SUBJECT: # 128: Auto pilot trolling motors
Submitted by D williams from OKLAHOMA on 8/21/2002 8:00:00 AM
Someone please tell me all about the auto pilot trolling motors. do they really work. is auto pilot something you can turn off & on. i think i read somewhere that the shaft retracks when in the stowed position, if so how long is a 54" shaft model in the stowed position. i have a procraft pro165 and am not sur the motor will fit under my custom cover. thanks for any info
- 8/28/2002 12:17:00 AM
Big D from NEBRASKA says You will need to
remove it to put the cover on, which is not a big problem. They have one thumb screw for removal.You can turn the autopilot on and off. When you turn it on, it keeps the trolling motor oriented to the same compass direction until you move the heading with your foot control.
If you have the autopilot on and the trolling motor off, the trolling motor will still orient itself to that same compass point and will take the bow of the boat that direction when power is applied again.
I love my Autopilot and I wonder why bass fishermen don't use them. It would make sense, particularly during long runs down a weed line or bank.
Since you asked on a walleye board, I use it during drifts and slow trolling jig presentations or to keep the boat over the same hump time after time.
It doesn't follow contours or depths, but there are motors out there that do. I have a Autopilot on the front and a 4 horse MG on the back for back trolling. I love them both for what they can do. With that long control cable, I can run both motors from the back of the boat with pinpoint accuracy.
Good luck and happy catching!
Big D
- 8/29/2002 5:49:00 PM
d williams from OKLAHOMA says Hey big d
Thanks for the info big d. i have one more question. as you mentioned i too spend most of my time fishing for eye's & sandies so i am out in the wind most of the time. does the auto pilot shaft retract any when in the stowed position? thanks for your help.
