Thread: First test with the I-pilot

Saturday here in central NC we had 10-20 mph winds and 40 degrees. I don't fish in those conditions much but cabin fever and wanting to try out my new toy got me out of the house and headed to Hyco lake. When we got there the weather man didn't lie the wind was howling. Motored to the middle of the lake and deployed the Riptide ST 80 into the water. After a few test of turns and speed I hit the spotlock button. Even in heavy winds it did a great job of keeping the boat in one area. Then tried the advace auto pilot, it to worked very well. I didn't try to record a track but instead found a place out of the wind to try and fish. After a few hours I noticed the spotlock would only hold for a minute and then turn off. Reading simular post about this problem I suspect I have some bad batteries and/or I am running my wires which I belive are 8 gauge too far( about 16 feet). I will addres these issues and report back. One other issue I have not heard any one talk about was I would try to turn the unit with the prop off and it would only go so far. When I engaged the prop it would turn the full 360 degrees. Any one have an idea on this? All in all I am pleased and will iron out the wrinkles and get back to you . Thanks.

I think I read somewhere that it was designed to only turn so far then kick out to keep from wraping the cables/wires. I would expect it to do the same if running or not.
will check mine next trip out.