Auto pilot

[Old firefighter]

Has anyone looked into installing auto pilot on a Yamaha jet boat. I have a 2018 SX240 that I love for family use but would like to try trolling in Lake Erie. I know its probably not practical, but is it doable? Also, I am pretty sure the steering is mechanical, but can't get any hard information on it and the boat is in storage and I cant physically look at it for a month.

 

[Dean P]

I suppose if you have enough $$$$ anything is possible; right? Isn't that why we have children.

to the forum!!! We love pics. Please post many.

 

[fatboyroy]

I think you need autopilot compatible chartplotter here's a YouTube video DIY install. He used to own a yammy jet boat and a member of this forum.

 

[Julian]

One solution I've heard for this is to install one of the top of the line trolling motors with GPS control. Not sure if it will go the speed you need for trolling though....

Never seen anyone put in autopilot on a Yamaha....would love it for Bimini Trips!

 

[swatski]

Has anyone looked into installing auto pilot on a Yamaha jet boat. I have a 2018 SX240 that I love for family use but would like to try trolling in Lake Erie. I know its probably not practical, but is it doable? Also, I am pretty sure the steering is mechanical, but can't get any hard information on it and the boat is in storage and I cant physically look at it for a month.

With our rack and pinion steering you would need a wheel drive or linear actuator autopilot, probably not worth the effort - it would be a nightmare to install.
BTW - it's a bit counterintuitive but, in general, low-speed steering is a lot more demanding of the AP as compared to steering at cruise speeds, so if you do decide to get one for trolling I would overbuild it.

--

 

[swatski]

I think you need autopilot compatible chartplotter here's a YouTube video DIY install. He used to own a yammy jet boat and a member of this forum.

This one is designed to work with a hydraulic Seastar etc. systems, using a pump. It is not for our Yamaha jet boats.

Besides, I would be a little bit careful following this dude's advice. In this particular instance, the Raymarine EV-100 AP he's installing (very nice AP) is rather marginal for his application, he should have used the newer EV-150, or the older EV-200, for that boat and motor. Just saying.

--

 

[fatboyroy]

This one is designed to work with a hydraulic Seastar etc. systems, using a pump. It is not for our Yamaha jet boats.

Besides, I would be a little bit careful following this dude's advice. In this particular instance, the Raymarine EV-100 AP he's installing (very nice AP) is rather marginal for his application, he should have used the newer EV-150, or the older EV-200, for that boat and motor. Just saying.

--

Good to know cause my chartplotter is autopilot ready, but im not sure I'm going to install since its probably not my final boat

 

[swatski]

Good to know cause my chartplotter is autopilot ready, but im not sure I'm going to install since its probably not my final boat

For most new AP systems you do not actually need a chart plotter, unless you wan to network it to communicate waypoints to AP.
If you just want to use AP to maintain a given heading, and set it and adjust it manually - any AP will do it on its own.

--

 

[Dumbassbass]

Has anyone looked into installing auto pilot on a Yamaha jet boat. I have a 2018 SX240 that I love for family use but would like to try trolling in Lake Erie. I know its probably not practical, but is it doable? Also, I am pretty sure the steering is mechanical, but can't get any hard information on it and the boat is in storage and I cant physically look at it for a month.

I have the Minn-Kota Terrova on my 210FSH and it does a great job as far as auto-pilot trolling (as well as spot lock gps anchoring) I'm on lake Erie and troll often with the Minn-Kota. Walleye trolling is generally done between 1.5 to <3 mph so in "no-wake mode" the Yamaha's tend to be just a bit too fast.

 

[HangOutdoors]

@Dumbassbass what speeds can you troll at with that minn kota how fast ?

 

[Dumbassbass]

@Dumbassbass what speeds can you troll at with that minn kota how fast ?

I believe my top speed was about 6 (depending on up or downhill conditions)
Mine is the 112lb

 

[Dumbassbass]

I believe my top speed was about 6 (depending on up or downhill conditions)
Mine is the 112lb

I just went to the Minn Kota site and they don't state a top speed obviously due to boat weight and size and further research shows guys stating 3mph top, while I won't bet big money on my "about 6" I'm sure I've seen 4.5 on the GPS under trolling motor power. Sorry for being wishy-washy. I'd go out and do a field test but the water's too friggin hard.

 

[Old firefighter]

I have the Minn-Kota Terrova on my 210FSH and it does a great job as far as auto-pilot trolling (as well as spot lock gps anchoring) I'm on lake Erie and troll often with the Minn-Kota. Walleye trolling is generally done between 1.5 to <3 mph so in "no-wake mode" the Yamaha's tend to be just a bit too fast.

I can troll at 2 using one engine but its not easy....how does the trolling motor do in waves up to 2 foot?

 

[Dumbassbass]

I can troll at 2 using one engine but its not easy....how does the trolling motor do in waves up to 2 foot?

2 ft is no problem, I'm using the 60''. 3 footers occasionally will surface but recovers right away, works a bit harder but handles it fine.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Very interested in this. Would like to use a trolling motor, preferably 24v not 36v. Would rather not use just one engine.

Minn-Kota site indicated that everything is out of stock, so if this is going to happen this spring I best purchase things soon.

 

[Dumbassbass]

Very interested in this. Would like to use a trolling motor, preferably 24v not 36v. Would rather not use just one engine.

Minn-Kota site indicated that everything is out of stock, so if this is going to happen this spring I best purchase things soon.

Even though I have the 36v/112lb IMHO the 80 would likely suffice. I rarely use more than 4.5 (45%) thrust. I've seen your making mention of LSC so If you plan on trolling against the current rather than drifting in Middle or South channel you may seriously consider the 112lb.

 

[Julian]

There are cable based auto pilots (both Garmin and Lowrance) on the market, but they aren't cheap. Looks like 3-4K. The Garmin actuator itself costs 2k, and has a stroke length of 12 inches. I have no idea how long the rack is behind the helm....but I'm guessing 12 inches would get quite a bit of distance. So who's going to find the inexensive way to do this and write it up for the rest of us?

 

[HangOutdoors]

Even though I have the 36v/112lb IMHO the 80 would likely suffice. I rarely use more than 4.5 (45%) thrust. I've seen your making mention of LSC so If you plan on trolling against the current rather than drifting in Middle or South channel you may seriously consider the 112lb.

Yes, you make a good point, trolling against the current in those river branches will take some muscle. I just wanted to keep the weight down. Figure two batteries for the boat and then 3 for the 36v Trolling Motor. Smells like 3 Battleborn at 29lbs each. Price is nasty at $900 per.

Sorry I Hi Jacked this thread

 

[Dumbassbass]

Yes, you make a good point, trolling against the current in those river branches will take some muscle. I just wanted to keep the weight down. Figure two batteries for the boat and then 3 for the 36v Trolling Motor. Smells like 3 Battleborn at 29lbs each. Price is nasty at $900 per.

I really like my Dakota's for performance size and weight. I'm using 3 of these @ $499ea with chargers:

Dakota Lithium 12v 54Ah Deep Cycle Marine & Solar Battery

Dakota Lithium deep cycle LiFePO4 battery with 54 Amp hours of capacity for high amp draw trolling motors or for long days on the open road in your RV. Lasts 5 times longer than other batteries. More Power & Lasts Longer.

dakotalithium.com