The Ultimate in Boat Launching

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
jimh
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Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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The Ultimate in Boat Launching

Postby jimh » Sat Dec 12, 2015 11:00 am

MINN-KOTA has a commercial that demonstrates their remote-controlled electric trolling motor being used in a novel manner: to pilot the boat off the trailer at a launching ramp and over to a courtesy dock with no one onboard, all under remote control. See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5ejwRj9t1Q&feature=youtu.be

I don't know that you could use this at every ramp and launch situation, but it certainly is a fun concept.

porthole
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:57 pm
Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: The Ultimate in Boat Launching

Postby porthole » Sat Dec 12, 2015 11:53 am

Hmm--since the Lowrance pilot will, according to the manual, keep a boat on station using a linked trolling motor, this is certainly on the cool factor. I don't think it would work so well on my 5,000-lbs T-top equipped 21-foot boat, but it sure would make launching and recovery a whole easier single-handed.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

Jefecinco
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Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:35 pm
Location: Gulf Shores, AL

Re: The Ultimate in Boat Launching

Postby Jefecinco » Sun Dec 13, 2015 10:53 am

Porthole--I suspect the 55-lbs-thrust trolling motor would maintain your boat on station in most conditions when you would be launching it.
Butch

porthole
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:57 pm
Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: The Ultimate in Boat Launching

Postby porthole » Sun Dec 13, 2015 8:01 pm

Jefecinco wrote:I suspect the 55-lbs-thrust trolling motor would maintain your boat on station in most conditions when you would be launching it.

It just might, but I would probably need a bow and stern unit. Kind of a narrow fairway with limited room at the ramp.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF