rogerdodger:
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...
YakHunter:
Interesting option but of course now I already have my Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 55 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot. Thanks for sharing!
rogerdodger:
--- Quote from: YakHunter on September 20, 2023, 09:31:48 AM ---Interesting option but of course now I already have my Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 55 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot. Thanks for sharing!
--- End quote ---
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.)
YakHunter:
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.
rogerdodger:
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.