Installing Garmin (Nautamatic) Tr-1 Gold on Ranger 620

[pwrfshn]

Has anyone done this?

We are in the process of installing a Tr-1 Gold on my 620 and I am looking for suggestions on placement of the E-H pump? Right now it looks like we are going to mount the pump in the starboard storage compartment forward of the charger/cranking compartment. This is going to take away some of my favorite storage, but we are out of other ideas.

Any other ideas? We have looked at the bilge area and the oil reservoir area but are concerned with water expsure etc... The starboard wall of the oil reservoir area looks good, but there is a hole that appears to let water esacpe through the wall...anyone know what happens if we cover that hole? Also, are there issues if the pump is exposed to water from the bilge...it won't be on the floor, but it would probably get wet.

Thanks in advance,

Mexico

[Bassbuster]

Originally Posted by Mexico

Has anyone done this?

We are in the process of installing a Tr-1 Gold on my 620 and I am looking for suggestions on placement of the E-H pump? Right now it looks like we are going to mount the pump in the starboard storage compartment forward of the charger/cranking compartment. This is going to take away some of my favorite storage, but we are out of other ideas.

Any other ideas? We have looked at the bilge area and the oil reservoir area but are concerned with water expsure etc... The starboard wall of the oil reservoir area looks good, but there is a hole that appears to let water esacpe through the wall...anyone know what happens if we cover that hole? Also, are there issues if the pump is exposed to water from the bilge...it won't be on the floor, but it would probably get wet.

Thanks in advance,

Mexico

Mex:

You have to post a bigger fish picture if you are a super moderator. Just my two cents.

Tell us some more about this TR-1 gold. It sounds like I need one. Give me an update after you get it installed.

[Bassbuster]

Originally Posted by Bassbuster

Mex:

You have to post a bigger fish picture if you are a super moderator. Just my two cents.

Tell us some more about this TR-1 gold. It sounds like I need one. Give me an update after you get it installed.

Mex:

Why go for kicker steering over trolling motor steering? Why not a Motorguide trolling motor? Come on, do not hold any punches, we are talking big bucks either way here.

[orchard frank]

I have run a TR-1 for 5 seasons (Tracker Tundra), have installed a few more for others. I think you will want to mount the EH unit in a dry area. There are some sensitive electtronics in the back panel, as well as all the wire connect plugs. The motor is not (on mine) waterproof, but water resistant. I mounted mine inside of the bottom half of an old tackle box, then mounted the box to the floor of my rear battery compartment. This protects the bottom and sides, and in it's present position, water can't get to the top area. The compartment is dry to begin with, but in heavy waves/rain, some water can drip around the lid a little. Not familiar with the room you have in the Ranger, but inside a box may work for you also if in a wet area. They do build up a little heat, so I'm not sure about a closed box. I have had great luck with my unit, great for setting lines, netting, salmon fishing, fishing alone. Like having a hired hand do all the work. Also take your time finding the location for the gyro-compass in the front. The further forward of mid-ship, the quicker the response.

[pwrfshn]

Bassbuster,

Had to get rid of the Terrova...I loved it and it is definitely the way to go for one dimensional fishing...but as it has been said many times here before...position fishing is something best done with a cable drive motor...Maxxum 101 Pro with US2...life is good.

D&M is working on the install and I am hoping to have the throttle actuator this week.

Orchard Frank,

I sent Robert Voss at Garmin some photos of the transom compartment that I was planning on using...he thought the forward storage locker may be too far away for proper response time with the extra hydraulic hosing we would have to run...about 16 feet. The compartment now hosts my trim/tilt pump and my oil reservoir and tons of hoses...looks like Great America (6 Flags) in there.

Thanks and any other suggestions are appreciated...really hoping someone has mounted one in a 620...can't believe they haven't, but I am also calling Ranger today.

Mexico

[K Gonefishin]

There was a 621 for sale in the classifieds with a TR-1 installed might want to search through them and contact them on the how

If possible you shouldnt use more then the hose provided in a the kit. They provide the correct amount of hose for proper steering responce.

I have a TR1 on my salmon tournament boat and its mounted in the battery compartment and i spray it down sometimes with the washdown when im cleaning the deck. As long as i doesnt get submerged i dont really see a problem. Im not familiar with that boat but it just getting wet shouldnt be a problem. Robert Voss is really sharp when it comes to these autopilots if you have any questions he is the best resource to have. He is the guy Garmin hired on from Nautamatic who originally developed the TR1.

I have fished all season with the TR1 gold and now i dont know how im going to go back to fishing without it. It controls both speed and steering and no matter the wind or waves keeps your right on coarse and doesnt tangle any lines, even when were running our salmon tournament spread in 6fters.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...W/DSC_0049.jpg

[pwrfshn]

Thanks...Robert has been great and Garmin should be happy to have someone that leaves such a positive CS impression.

Do you use a sterring bar between your big motor and kicker...does anyone or will the TR-1 keep the kicker from swinging around.

I've got a Merc 9.9 Pro Kicker and am guessing I will need to remove the steering link to the big motor for proper operation...the steering link from Ranger is not one that can be taken on and off.

Thanks again,

[orchard frank]

I think it will have to be removed, at least at the kicker end. Whether you have no-feedback steering or hydraulic on your main engine, it will not turn without the steering wheel being turned. The TR-1 would be trying to turn both engines at once. I do have a (quick connect) connector that I use occasionally in real rough conditions or if I am working a complex structure. What I do during those times is to leave the TR in the "Standby" mode and it will still operate the throttle (if you purchase the optional throttle control). Even in rough conditions, mine works fine in an up or down wind direction, but it has a harder time in cross wind passes.

[pwrfshn]

Thanks...the Ranger linkage is either on or off...so I am hoping off works.

We don't get the big pounding down here so I am not too concerned.