TR-1 Gold Anyone????

[5-Cents]

I am seriously considering an auto pilot for the trolling motor. Got my first taste of COLD weather trolling last week. BURRRRrrrrr graemlins/eek13.gif I am out in the cold working the tiller and my buddy goes into the heated canvas cabin and talks to me by leaving the zipper partially open graemlins/berry.gif I could just imagine if it was raining. So over the last week I have been rationalizing the $2k. I would like to have some input from some people that have an AP as to if it is worth the $$$$. graemlins/1zhelp.gif

Thanks! :cheers:

[Hogmaster]

Nah, Nickle, you don't need no stinkin' TR-1!!!

You'll just crowd up the cabin when you take me fishin' if you are in there!

:grin: :cheers: :grin:

[Hogmaster]

In fact, you fish for the ambience and experience of getting into the outdoors, right? Why on earth do you want to be taking away from that?

Couldn't be I am writing this because I am always sitting exposed at the tiller is it? Nah. That's why I never put the top on the boat! Mutual suffering!
:grin: :grin: :grin:

[ 10-28-2002, 07:19 PM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]

[5-Cents]

Hogmaster,

Man you must be on this site 24/7! I need to take you fishing to get you away from your computer! :grin:

[Hogmaster]

Multi-taking always leaves room for ifishing if not real fishing.

I am learning to call ducks with my new call "Here Newt, Here Newt", watching MNF, sending people bad jokes, and paying bills (on the internet of course) - all while spying on this. Helps to have two monitors. :grin:

Don't even ask me about work!

Oh, and being insomniatic makes a difference too. ..

:cheers:

[ 10-28-2002, 07:51 PM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]

[Trollin]

I got mine this summer got to use it in T-bay really like it. I figure Im the one who spent thousands on the boat why should I sit in the rain, take the plunge you'll be glad you did. Just my .02 cents

[FlyChucker]

Hey Nickle

I don't know if this idea would work for you but I know a guy who mounted another steering wheel on the left side to steer his kicker from under cover. This setup cost maybe $200+ verus several thousand for a remote. Just a idea.

[CohoKen]

Got mine with the new boat this summer, medical reasons keep me from using a tiller all day. Can't live without it. Also makes for a great experience when helping my 5 yr old daughter reel in salmon (don't have to worry about where the boat is). :grin: :grin:

[ampersat]

i've heard of something like this being done. basically, you rig a link from the main motor to the kicker. you steer it from up-front. after that, you just have to rig up a remote for the throttle and you're set to go from up front. a lot cheaper than that new-fangled TR-1.

or, you could wait for the TR-2 to come out and pick up a used TR-1 pretty cheap. how long are you willing to wait.

[love2fish]

5-Cents,
Biteme had one for sale in the "Boats and Tackle for Sale" section about a week ago. You might check page 2 of that section. I was interested, but its to much money right now. Sounded like he might make a pretty good deal and help with the install.

love2fish

[Troller]

If you can afford it. I would do it. I have one and it is a life saver. Out of the elements. Leaves hands free not having to worry about which way the boat is going. With the throttle contol only thing you do outside is put it in gear and take it out.

[Pitch Pocket]

TR-2????

Is that for real?

[metalhead madness]

DO IT! I don't know about the tr-2, but the gold that I have is great. High lakes, big rivers, bays... mine has performed well. Also works great when anchoring for sturgen. just put the kicker in reverse @ idle and swinging back and forth is gone. If you can afford it it gets my blessing. good luck :cheers:

[Gus Orviston]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to move the canopy to cover the rear of the boat... and leave the guys up front the rain :grin:

Or like ampersat said, couple the motor to the kicker via linkage. The ones I have seen uses air compressor fittings and snap on/off easily... throttle control is another question, but should be cheaper than a TR.

[NorthRiverS]

5-Cs,
I have an E-Z troll and it works great. About $150. Fisherman's has them. Check 'em out.
S

[Miss B Haven]

I think some of you are missing the point about the TR-1's. They are hands off auto pilots. They can and will steer your boat better than you can. The fact that you are out of the rain or in the rain is secondary. You just can't even imagine how nice they are until you've run a boat with one (I guess that would be NOT run a boat with one). :whazzup:
There is a disadvantage to the linked units as well and that's wear and tear on the main motor steering.
Can you tell I'm an owner and a fan (bought one of the very first units in '95.) :grin:
PS - here's a trick. Set the kicker steering up so it's "stiff and straight" and then just use the main motor as a rudder, no link between the two at all. You'll be amazed. Unless you are in a sharp turn avoidance situation you can troll all day without ever touching the kicker or having them linked! :shocked:

[peter frederick]

I suggest you get a Tr1-Gold, that is the latest and greatest autopilot ever. As far as the mention of compression fittings, we use rubber hose with barbed fittings. All future upgrades can be done with a lap-top.

Keep on Trollin!