View Full Version : Why are cable steered TM's preferred?
steve(IL)
03-08-2001, 06:33 PM
In all the tv and video footage I've seen, the only trolling motor used has been a cable steering type unit - why? My guess is the faster response time and that they are easier to stow and deploy. Maybe I answered my own question. Is there anything else to consider? I've had auto pilot type units and never really used that feature. Electric steering is slower, but you're not fighting torque either. I'd appreciate hearing some opinions on pros & cons. Again, thanks to all who reply. I need to decide quick and get something on order.
SUPERTROLLER
03-08-2001, 08:04 PM
We got stuck out in a heavy rain last summer and the radio controller was getting blasted. All of the sudden it stopped working. All shorted out from water and moisture. didn't work for two more days of the vacation. If you're in a tournament, you're screwed! As it was, it was just an inconvenience for us. When that controller quits there's nothing you can do. At least with foot control you can put on set speed and still turn it. Eats up batteries under heavy use for adjustments but radio control is nice while it works. Maybe you get nicer units with a bigger budget than we spend. I'm not sure. It was supposed to be sealed against water, but obviously it wasn't quite good enough.
I had an auto pilot with wireless footpad. I returned after one day on the lake. It took to long to respond. Anywhere from 2 to 5 seconds before it would do what I wanted. Took a hard wire one instead was sooo much nicer. I would say if its tournament guys they can't afford for their TM to go down in a contest. So I can understand why they use a wire guided one. Fish On! CW
NPAA265
03-09-2001, 10:15 AM
POWER OF THE MOTOR. 100LB THRUST MOTORS ARE CABLE STEER UP FRONT, GENESIS IS ONLY 74 LB.AUTOPILOT. MECH STEERING REDUCES CHANCE OF STEERING FAILURE COMPARED TO AN AUTOPILOT. IF YOU UPGRADE TO AN AUTOPILOT, KEEP YOUR OLD MOTOR AS BACKUP.
I agree that the cable type are probably more reliable in those adverse circumstances and that would be important for tournament fishing. However, I have an autopilot on the front of my boat and really like the convenience of not having to adjust continously, particularly when unhooking a fish, baiting a hook, etc. On the other hand, I use a manually steered electric on the back of the boat for backtrolling so response is immediate (when I am paying attention).
ufda
Couple of reasons.....
With the cable steering, you can feel (by the position of your foot) the direction of the motor without looking at the motor.
(A disadvantage is that you must keep your foot on the steering pedal to 'hold' your motor heading.)
Many of the electric-steers are slow to respond, and can oversteer if not paying strict attention.
Newer electric designs, especially the PinPoint, mimic the best features of cable steered units.
Hans
Steve,
Another advantage to cable is that their a lot quieter. Shallow fishing or heavily pressured water demands a lot quieter motor and smoother response to turning movements. Motor driven units spook fish in these conditions while cable units minimize any disturbance.
Gunga Din
03-09-2001, 01:06 PM
Another thing I like about my Pinpoint is that I frequently find myself at the end of my turning radius in one direction, and then have to turn hard and fast in the other direction to go where I want. With the Pinpoint, it does this very fast. The pedal is sensitive to slight turns and slows the turning down a little and it speeds it up when you really need to whip around in the other direction fast.
Plus, I love having the option to get off the bow and out of bad weather and still use trolling motor from the back of the boat.
Grampa_Joe
03-09-2001, 01:34 PM
It's nice (with a Pinpoint) not having to stand on one leg all day long like you're some kind of a duck too. Every cable driven TM I've seen has at least a 6" tall pedal.
-Joe Carlson
Jesse-WI
03-09-2001, 02:12 PM
Well, I've owned both types and if you need the auto-pilot/depth tracking options then you have little choice.
Although I prefer the cable ones, it is important to use one of the bikecycle type seats with a tall pedalstal. With this combination, you can fish all day without wearing out one of your legs.
I like the quickness when fishing in bad weather and allows knowing where I am headed with looking. The whole process is now second nature to me. With the exception of occasion speed adjustments, I never really think about or look at the trolling motor once I start fishing.
I would like to see an autopilot unit with cable steering.