US i-Pilot Now work here??

[DarkHorse]

G'Day Crew,

Looking at the other post's on here regarding the minn kota i-Pilot, I was just wondering if anyone has RECENTLY purchased the ipilot from the states and found it working ok here in Australia?

I know there was a problem with the original versions, I assume that the US versions were also upgraded??

I have spent hours and hours and sent lots of emails but so far no definitive answer

Normally I wouldnt mind buying here in OZ, but the Mrs has recently castrated me so $$$ are very hard to justify

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Rob

[Mike Delisser]

Ausfish member Tim Barramasta might be able to help you but keep an eye out for specials here in OZ, complete units were bargins at the boat show.

[Awoonga]

Mine does bought from J&h products..... 4 months now no problems

[DarkHorse]

Mine does bought from J&h products..... 4 months now no problems

G'Day Awoonga,

Thanks for the info. I assume you purchased yours about June/July?? If so does it have a code or anything else that would identify it as a "revised" model??

Do you lose satelite connection at all?

How do you find it in blowy conditions with spot lock? I have an minnkota SP model and really want to use it near oyster racks so I dont keep colliding with the bloody racks.

I have found here in NSW I spend MORE time controlling the minnkota than actually fishing!

Regards,

Rob

[Awoonga]

G'Day Awoonga,

Thanks for the info. I assume you purchased yours about June/July?? If so does it have a code or anything else that would identify it as a "revised" model?? Not that l know of

Do you lose satelite connection at all? Nope

How do you find it in blowy conditions with spot lock? I have an minnkota SP model and really want to use it near oyster racks so I dont keep colliding with the bloody racks. It keeps me within a boats lengh when its windy.Look to be honest its the best thing you are going to get without using a pick.BUT it does not keep the boat still.

I have found here in NSW I spend MORE time controlling the minnkota than actually fishing!

Regards,

Rob

.................................................. ................................

[rayken1938]

I brought one for a sp model about 4 months ago and the steering motor was engaged all the time as soon as power connected. Price was only $299 us.I sent it back to a mob called "The Trolling Doctor" and am still waiting return after 2 months. There excuse is that they are waiting for a similar motor to come in to check it out. Postage to return was only $29 compared with $50 odd to get it here.
Cheers
Ray

[DarkHorse]

Thank you VERY much for the replies guys! It is a tough one. Do I buy overseas and take the chance it does NOT break or wait until BLA pass on the $$$ savings due to the strong currency.

It would be just my luck that I would get a dodgy unit from the states and have to send it back..............

Hmmmm what to do?

Regards,

Rob

[rayken1938]

Considerable savings buying from the states my mistake was sending back to the seller rather than direct to minnkota. They will wear the postage back to AU so in reality I am only out of pocket by $29. Have other mates that brought from same seller as me and they have had no problems.
Cheers
Ray

[DarkHorse]

Thank you for ALL of the info guys.

I placed an order for the Riptide SP i-Pilot with J and H products on Sunday. Credit Card has been debited, just waiting for shipping email.

Can't wait to install it. I have even downloaded the install video off youtube!

Very excited. Hopefully it will not take too long to arrive here. Paid half of the australian RRP freighted to my doorstep.

Also got an email from Minn Kota in the US, stating that ALL units had been upgraded, so should not be any problems using here in Australia!

Regards,

Rob

[Dantren]

Hey Rob.

Good on you mate. I hear they are the shizzle.
I've been considering one for my boat.
Did you get the 24v 80lb?
How much will you get billed for import duty, gst, etc.

Dan.

[DarkHorse]

Sorry guys my previous post is a bit confusing.

I only purchased the i-Pilot ADDON for my existing riptide 55lb kota, NOT the whole unit.

I appologise for the confusion.

Cant wait for the new toy to arrive.

Rob

[robman]

Hi DarkHorse, I can't wait to see how it turns out as well. I have boat purchased in the US with a 80lb Riptide ST on it and would like to get the i-pilot add on for it. Minn Kota in the US said in an email that I should buy one from Australia because it would work properly. I wonder if they were just blowin' smoke up my ginger. They cast some doubt in my mind as to how a overseas unit will perform here. So I haven't ordered one as yet and will hold off until i get confirmation that the US models work perfectly here ion OZ.

regards
Rob

[DarkHorse]

All current i-Pilots have had there software updated to address this issue. To tell whether a unit has been updated you need to look at the serial number sticker on the i-Pilot control module. It should have a red dot on it.

Mike N
800-227-6433
Date: Oct 11, 2010 3:34:56 PM
To: service@minnkotamotors.com
Subject: Minn Kota Contact Us Form Submission

Data from form "Contact Us" was received on 10/11/2010 3:33:47 PM.

service@minnkotamotors.com


I was wondering if Minn Kota iPilot part number Part # 1866215 is the revised edition? I understand that there were initial problems with units sold that would NOT work properly here in Australia (no GPS satelite signal)
Email "Minn Kota Contact Us Form Submission" originally sent to service@minnkotamotors.com on 10/11/2010 3:33:47 PM.

[Bear001]

Sorry guys my previous post is a bit confusing.

I only purchased the i-Pilot ADDON for my existing riptide 55lb kota, NOT the whole unit.

I appologise for the confusion.

Cant wait for the new toy to arrive.

Rob

Rob, Im looking to do the same on my Minn kota Terrova 55lb. Could you please PM me with cost from J&H.

Also if you could report back on here time to receive, and if the unit works ok etc.
Thanks
Cindy

[DarkHorse]

All current i-Pilots have had there software updated to address this issue. To tell whether a unit has been updated you need to look at the serial number sticker on the i-Pilot control module. It should have a red dot on it.

Mike N
800-227-6433
Date: Oct 11, 2010 3:34:56 PM
To: service@minnkotamotors.com
Subject: Minn Kota Contact Us Form Submission

Data from form "Contact Us" was received on 10/11/2010 3:33:47 PM.

service@minnkotamotors.com


I was wondering if Minn Kota iPilot part number Part # 1866215 is the revised edition? I understand that there were initial problems with units sold that would NOT work properly here in Australia (no GPS satelite signal)
Email "Minn Kota Contact Us Form Submission" originally sent to service@minnkotamotors.com on 10/11/2010 3:33:47 PM.

I received the i-Pilot today from J and H products. One week from postage to receiving it. As you can see from my previous quote, if the unit is a "revised" version it should have a red dot on the serial number sticker. The one I received DOES NOT have a red dot

Unfortunately I cannot test it, as I had to send my riptide into BLA because of corrosion on the prop shaft washer............. Still have not heard from BLA yet

Will have to see what happens, could be an expensive paper weight.

Regards,

Rob