out the water you need to go home.


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That is correct, if you need the 72" shaft then you would have to go with the 36V system. This is what I would go with anyway... FYI.

Good luck