Spot-lock is the only way to stay in a strike zone and hold your position over the school of fish. But what if your trolling motor isn’t designed with a spot lock? Can you add a spot lock to a trolling motor in that case? Of course, you can. Adding a spot-lock to a trolling motor that isn’t spot-lock compatible is trouble-free.
There Are some easiest ways to install the spot-lock, for example, removing the control box cover and side plates cover, installing the i-Pilot controller, installing the grommet, etc.
We’re here to help you if it’s your first time installing a spot lock in a trolling motor. So, let’s move forward to get all the biggest advantages from spot-lock.
Is Spot-Lock Worth It
The spot-lock can be the best option if you troll for saltwater fishing. The professionals purchase their trolling motor manufactured with spot lock for a successful trolling purpose. However, spot lock cannot be ideal for freshwater fishing because it can easily spook the school of fish.
Usually, the spot lock churns up the weed and mud from the bottom of the water column. And it’s the most common reason the fish can spook around your boat. But depending on the surroundings, a spot lock trolling motor can also be a good option for freshwater.
Benefits of Spot-Lock Trolling Motors
Having a spot-lock-compatible trolling motor will bring you some obvious benefits, for example-
Auto Boat Control
An automatic controlling power is what the actual key benefit comes from in terms of the spot-lock trolling motor. When you need to be stable in a specific spot, you don’t have to do anything to control your boat in the right place. Spot lock will hold the boat fixed where you need it to be. You don’t have to be bothered about the wind or current conditions. Pretty Amazing right?
Auto Navigation
The spot-lock can connect your trolling motor to the GPS waypoint by automatically networking your mapping device. This GPS point can either be a specific location you know before or a new place.
So, it will surely free you up from concentrating on operating trolling motor. And allow you to focus on applying your fishing techniques.
Easy to Find the Right Place
You can easily find a place hassle-free with high-rate of fish availability. No need to waste your time selecting the right place.
How Much Do Spot-Lock Trolling Motors Cost?
Spot lock trolling motors cost a bit high compared to the regular models. Generally, a simply designed spot-lock trolling motor costs up to $2000. However, cost varies based on what features, specifications, and configurations your trolling motor incorporates.
The high-end spot lock trolling motors cost even more than $4000. For example, the super-powerful MinnKota Ultrex will cost you from $3100 to $4200.
If you don’t want to waste your time scouring through the myriad of options then Check out our guide on the cheapest spot lock trolling motor and pick the right one that fits your needs.
Can You Add Spot-Lock To A Trolling Motor
Spot lock compatible trolling motors are very few. If your trolling motor isn’t spot-lock designed, you can add a spot-lock to your trolling motor. And no need to seek professionals’ help to add a spot-lock. You can do it all yourself right following some precise instructions.
Some specific models of trolling motor, for instance, PowerDrive, Terrova, Ultrex, etc., are already manufactured with spot-lock. If you want to purchase a spot-lock compatible trolling motor, any of these models will be the perfect fit for you. Again, if
How To Add Spot-Lock To Trolling Motor
There are 10 significant steps that will help you install the spot-lock to your present trolling motor with ease. You must follow the given instructions properly to install it.
Required Tools for Spot-Lock Installation
Before adding the spot lock to your trolling motor, you must allocate some essential tools like-
- Nose pliers (Uneven)
- Screwdriver
- Zip Ties
Here’s how you can add a spot lock to your trolling motor-
Step 1: Remove the Cover
You’ll have to remove the cover from both the side plates and the control box of the trolling motor. There you’ll find 4 bolts (2 with each) that hold them in the required place. Unscrew and keep the bolts in a safe place so that you get them while needed.
Step 2: Remove the Grommet
Now check out inside the control box of the motor and remove the grummet from there. Press on the grummet strongly and let it pop out. Repeat one more time if you cannot remove it with one press.
Step 3: Add the Spot-Lock Controller
The grummet is blocked with a hole. Now you must pass the cable right through that hole and the coil cord (center).
Step 4: Install the Grummet
You’ll have to snap the new grummet tight in this stage and install it. Ensure the grummet is installed securely.
Step 5: Close the Control Box
Screw the control box and close it carefully using the 4 bolts you unscrew in step 1. Now secure the spot lock cable/wire to the trolling motor using the zip ties. Also, you’ll have to cut the additional wire off.
Step 6: Go to the Center Housing
Press the center housing (both sides) and lift it. It will open and detach. Disconnect the wiring white and black and lose the strain relief cables. The white and black wiring is at the motor’s base point.
Step 7: Place the Spot-Lock Steering Cable
Place the steering cables of the spot-lock and tighten the strain relief. Use a screwdriver to tighten it. Ensure the line is sliding through the hole smoothly.
Step 8: Connect the Power Connectors
Now connect the spot-lock power connector (white and black wire) and the trolling motor’s power cable.
Step 9: Seal the Connectors
Apply heat through a heat shrink to seal the connectors. Use uneven plies and create a tight seal on black and white cables. Reattach the housing back and firmly screw the side plates.
Step 10: Connect the Spot-Lock Cable
Double-check whether all the connector nuts/bolts are screwed tightly. Connect the motor cable and the spot-lock cable if the bolts are alright.
NB: Before entering the water, ensure everything is alright, including the spot-lock. Read the instructions properly before you operate the spot-lock. Also, ensure the spot lock performs well while installing it on your trolling motor.
FAQs
Spot-lock can work in any condition, whether a stable or strong current on the water surface. If the trolling motor incorporates the spot-lock feature, you can fish spontaneously without interruption.
Well, the i-pilot and the spot-lock aren’t the same things. The i-Pilot is the combination of the entire GPS where spot-lock is an option, as same as the steering and speed options.
If your trolling motor features an i-pilot, it will offer many advanced facilities like recording and retracing paths. So, having an i-Pilot in a trolling motor means it has a spot-lock. However, having only the spot-lock doesn’t mean the same.
It depends on your wish. But the spot lock doesn’t require a fish finder.
Not always. It completely depends on your fishing depth or the water type. Spot lock will scare fish if you troll in the shallow water. Also, spot lock isn’t required for freshwater in most cases.
You’ll be settled exactly where you should be. Also, it maximizes the fishing productivity of the anglers. So, it’s cool in its performance.
No, you don’t need it. The spot lock trolling motor can work without GPS puck. However, if you find the motor requires the GPS puck for better performance, you can add it later.
Final Thoughts
There shouldn’t be any more doubt if someone asks, can you add spot lock to a trolling motor? You can add this advanced feature to enhance the motor’s performance anytime. Surely, a trolling motor with a spot lock is a game changer and can take you a step forward than a trolling motor with no spot lock.
However, you can add this feature to the one you own. Just check whether it’s spot-lock compatible. That’s it.
