Adding AutoPilot to a small/light trolling motor.

About 7 years ago, I installed a MinnKota RipTide I-Pilot on the bow of our 16' ePB, it has all the fun GPS/AutoPilot capabilities and it is just amazing, a total game changer for salmon trolling and crabbing.  No surprise to me how much people rave about the AutoPilot kayaks now available.

But what about someone that doesn't want to give up their existing kayak and it's pedal drive but wants wants to add lightweight electric boost with GPS directional control and e-anchoring?  Looks like it might be fairly easy very soon...

https://youtu.be/rl8N1yS-664?si=XmgwNA5f2Z_rfYwv   

https://tbnation.net/products/autoboat-gps-trolling-motor-anchor-system?variant=40518071451783&currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gs-2021-08-11&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAjw6p-oBhAYEiwAgg2Pgge4TCmQ_coRjNoH24LQsC77asgZfp4t-K9VaiaVtLtzqJGIjSuTpxoCt2YQAvD_BwE

Interesting option but of course now I already have my Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 55 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot.  Thanks for sharing!

Interesting option but of course now I already have my Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 55 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot.  Thanks for sharing!

that's the exact one on our PB but it seems a bit big/heavy for most kayaks and not quickly removable for non-motorized outings.

I decided to go with the Newport Kayak 36# ($125, 18#) and their transom mount ($99) that will bolt down to the back of my Outback to the nuts that Hobie was kind enough to mold into the hull.  Looks like $875 for everything but battery.  (I already have a 50amp-hr LiFePO4 battery- 11 pounds.)

https://newportvessels.com/products/kayak-series-kayak-trolling-motor

https://newportvessels.com/collections/motor-accessories/products/transom-motor-mount

 

I picked up a mounting bracket for my PA14 from OneObjective plus a quick disconnect plate which makes removal of the MinnKota quick and painless.  The PA14 handles the additional weight well but wouldn't put it on my Outback.  I sure like the system you put together as it is lighter and much much cheaper.   

here is good video on how easy it is to add the AutoBoat system to an existing trolling motor that has been adapted to a kayak.  I also got word that if the system loses contact with the remote or phone connection, it goes into anchor mode and holds the kayak in place, exactly what I was hoping for.

https://youtu.be/dv2LluoOxes?si=5RXQJF-GKtXmxgXK

quick update on my AutoBoat install on the Outback, first outing was a 7 hour counterclockwise loop of Siltcoos-

36# Newport Kayak motor on stern, 100amphr mini LiTime in bow hold, 60amp breaker near cup holder, and AutoBoat controller at front of rear deck (out of Pepper's way).  You just set the trolling motor to 100% and the controller does the rest, 8 settings from 5% to 100% thrust.

wide open- 3.8 to 4.0mph (4.5 to 5mph with pedaling).
50%- perfect 2.2mph trolling speed
anchoring test, set for 3/10 (kayak)- excellent.
remote and phone app worked perfectly.

conclusion- I have excess battery (only used 50% despite probably 3 hours at 100%) and I want more thrust, plus I really want the motor on the bow so I don't need to crawl over Pepper to raise/lower it.  Newport 24" shaft kayak motor too short to bow mount on the Outback.  Next up- 55# thrust with 30" shaft for the bow and moving the battery to the stern by adding a new hatch to the Outback rear deck.

For sale- Newport 36# Kayak trolling motor, used once, as new, no modifications.  lol