AutoBoat GPS Pro Anchor System

What is AUTOBOAT? 

AUTOBOAT is the 1st ever GPS navigation control adapter for basic transom-mount trolling motors (such as the Minn Kota Endura). It attaches to the parent trolling motor to give high-end features that you would only see in today’s elite-level trolling motors, such as: Electronic Steering, Anchor Mode, North heading, and creating & following routes marked and logged through the phone. app.

What Is The AutoDrive Unit, And How Does It Function?

The AutoDrive Unit is a mechanical coupling system with high-resistance nylon gears and a floating sliding system. It is a crucial component that ensures smooth and reliable operation of the trolling motor.

What Are The Key Features Of The Pro System Control Box?

The Pro System Control Box includes precision electronics, a PWM switching system, and is constructed from aluminum with a heat-dissipating design, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

What Are GPS-Capable Trolling Motors?

GPS-capable trolling motors have auto-piloting features, such as keeping the boat in place in high current or winds without using a traditional anchor, keeping your boat pointed straight at trolling speeds, and following a specific course that you’ve charted and want to refollow.

Does This System Have GPS Functionality, And If So, What Can It Do With GPS?

Yes, the AUTOBOAT GPS Pro Anchor System includes a satellite GPS system that allows for spot-lock anchoring, navigation lock heading, and other advanced features. It offers similar capabilities to professional-grade MinnKota Ultrex, PowerDrive, and Motorguide Xi3/Xi5 Trolling Motors.

How Does The Remote Control Work, And What Is Its Range?

The system includes an 8-speed remote control with an RF wave system, offering a range of 100 meters (over 300 feet) for convenient and versatile control.

Is This System Suitable For Marine Environments?

Yes, this system is designed to withstand the adversities of a marine environment and is rated with IP67 waterproofing to ensure durability and performance in harsh conditions.

Is There A Mobile App Available For Controlling The Trolling Motor?

Yes, there is an AutoBoat Pro Mobile App available for both Apple and Android devices. You can use it to control your trolling motor and map out fishing routes. You can download the free app from the provided link.

Is The AUTOBOAT System Bluetooth-Compatible Through A Phone App?

Yes, it is. The stock remote is connected via bluetooth, and the phone app is also connnected the same way. The remote should connect automatically to the unit upon power-up.

What Warranty Does The AutoBoat GPS Pro Anchor System™ Come With?

The system is backed by a 1-year warranty

What Is The Purpose Of The Depth Regulator In This System?

The depth regulator features a high-resistance nylon gear coupler that locks into the AutoDrive motor. It is used to set the motor’s depth and steer the unit for precise control.

Can AUTOBOAT Be Used On 24 VOLT Trolling Motors?

So far, AUTOBOAT can only be used on 12v systems with a maximum thrust range of 55lbs. We are currently working on 24v units.

How To I Turn My AUTOBOAT Unit On?

The unit can be turned on via the power button on the stock remote, or the power button on the phone app. The large propeller icon in the middle of the control is the power button in the phone app. The pro system will need to be connected to power via a 12 volt system.

Can I Use Spot Lock In Saltwater Environments?

Absolutely, the AutoBoat GPS adapter system is saltwater rated. You simply need to ensure you pair AutoBoat adapter system with a “saltwater rated” trolling motor.

How Do I Calibrate The GPS For Optimal Anchor Mode/ GPS Performance?

Deploy the trolling motor in an open environment & make sure it is pointing straight. Hold the “N” button down. In a few seconds, the motor sould start rotating. It will turn 360 degrees, and then return back to it’s original position. The unit is now calibrated. you can also calibrate your unit through the AUTOBOAT app.

What Is “N” North Heading Mode?

“N” Mode allows your trolling motor to stay on course at the selected speed, in the direction you have pointed it. You can make slight adjustments to said direction by using the remote. This feature is used widely when trolling, or sately navigating your boat in open water hands-free.

What Is The “Rabbit” Icon On The Remote?

The rabit mode will put your trolling motor into max speed. This is used mainly in an emergency situation when you need full power to avoid adversity on the water, or simply want to reach the max speed quickly.

What Is Anchor Mode?

GPS Anchor Mode refers to when the trolling motor holds the boat in a fixed position without the user needing to deploy a heavy anchor. The motor will continuously adjust speed and steer the boat in order to maintain the user’s desired position.

How Does The Anchor Mode Work On A Trolling Motor?

User positions the boat in desired location and then activates Spot Lock. The GPS motor records that exact location and then adjusts thrust and steering to hold that anchor position until the user disengages Spot Lock.

How Accurate Is The Anchor Mode Feature?

AutoBoat’s GPS Spot Lock anchor mode is accurate to within 5ft under most weather conditions. Key is ensuring your trolling motor paired to AutoBoat is appropriately sized for weather conditions and size of the vessel. If the AutoBoat app consistently indicates 100% throttle while in anchor Spot Lock mode this could indicate your trolling motor is undersized for the vessel and conditions.

Can The Anchor Mode Be Used In Rough Waters Or Strong Currents?

AutoBoat trolling motor systems can definitely operate in rough water and strong currents. Things to consider are shaft length of your AutoBoat trolling motor. A shorter shaft trolling motor can cavitate (come out of water) in rough waters of large waves.

Longer shaft trolling motors will stay submerged even in large waves. Also consider the thrust of your trolling motor and the size of your vessel. If you pair too small of thrust motor with AutoBoat you will see on the app that the motor will operate at 100% throttle most of the time and struggle to hold position. This is an indicator that you may need to purchase a larger thrust trolling motor.

Luckily you can easily swap AutoBoat between various trolling motors in only a few minutes without tools. The AutoBoat Unit can work on up to a 55lb thrust transom-mount trolling motor with compatable mounting points and shaft thickness (See question for specifices).

Can I Manually Override The Anchor Mode Or “N” Mode If Needed?

By tapping anchor button on the included AutoBoat remote or via the AutoBoat app you can disengage the Spot Lock anchor function of the GPS trolling motor.

You can then adjust your position and re-engage the Spot Lock anchor mode by tapping the anchor button on the remote or app. This will allow you to adjust your desired anchor point and give AutoBoat a new anchoring point to hold.

Can I Set Multiple Anchor Mode Locations For Quick Access?

Yes you can, through the AUTOBOAT app on your phone. No more relying on proprietary graph/trolling motor combos to get this feature. You can now mark multiple spots, follow routes, and more. These spots & routes are saved on the app & able to be accessed at any time.

Is There A Limit To How Long The Anchor Mode Will Hold A Position?

AutoBoat GPS enhanced trolling motors can hold Spot Lock anchor position for as long as your battery will allow. This will depend on the amp draw of your trolling motor and the the size of your battery.

Also if weather conditions are harsh the motor will work harder and you will experience less runtime. AutoBoat enhances battery runtime for basic trolling motors

Does Using Anchor Mode Drain My Battery Faster?

Using Spot lock is significantly more efficient than if you were trying to steer and hold a fixed position manually. AutoBoat is very efficient in how it delivers power to the motor. Under Spot Lock anchoring mode AutoBoat only delivers enough power to overcome the environmental factors such as wind or current. It detects drift and points into the area of resistance such as current or wind. In general, AutoBoat increases battery runtime for all trolling motors that pair with it.

Do I Need An External GPS Unit For Anchor Mode Functionality?

AutoBoat kit includes a GPS adapter that easily attaches to your factory trolling motor without tools. This gives the trolling motor Spot Lock anchoring functionality at a push of a button.

The Phone Appears To Have Smoother Connection Than The Stock Remote Itself. Is This Normal?

Yes, this is normal. However, connection through the AUTOBOAT app in the smart phone is not as strong or consistant as the parent remote.

How Does Anchor Mode Compare To Traditional Anchor Systems?

Anchor Mode via AutoBoat equipped trolling motor allows the user to spend more time fishing or enjoying themselves on the water. No need to drop a large heavy anchor or untangle rope. Just push a button on AutoBoat remote or via app and you are anchored via the trolling motor. It is quick and effortless.

Are There Any Brands Or Models That Are Particularly Recommended For GPS Spot Lock Functionality?

It is recommended to pair AutoBoat GPS adapter kits with recommended trolling motors listed on product page. This will ensure the best compatibility and performance of the Spot Lock anchor mode functionality.

Is There A Difference In Performance Between Bow-Mounted And Transom-Mounted Motors With Spot Lock?

GPS will operate differently from the back, as the boat will pull backwards to stay in position. With anchor mode. You will also not be able to use the North heading “N” because it will try to auto correct in the boat. Will there be pulled backwards in a straight line. As well, the steering will also be reversed from the remote.

How Do I Troubleshoot Issues With The Spot Lock Function?

Make sure your heading sensor is pointed in the right direction. If it’s backwards, the trolling motor will continue to speed up because it thinks it’s going the other way. If your setup is correct and you’re still expriencing issues with anchor mode, please recalibrate the unit. This can be done by either holding down the “N” button on the remote, or through the AUTOBOAT app.

Is The AUTOBOAT Drive System Loud?

It does make some noise, but it is surprisingly quite in comparison to other GPS trolling motors.

The Gear Cam Keeps Slipping When Steering. What Do I Do?

If the gear cam keeps slipping inside the AUTODRIVE motor itself, please tightend the clamp screw on the AUTODRIVE motor. Cam slip occurs when the AUTODRIVE is loose. If this keeps occuring after retightening, please contact customer support.

I Keep Losing Connection On My Phone. What Do I Do?

The phone’s connection is significantly weaker than the stock remote. The phone’s connection also shuts on and off when it overheats. It is always recommended that the stock remote be present while using your AUTOBOAT system.

What Happens If The GPS Signal Is Lost During Spot Lock Use?

Overheating of the AUTOBOAT unit itself is extremely rare; we have yet to see it. Overheating on the trolling motor can be prevented with a 50amp marine circuit breaker. Remember, in severe cold, a 40amp or lower is recommended, as cold temperatures can affect the breaker’s ability to sense a hot wire.

Are There Any Maintenance Requirements For Trolling Motors With Spot Lock?

Simply ensure you rinse off components lightly with freshwater if exposed to saltwater. Also ensure the cable connections are fully engaged and secure to prevent water intrusion. You can also periodically re-calibrate the AutoBoat GPS motor by holding N or activating compass calibration in the app. Calibration is particularly important if you are traveling to newer areas outside of your typical boating area.

What Happens If The GPS Signal Is Lost During Spot Lock Use?

Signal loss from the remote is extremely rare, and would likely only happen if the battery is low. Each unit comes with a spare battery. Disconnection from the phone is more likely to happen due to the phone’s bluetooth signal being weaker, and the phone will auto-shut off bluetooth if it begins to overheat. We strongly recommend against operating your watercraft through the autoboat system with your phone, unless you are in the vessel yourself. steering your vessel outside the boat is best completed with the stock remote, and only from short distances away.

Are There Any Software Updates Required For The GPS Or Trolling Motor?

In the future, all units will be firmware-capable. But in present, if you are experiencing system malfunctions from the pro system box that cannot be fixed through recalibration, our service & warranty center will either repair the pro system, or send you a new unit. – provided its still under the warrantee timeline.