Falling Overboard On Auto Pilot

[stratos4me]

Has anyone fallen overboard fishing solo with the trolling motor's auto pilot engaged while running a bank? What happened? Did the boat keep going until hitting something? I would hate to send my dog on a solo mission. Specifically, I have a terrova.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[casts_by_fly]

The motor doesn’t know if you’re on the boat so it’s going to keep going. If you’re using a remote controlled model, keep the remote around your neck if that’s a worry.  The boat shouldn’t get out of range for the remote too quickly. 

[Team9nine]

[TnRiver46]

12 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

The motor doesn’t know if you’re on the boat so it’s going to keep going. If you’re using a remote controlled model, keep the remote around your neck if that’s a worry.  The boat shouldn’t get out of range for the remote too quickly. 

Does remote work soaking wet? 

[Tennessee Boy]

I use Autopilot a lot.   I always make sure I have the remote on me.   I bought the smaller Bluetooth remote for this purpose.  It is waterproof.

[casts_by_fly]

41 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Does remote work soaking wet? 

 

Yes, at least the full size one (I don't have the micro remote to say).  Its not submersible level waterproof if you sink it to the bottom and leave it there but I've had it fully soaked in rain and dropped it in pools of water in the boat.  

[stratos4me]

That's what I thought. It's a bad design. It would be much better if it cut off or engaged spot lock when it looses contact with the remote as the remote goes under water. I had a system like that on my offshore boat, and it was great. I expect this tech in due time.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, stratos4me said:

That's what I thought. It's a bad design. It would be much better if it cut off or engaged spot lock when it looses contact with the remote as the remote goes under water. I had a system like that on my offshore boat, and it was great. I expect this tech in due time.

 

You can put a kill switch on a trolling motor.  My autopilot has one, though that's a little different with it being the primary propulsion and a kayak.  

[GreenPig]

Use a heavy duty man sized tether for yourself. 😆

The thought/concern has crossed my mind too. I stop well short of offshore waypoints with my gas motor and autopilot to within casting range of a waypoint.

[gim]

On 4/18/2024 at 5:32 PM, stratos4me said:

I would hate to send my dog on a solo mission.

 

[steves191145]

My remote stays attached to me not sure how waterproof the garmin remote is but hopefully I'm reaching for the anchor button before I even hit the water lol

[Woody B]

I don't use autopilot at all.  I'm usually either spot locked or controlling my trolling motor with the foot pedal.  I also rarely use my remote......but I keep my remote attached to my belt.  My remote is waterproof,  or at least IP68 rated.   

[stratos4me]

For those who attach a remote to your belt, make sure the tether reaches eye level! Otherwise it will be useless if you go in.

I'm a little surprised that a horror story hasn't been shared yet. Don't be embarrassed. Let's hear it!

[stratos4me]

On 4/22/2024 at 1:07 PM, casts_by_fly said:

 

You can put a kill switch on a trolling motor.  My autopilot has one, though that's a little different with it being the primary propulsion and a kayak.  

I've been looking for a kill switch from minn kota and have been unable to find one. Did you build something or buy it off the shelf?

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, stratos4me said:

I've been looking for a kill switch from minn kota and have been unable to find one. Did you build something or buy it off the shelf?

im in an autopilot kayak so it comes built in. 

[airshot]

Never had to think about this.....in my 60 plus years of boating neither myself or anyone else has ever fallen out of my boat, not even a close call.....

[WRB]

Never used auto pilot, spot lock 👍 

Fell out of a BassCat years ago because the TM switch was on the side of the peddle with the motor turned sideways and accidentally stepped on the switch while fighting a bass, the boat went out from under me in the water I went. Fortunately Yhe boat owner was back seating and helped me into the boat, not easy task to get into a boat with wet heavy clothing. Learned a lesson to have a method to get into the by myself!

Auto Pilots need fail safe off switch or some will drown.

Tom

[txchaser]

On 4/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, WRB said:

Never used auto pilot, spot lock 👍 

Fell out of a BassCat years ago because the TM switch was on the side of the peddle with the motor turned sideways and accidentally stepped on the switch while fighting a bass, the boat went out from under me in the water I went. Fortunately Yhe boat owner was back seating and helped me into the boat, not easy task to get into a boat with wet heavy clothing. Learned a lesson to have a method to get into the by myself!

Auto Pilots need fail safe off switch or some will drown.

Tom

What happened with the fish? 

[WRB]

25 minutes ago, txchaser said:

What happened with the fish? 

Handed the rod to my partner and landed it,

Just now, WRB said:

Handed the rod to my partner and landed it, Tom