Launching with self deploying trolling motor

[Bugler]

My trolling motor has a digital anchor and I have thought that if launching or trailering the boat by myself that I could go to the dock, get out of the boat, digitally anchor the boat offshore out of the way, and retrieve or park my truck. However, since my trolling motor does not self deploy, it would always require me to involve a stop at the dock to either deploy or raise my motor.

Then last weekend, I saw a guy with a Minn Kota self-deploying trolling motor doing exacting what I would like to do. He launched his boat and then stuck his head and remote out the driver's window deployed the trolling motor and digitally anchored the boat while he parked. Then when he walked down to the shore, the brought the boat to him close to shore as he waded in, adjusting up the height of the motor as it approached him.

Is this more common than I thought?

[That Minnesota guy]

It's the Ulterra motor. It's the cats a$$. I personally don't have the guts to anchor it when I'm not in the boat but some do. You can't beat the safety element of stowing and deploying in windy conditions.

[jimordway]

If you forget to turn on the power switch, if there is a lot of wind and current, too many iffffffs.
I have one and love the ease of use. The advertising pitch with the boat self retrieving is cute but the potential for problems is endless.
Take care,

[padronanniversary]

I do it all the time with an Ultera

[REW]

If you had an $80,000 boat, would you chance even the slightest chance for a problem when a simple loop of rope over the dock post that is hooked to the cleat of a boat would insure the safety of the boat?

[Bugler]

Originally Posted by REW

If you had an $80,000 boat, would you chance even the slightest chance for a problem when a simple loop of rope over the dock post that is hooked to the cleat of a boat would insure the safety of the boat?

The guy that did it, did so on a calm day, no waves no wind. Also, due to high waters, all the boat docks were removed. Further, a simple loop of a rope does not ensure that a wave or currents would not beat the boat around on the dock.

[AllenW]

Neat trick when it works, it's the when it doesn't work that bothers me.

In a pinch, go fer it, I'll tie off till then.

Al

[Scott C]

I do it all the time. I just go ahead and deploy the tm when the boat is still on the trailer, but you have to hit pause right when it deploys then trim it to the highest position. I just do that so I won't ever have a failure to deploy and have to go swimming.

[Huntindave]

I've made a swim one time. Not the end of the world (floated clear of everything) but I'd rather not again.

[Thordogg]

I basically do it every single time I launch the boat with my xi5. Probably 200 times at least. Not a single issue ever. no one messing with my stuff while it is tied up to the dock or running into it. I anchor out of the way and then drive back to the dock and hop in. It is great with kids and wife. way less stress for everyone!