I have a 2021 hewescraft pro v 200 and I have a ulterra 24v on the front and swap that and my anchor nest out with the fish fighter system...still want a reactor 40 too but im greedy lol

 

I just purchased a new-to-me 2017 Hewescraft Sportsman 180. It is 18'6" and comes with a Yamaha 70hp main and 6hp kicker. I plan to bring the boat to a dealer soon to get it repowered to a 2022 Yamaha 90hp and T9.9 kicker. I plan to use this boat anchor fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad. I also plan to troll the Columbia and Willamette. While I would like to fish with buddies, I might need to do some early morning solo trips due to work time conflicts. This is where the autopilot would come in handy.

I am torn between going with either a Garmin Reactor 40 or a Minn Kota I Pilot. I was told that my boat might not have enough space to install a Garmin Reactor 40. If I go with a Minn Kota I Pilot, then how am I going to put both an anchor caddie and Minn Kota base at the bow of the boat?

I would love to hear opinion from those of you who have used a Garmin Reactor 40 or a Minn Kota I Pilot. Thanks in advance.

Tight lines--<*)))))<

If you go the Minn Kota route you won’t need an anchor.
You can use the Minn Kota to hold you dead in place. They are amazing. I just adjust my kicker speed to allow me to drift back very slowly in the current turn, the anchor function on and forget about it. I have the 80lb. thrust, 48 volt model, on a 20’ Seahawk. Trolling around lakes with it is also amazing. The control is great, and simple. One of the best things I ever did, game changer. I do have the ability to mount my anchor nest very easily with the same type of removable baseplate you can order with your motor. I have a Mantus anchor in the bow, with my 300’ of rope, just in case I need it. Happy to help if you have any questions.
Larry

 

I just purchased a new-to-me 2017 Hewescraft Sportsman 180. It is 18'6" and comes with a Yamaha 70hp main and 6hp kicker. I plan to bring the boat to a dealer soon to get it repowered to a 2022 Yamaha 90hp and T9.9 kicker. I plan to use this boat anchor fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad. I also plan to troll the Columbia and Willamette. While I would like to fish with buddies, I might need to do some early morning solo trips due to work time conflicts. This is where the autopilot would come in handy.

I am torn between going with either a Garmin Reactor 40 or a Minn Kota I Pilot. I was told that my boat might not have enough space to install a Garmin Reactor 40. If I go with a Minn Kota I Pilot, then how am I going to put both an anchor caddie and Minn Kota base at the bow of the boat?

I would love to hear opinion from those of you who have used a Garmin Reactor 40 or a Minn Kota I Pilot. Thanks in advance.

Tight lines--<*)))))<
[/QUOTE
I forgot one thing. Pulling /steering a boat from the bow, is much more controlled.
Think side thrusters. That is why I went the minnkota route.

 

I dont understand why you wouldnt have room for a Reactor 40. They dont take up that much space. Especially compared to 2 extra batteries for an I Pilot.
That said, it sounds like either 1 would serve you well.

 

Minn Kota no doubt. I installed a 80lbs Riptide Terrova last year on my 18ft boat with 60hp Merc. You will never go back. It's enough power to troll for hours on the big rivers. I have to trim the gas motor out of the water for all electric trolling. Spot lock is amazing. I use spot lock sturgeon fishing and crabbing.

Since you have a kicker you can use it just to push the boat then steer with you bow mount.

Hardest part is getting past sticker shock and picking out the best batteries for you.



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I have no direct experience with Reactor, but do have a Minnkota Terrova 80 on a 16’ Fishrite. I have it installed on Leelock bracket that I can swap out for anchors nest. It is a lot of messing around on the water trying to swap and stow everything. I would probably fabricate a mounting plate to the side of bow for trolling motor on next boat so both can be used at same time, as a safety feature.

I haven’t heard anything as a deal breaker for Reactor, everyone seems to have their preferences. Only consideration is what electronics you use. If you run Humminbird you can utilize a lot of features linking them; same for using Garmin with a Reactor.

 

I have an Ulterra on a removable bracket (to swap for anchor nest for springer fishing) and a TR1 (predecessor to the Reactor). I love both and use both, sometimes at the same time. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and each is a game changer in their own right.

If I could choose only one of them it would depend on what kind of fishing I was doing. For river fishing salmon, I would choose the reactor because I prefer the way my boat handles at trolling speeds with it (other hull designs and drivers have different preferences), and if anchor fishing you can use the kicker to hold in reverse in case of an upriver wind. Also for the places
I fish with rough launches, I love being able to have the TR1 hold me against the shore while
I park or retrieve my trailer for launching/loading or taking a shore break.

If you do any walleye fishing or steelhead bobber fishing or boondogging then I would choose the Ulterra hands down, because the slow speed control is amazing and the spot lock is incredible.

Personally I wouldn’t want to fish without either of them. Either one of them is a game changer and either one of them can handle just about any task you want. For general purpose use most people seem to find the Ulterra more all-around useful, and sufficient for most purposes.

 

I have the reactor kicker 40 and love it.
I'm not sure why you wouldn't have room, it really doesn't take up any space. It fits thru the tilt tube of your kicker, then you run some wires up to your headunit (If you have a Garmin already you don't need the GHC).
Keep in mind, with the minnkota you'll need lithium batteries and you need deployment space up near the bow.

I've only heard mostly good things from both systems though. Price them both out.
The main advantage of a minnkota is the spot lock.
Pretty sure after batteries the Garmin is going to cost a lot less.

 

Keep in mind, with the minnkota you'll need lithium batteries

No, lithium batteries are not required. I have used Trojan lead acid true deep cycle batteries for years and they perform well and are affordable. You will need a quality onboard battery charger at least 10 amps per bank. I like the Minnkota Precision Charger (15 amp per bank).

 

Similar to Nzmont, I have an Ulterra mounted on Fish Fighter quick release mount on the bow.
My set up is the 36 volt Ulterra on a 23 foot Super Vee Pro.
On a prior boat, I had a TR-1 gold auto pilot.
while both work well, having bow mounted thrust is a significant advantage in wind. When used in conjunction with your rear kicker you get additional benefits such as being able to move sideways (may require a little practice).
A huge added benefit is SpotLock, a definite game changer.

 

I believe the book says the spot lock on the Terrova will only hold you within a 5 foot area of the place you put the lock on. This seems to be accurate based on how mine works. You will move around some

 

Not sure if I move close to that much when I'm using spot lock but not for sure...seems to be very tight to a foot or 2 to me

 

No question go with the minnkota. You can mount it next to your anchor caddy. And you will find with the minnkota you won’t be using an anchor much anymore.

 

I run a 18' Motion Marine Jet with the 36V Ulterra, no kicker. Have a single 36V 60AH Lithium Battery and I will get a full day of downriver trolling for salmon on the Columbia. In strong current out of Washougal area, I can get 4 hours while on SpotLock. Less current, I will throw a drift sock out to keep back end from swinging too much and can get a full day. 1 touch and you can move left or right in 5' increments. If I plan on anchor fishing all day, I will bring anchor and ball on board.

 

I run a 18' Motion Marine Jet with the 36V Ulterra, no kicker. Have a single 36V 60AH Lithium Battery and I will get a full day of downriver trolling for salmon on the Columbia. In strong current out of Washougal area, I can get 4 hours while on SpotLock. Less current, I will throw a drift sock out to keep back end from swinging too much and can get a full day. 1 touch and you can move left or right in 5' increments. If I plan on anchor fishing all day, I will bring anchor and ball on board.

What length shaft on the Ulterra and do you have any issues with it coming out of the water when there's chop?

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Thank you for all of your guys' input. After further online research and speaking privately with a couple of Ifishers I have decided to go with the Garmin Reactor 40 (RK40) for several reasons:

- I don't like running from bow to stern to deploy IPilot and adjust my kicker.

- I don't like too many things exposed on the bow. I just like a clean look.

- I don't like changing from an anchor mount to a mount for the IPilot

- I do some anchoring at the Shad Rack and other fast-flowing sections of the Columbia and would like a solid anchor mount.

- I don't do a lot of hover walleye or bass fishing so do not need the SpotLock feature of the IPilot.

- Extra 1 or 2 batteries/weight on the bow

- I will mess around with the Garmin Reactor 40 for now. If it doesn't perform to my satisfaction then I can always install a BM IPilot in the future.

 

I am going to try and install this RK40 myself since most service guys are booked out until the middle of July (earliest date). Have any of you installed the Garmin Reactor 40 before? If so is it even worth the time and effort? I personally enjoy installing things on my boat so I know the ins and outs of the electronics in case of failure. I plan to install the GHC20. I have two Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV w/ GT54 transducers, one on the steering console and one on the back starboard side for when I am trolling. I plan to connect these two Garmin ECHOMAPs with a network cable so they are linked.

 

There's a very detailed post on Hull Truth if you use the search forum, on somebody's Reactor 40 install. Lots of pictures and feedback, even down to the level of spec's of the fittings for the pump. Good luck,
fb

 

Is there a reason you want the GHC 20 when you can do everything you want with your Garmins?

I installed mine myself. It was a bit of a challenge for me but I'm not very technically inclined with electronics etc. The mechanics part of it were pretty easy.

The instructions were lousy but if you have any experience of thst sort you won't have any trouble.

 

I bought a brand new Garmin Reactor 40 with a GHC 20 from another fisherman in the PNW. I figured since I already have the GHC 20 that I would just install it and keep both Garmins free and clear to help me find fish. Plus I might change to different fish finders in the future.

 

That makes sense!

 

Still torn between the Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot versus the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova/Ulterra 80lb thrust 60" length 24V IPilot. I have read so many threads about the strengths and limitations of each unit. I already have a Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot w/ GHC20 kit but thinking of selling it and going with a Minn Kota Riptide Terrova (manual) 80lb thrust 60" length 24V IPilot.

The Autopilot or IPilot will be installed on a 2017 Hewes Sportsman 180. The Autopilot or IPilot will be predominantly used to troll for salmon in the Columbia and Willamette, with some trolling for walleye, kokanee and lake trout.

I plan to use the Fish Figher Products Quick Mount Puck & Pin, Quick Mount Anchor Nest Mount w/ Fish Fighter Extreme Duty (XD) Bow Mount Anchor Nest with plan to possibly use the Quick Mount Minn Kota mount if I go the Minn Kota IPilot route.

Will need to make a decision soon as my boat will be repowered by Y Marina and I would like the unit installed at the same time.

Wish I could afford both a Garmin Autopilot and a Minn Kota IPilot. But financially limited and it would be an overkill running both at the same time.

 

I plan to use the Fish Figher Products Quick Mount Puck & Pin, Quick Mount Anchor Nest Mount w/ Fish Fighter Extreme Duty (XD) Bow Mount Anchor Nest with plan to possibly use the Quick Mount Minn Kota mount if I go the Minn Kota IPilot route.

Did you end up going with this system?

 

If you already have a reactor I would suggest sticking with it until you can save up to add an Ulterra. You’ll never get full price selling a used autopilot, and the ulterra with batteries and charger costs about as much as a new kicker.

 

I was spot locked in a hog line last week. There was a lot room to move around. Using my Terrova I was able to spot jog left or right as I pleased. Pretty awesome for fishing different lanes. We moved around every 20 minutes or so. If you anchor fish at all this is a easy decision.

Bimart had their deep cycle batteries on sale last week for $80. I bought two for my 80lbs Minn Kota. So far so good.

Ulterra was $500 more than the Terrova when I was shopping last year. Not worth it to me.

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I installed my reactor 40 kicker and it was pretty straight forward.
I downloaded all the installation instructions online. They have specific ones applicable to your kicker.
I didn't get the GHC20, nor do you even need the heading display on your Garmin fishfinder to be honest (i did use the setup/pairing within the fishfinder of course)
Just get the NMEA network set up with the backbone. Then plug everything into it.

I thought this guys video was pretty helpful for a general overview.

 

I have reactor 40 and minnkota ulterra both on my 26ft Rogue Coastal.Fished today at Coos Bay, Marsh Channel with (you check this out on Windy or others) 20kt winds. The ulterra totally outperformed the reactor 40. Both were good the ulterra was a game changer. Made my day much more pleasant. I used only one at a time for testing purposes. Feel free to PM me for more info.

 

I have a Terrova 24 volt, 72" on my 21' Seahawk. I also have a TR-1. The bowmount is much more effective at keeping my line into the wind, but when it's really breezy in the fall, I use the TR-1 auto as well. The TR-1, and I imagine the Reactor, is more quickly responsive to the boat getting out of line than the Terrova. You can tune that in the TR-1, but not the Terrova (at least as much).

For batteries I have two House brand AGM 100 A/hr units, for the battery store on Belmont ($279 ea), and and this for an onboard charger, which I am very pleased with. Noco Genius charger
I have two of those, one for the trolling motor batteries, and one for the starting and house batteries, wire together to a single plug.

 

I am going to be doing a bow mount on my 21ft Thunder jet. How does your 24v hold up power wise? I was recommended to go with the 36v 72" for my boat?
Thanks,

 

I run a 24v 72” on my 21’ Tundra. I don’t have any issues with battery life, but I use the kicker whenever I’m in fast current or high winds.
If you have space and weight capacity for another battery the 36v is certainly better, but I already had four batteries on board and didn’t want to add a fifth.
I definitely like the 72” shaft. When water is flat I run it trimmed up a bit and the extra height makes it easier to see where it’s pointed. And when water is rough I can trim it deep and have traction.

 

I’ve never run out of battery power on my Ulterra all day. I run it pretty hard with lots of stow and deploys through the day. I have 24 volt system with 2 12 volt deep cycle Trojan batteries. SCS225 12V | Trojan Battery Company

 

I’ve never run out of battery power on my Ulterra all day. I run it pretty hard with lots of stow and deploys through the day. I have 24 volt system with 2 12 volt deep cycle Trojan batteries. SCS225 12V | Trojan Battery Company

My Ulterra would easily run all day on one shore charge. Without a full fresh charge, it would die in less than half a day on Day 2.