I-pilot question

[SEMOmike]

One question, will the I-Pilot help with a controlled drift while sauger/walleye fishing. Meaning can you point the trolling motor upstream, hit the cruise control button and will it keep me pointing me upstream and slow my drift?

Thanks????

[JABBO]

One question, will the I-Pilot help with a controlled drift while sauger/walleye fishing. Meaning can you point the trolling motor upstream, hit the cruise control button and will it keep me pointing me upstream and slow my drift?

Thanks????

I would think it would do just that. Once you figure out the speed of flow you increase alittle more based on how much faster you want to drift. Then you set the advanced autopilot as long as the upstream path is straight. And if it isn't all you would have to do is record your favorite/best stretch of river and you can fish while it drives for you... Many,many options for the Ipilot, we just have to figure out how to use them. Good luck!!!:D:D

[SEMOmike]

I can't figure it in my head whether it will try to keep the boat pointed into the current or will it try to point the boat downstream. Time will tell, mine is in and I am goint to get it on the boat this weekend!

[Shellback]

Well it's auto pilot function works on a GPS reading, and it has a speed control similar to the cruise control in a car. I would imagine it you picked a point upstream as a go to, and adjusted your speed control to be less than the river current, it should give you the drift control you want. Obviously you will probably have to make some adjustments depending on the course of the river, and the current speed.

[SEMOmike]

See I think the cruise control function now will actually keep a stated speed. Meaning it will adjust the trolling motor propellor speed and direction to maintain a speed such as 1.5mph.

I can't get my head around how this will work

[Shellback]

See I think the cruise control function now will actually keep a stated speed. Meaning it will adjust the trolling motor propellor speed and direction to maintain a speed such as 1.5mph.

I can't get my head around how this will work

Okay, I see what you mean. If the speed control works off GPS readings, you are going to move upstream at that pace. The computer will tell the motor to increase or decrease speed according to river current. Maybe you need to PM Jason Halfen, the Pro who has been using one. He has the Terrova model, which still enables you to use the foot pedal. Maybe that would allow you to set a constant speed versus GPS over ground speed.

[rockmike]

If you're drifting at the spped you want and set the cruise control, it should try and maintain that speed. Should be handy if you're drifting with or against the wind. I haven't had mine on the river yet.

[Jason Halfen #511]

I have a lot of i-Pilot river experience at this point. In principle, your i-Pilot can be used to control your speed to maintain the preferred vertical or near presentation while slipping with the current. In practice, I've found that surface currents are simply too irregular, and wind influences too profound, to be able to set one speed and forget it while slipping with the current. I am constantly adjusting speed and direction while slipping, and for that, I need the foot control.

[SEMOmike]

Jason,
That's kinda what I figured. What I figure I will do the most is drift wiith a sock and use the spot lock periodically. This should allow me to keep a vertical presentation and stay over the prime spots as needed.

Need some better weather to go check this sucker out!