Minn Kota Auto Pilot Question

[SlowPoke]

I'm considering upgrading my bow-mount and looking at the PowerDrive V2 AP/US2.

I would like to be able to set the kicker motor to troll at my desired speed and let the bow-mount control the steering. Will auto-pilot correct the direction of the boat without being the main propulsion? (only kick in to correct coarse otherwise in nuetral)

[eye-tracker]

Hello,

 

You need to set the PowerDrive speed at just the right amount of thrust to control the bow. So when the bow moves left or right you will have enough thrust to correct the heading. I often do this when trolling into or on an angle to the wind. Use the kicker to provide transom thrust and a small amount of constant electric bow thrust to control the bow direction. For this type of set up I would recommend at least a 24 volt system as a 12 volt system will drain down quickly when trolling for extended periods.

 

-sheldon

[Handlebarz]

No Brian you will not get the last guys marking from his favorite spot with the auto pilot I tried and it only brought me to carp holes

[Garry2Rs]

I had an auto pilot about 4 -5 years ago...at that time there was a problem with the compass...I assume that it has been corrected, but You should ask about it before you buy.

garry2rs

[taper]

Brian I ran the auto pilot I bought from Jos last year at Colchester without a kicker and it ran 6 hours and was not dead at the end of the day. I was told to do exactly what eye tracker has explained and have the control with you at the back, that way if minor corrections are needed its an arms length away. I believe the cord is 20 ft long.

[corvette1]

if you troll alot with your kicker tr-1 auto pilot is your best bet if you need pm me

[SlowPoke]

Thanks for the feedback folks. I don't think it'll do exactly what I want but it should come fairly close. Now I just have to find the money for a new kicker and minn kota!

corvette1, the tr-1 is not in the near future for me. For that kind of money, I could get my wife a pair of...

A - airline tickets to Australia

B - diamond earrings

C - boobs

I know, I'm a good hubby, always thinking of her first.

-Brian