Thread: I pilot head response speed quistion

If I understand your question, the response time for course corrections is about the same. The AP will drift off course due to wind and current but will make a correction based on the compass heading set. The IP is based on GPS, but you have to be using the recorded track feature (playback) to get the gps accuracy over compass heading. If you are actually doing the recording, I would imagine that the AP is doing the driving while in "record" mode with it collecting the gps data as your move along, then in playback mode it uses gps data to keep you on the same course you just recorded. If you or the wind pushes the boat 25' to one side while recording, the playback will follow that 25' variance as well since it was recorded via the IP. There is still a bit of slop in the gps data as noted in the various comments on the spot lock feature in IP. GPS is accurate, but only down to 10-20' +/-.

Sorry, my question is not so clear. When you push the peddle to go left will the head turn at the same speed as a auto pilot or about the same speed as a cable controled head.

I have a modified Powerdrive motor that I can use the foot pedal on it. The foot pedal moves the motor much faster than I-pilot corrections to course. I would think they intentionally slow down the motor steering with the I-pilot, otherwise the motor would be going crazy.

cable controlled head turns faster than the Ipilot. Using the auto pilot feature, the head turns the same speed as using the foot pedal. It just doesn't turn as far as it makes small changes to direction to keep it on course.

I retract my previous statement. I just went outside and checked it out. I guess I imagined it moved faster due to the fact it's just faster mashing the pedal, rather than grabbing the remote and pushing the button. An electric steer will never be as fast as a cable steer. But on an electric steer motor, I'd say you can control your motor faster with the foot pedal, than you can with a hand remote. At least I can.

Thanks that answersd my question. I spider rig and like running the poles up into standeing timber and if a gust of wind blows I can correct the boat real fast with a cable steer and with a auto pilot my poles go crashing in to the timber.So I will hold off buying one.

Crappieslab
I have always used a cable driven TM. I went in a friends boat to Santee to fish in some of my spots in the flooded upper swamp. The electric steer drove me crazy. I was bouncing off trees and logs all day. It is significantly slower responding to you foot.
That being said, I can't wait until I have enough $$ saved to get an I-Pilot. In open waters trolling or drifting or most anything else the I-Pilot seems to be a dream come true. I have a hand controll TM that I am considering mounting on the front side when I fish Santee unless I get adept enough with the Ipilot to use it in the cypress swamps.
It is a matter of getting use to a different type of steering.
SeaRay