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Post by finatic on Jul 7, 2023 16:20:46 GMT -5
Well I took the family out today to familiarize Myself with the auto pilot. After a short time we had it figured out. Effing awesome. It only took me years of bending Chris's ear to get it done. Until you plant another seed for the boat in my mind I could give you a break. Lol Thanks buddy for all your help and spending my money.
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Post by hookedup on Jul 7, 2023 16:35:27 GMT -5
I don’t know how anyone who trolls for fish, or travels long distances can do without an autopilot. While fishing today (and catching) I worked on several items that needed attention. My boating/fishing/maintenance time is severely limited this year and the autopilot allows me to work and fish at the same time. Even got to watch a naval attack along the beach at Little Creek. Think they were doing a demonstration.
Autopilot=money well spent. Enjoy it.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 605
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Post by jerryk on Jul 7, 2023 17:46:33 GMT -5
I agree completely. My current boat doesn't have autopilot nor radar...two things my prior boat had and I miss both of them. So much so that I pulled the trigger at the end of June to get them for my Sailfish. The order is partially in so today I went through some of the autopilot stuff looking at it and figuring out where to install some of the components. It's not an easy fit for the hydraulic stuff but we'll get there. I also still haven't heard back from Aaron at Sailfish on my question to him about the best way to route power up to the top for radar. I'm guessing that the speaker and lighting wiring goes up the top support on the starboard aft end but to confirm that I need to start disassembly of the galley and upper speaker with the hope that I guessed right...and even more hope that the factory left a fish tape in place! More to come on my installs in the coming months...
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Post by hookedup on Jul 7, 2023 18:03:19 GMT -5
Jerry, I really wish you luck. I did install pull tapes in the hardtop and back to the battery area when I went through installing things (radar, transducer, etc.). Unless yours is different the cable channel in the hardtop is very rough (cut myself a few times when working there). The real issue was getting anything down the hardtop support. I did get the VHF antenna cable down, but no luck with the radar cable. Guessing I could have done it if I had a way to remove the hardtop but the boat is in a boatel and they don't have anything that would help.
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Post by fishnfool on Jul 7, 2023 19:43:37 GMT -5
Hey Glen dont worry I'm working on finding your next project! LMAO!
I'm happy for you friend.
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Post by outtadblue on Jul 10, 2023 9:40:25 GMT -5
Way to go Glen. That’s about the only thing my Sailfish doesn’t have. You will really enjoy it.
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 10, 2023 11:01:26 GMT -5
Install a Rhodan yet? 😁
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Post by finatic on Jul 10, 2023 11:22:17 GMT -5
Install a Rhodan yet? 😁 Nope, I really don't do enough ground fishing to justify it. And I.M.O. they look like shit on the bow of any boat.
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 11, 2023 9:24:23 GMT -5
I get what you’re saying. For me every offshore trip has a bottom fishing fallback plan, and about half are straight up bottom fishing. Add in the 2-3 times per year we inshore fish, that I spend tapping motors in and out of gear to position boat while everyone else fishes…. If I figure out a clean install that doesn’t interfere with anchor locker, pop up nav light, or front cleats, I’ll probably do it.
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Post by finatic on Jul 11, 2023 18:14:03 GMT -5
I get what you’re saying. For me every offshore trip has a bottom fishing fallback plan, and about half are straight up bottom fishing. Add in the 2-3 times per year we inshore fish, that I spend tapping motors in and out of gear to position boat while everyone else fishes…. If I figure out a clean install that doesn’t interfere with anchor locker, pop up nav light, or front cleats, I’ll probably do it. Sounds like a good investment for your boat.👍
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 11, 2023 18:35:33 GMT -5
I’ve literally spent hours today trying to figure out how I’d do it. And the one part I’ve not figured out? The physical installation of the trolling motor itself. Just sent an email off to shuttleslide.com/ I think I can make the SS-9-EXD with 6” extension work. Only issue is one mounting bolt would be over the edge in the sloped portion of the bow. Seems an appropriate spacer around that one bolt would make it work.
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 11, 2023 18:42:30 GMT -5
Just got a reply back, after hours btw. Minus the pics, I’ll post his response over on the trolling motor thread!
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