Auto pilot

[Robb]

Lookin to buy an autopilot.
Only concern is that it seems as though when
the motor is in the travel postion it hangs
alot farther back than the mount. In rough water
conditions does it get bouncing around alot?
Has anyone had any problems with this?

Wallyeia

[REW]

Yep!!!!!!

If you get an auto pilot -- it is a good idea to either obtain or fabricate some type of support for the motor head. Something as simple as a block of foam and a bungee cord would do wonders to secure the head.

Because of the method that the autopilot goes into the water -- i.e. the motor slide straight out of its cradle, before beginning to rotate - you need a retracting mount if you want optimum head support.

i.e. It would be nice to have a head support that is immediately adjacent to the motor head. However, if you have a pedestal to support the head that is permenant - you will be unable to slide the motor forward to launch the motor. Thus the need for some soft of folding bracket. One could use a strap hing - with a 90 degree bend on the top. You could use a velcro strap around the bent part of the strap to hold the head secure. Then when motor launch is required - remove the velcro strap, and fold down the hinge and launch the motor.

You can also just use a velcro strap across the motor head and cinch it tight and put a slight downward bend in the motor shaft. You are then relying on the stressed motor shaft to keep the head from bouncing. Insure that you release this strap on long term storage - to avoid the development of a long term storage - caused - bow in the trolling motor shaft.

Take care and good luck

REW

[Famous]

It is a major concern. You bang the head to hard on your boat and it screws up the gyro inside and develops a mind of its own. I'm on my 5th auto-pilot now, but i learned a lesson on my first. My fix? 5in by 5in by 8in high fairly rigid foam. Cut a notch in the top to recieve the shaft and cord with a hacksaw blade. Cut a slot all the way through it about 4in down. Slide a 10in rodsaver velcro through the slot and up around shaft. I put it as far back on the bow as i can. Thats only about a foot and a half back, but the head has little to no bounce at all.
Never pull the shaft down to hold in place.That lifts the motor out of the cradle in front and it can shoot out on you. Cut the foam so it pushs up slighly and it is very secure.Cost is about 10 bucks but without somthing you wont have auto-pilot capabilities for long. Good luck

[ERIC]

JUST MY THOUGHTS, BUT WHY GO THRU ALL OF THAT WHEN YOU CAN BY A PINPOINT!!

ERIC

[Paul H]

Been throug two of these - next year a pinpoint - just wish PP would flat straight follow a direction along with all the contours.

I use a small ratchet strap around the shaft just above the motor. I've had them bounce loose both on the road and on rough water. I also add a bungee back by the top - head - whatever to stabilize it.

There are two small - cheap - pieces of rubber that wear quickly if these suckers bang around a lot.

Ram also makes a nice mount for the head to restrain it - but the motor end at least needs a bungee or strap on it.

My first one I had Minn Kota's removeable mount = would take off when trailering - did a lot to help it last.

[AquaMan]

Never had a problem with mine. But then, my max speed on the water is 30MPH and I don't beat the snot out of my rig either. The head has never bounced off anything hard since the shaft would have to flex a full 8 inches to alow the head to connect with the gunnel. I think that the shaft would snap before the head would connect. I don't trailer the boat with the motor in place if I am going down back roads at 80 either. I have had this same unit since 1995 and have never had it in for tweaking or repair. It does not sit in the garage all summer either. I put about 60-70 days a year on this unit.

I think that you might be better off with the styro block then to velcro the head since the unit relies on the weight of the motor to keep it craddled. Placing downward pressure on the head might cause the motor to deploy unexpectedly. There are some gimble style mounts that also offer a ridged head support. I think that Jonny Ray is the MFR.

Enjoy!


AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[LQP1]

I have a RAM mount on mine.
It has a ball just below the head that's attatched with a worm gear clamp and a bow on the gunnel of the boat, it takes a couple extra seconds to screw it down and I don't connect it all the time if it's calm and I'm going to use it right away again, but definately in rough water and when trailering.

When you have it tightened down it's not going anywhere.
I also have a sliding plate for the mount to slide it in a few inches when in the stow position.

I believe it cost around $30.00, but it will last a long time and I don't have any concern about damaging or losing my trolling motor.

[Matt]

My best friend has been through 4 in the last 2 years. He won't touch them any more.