boat equipment issues

Hi,

I realize there is a wealth of information out there. Thus, I am wondering if I could get some input on some issues I encountered yesterday. Thanks in advance.

1. I just set up a Lowrence X65 on my boat. It came w/ the optional Speed/Temp sensor. All works fine, except I am not getting any temp reading. The Temp window on the display I had up is just empty… thoughts? Also, I calibrated the locator’s speed against a GPS and found it to be off. Is this normal? I was about 1mph or a little more off at trolling speed.

2. I just purchased this boat a few months ago. The previous owner had a Minn Kota Autopilot on it. He told me at the time that it was the first generation or the first year it came out (mid ’90’s?). Anyhow it died out this weekend. Not knowing much more than the basics, I checked all connections (battery is ok) to the 12 volt outlet and from the footpad to the power head all were secure. Several questions come to mind…

a. Is it even cost feasible to have this looked at (given its age), or should I just consider looking for a new one?

b. If anyone has had problems in the past similar to what I described, what were some of the diagnoses and cost to repair?

c. Were there issues with the footpads from the earlier models? Mine is extremely ‘unresponsive’. Sometimes I have to tap it several times to get the powerhead to turn, and then sometimes a quick tap causes it to spin continously until I tap the pad several times to get it to stop.

I have an older autopilot and haven’t had any problems with

mine other than operator error.I’m not sure which type of

boat you use or how it is rigged.I have a 1989 alumacraft

trophy 170 which I bought used.It came with a switchplate

up front for pluging in the trolling motor,a tilt trim

switch,a cig lighter,and a switch for run or charge.Two trips ago I tilted up motor from front before towing boat

up ramp and must have switched to charge mode then tilted

motor because my next trip to Pepin the trolling motor wouldn’t run.After a few choice words switching batteries

around and checking everything over and over I noticed the

switch was in the charge position.After putting in the run position it worked great.Hopefully it’s something easy as this but if you need to tap it you may have a loose wire

inside foot pad.It couldn’t hurt to look in there and see?

I use BottomLine fish finder so no clue for that one.

I also had a power board problem with a ’94 AutoPilot. (actually twice) The first time the motor acted odd steering, but otherwise worked o.k. The second one nothing worked at all. Both were covered under an extended warranty I had with the purchase. Found out I was forgetting to unplug the power supply and that was probably causing damage when I charged the battery. Have had no more trouble in 3 years since I began ALWAYS unplugging at the end of the day. The autopilot sensor burned out a while back, but motor still works great otherwise, with LOTS of hours behind it!

The repairman who worked on it did recommend not leaving the foot pad exposed to the sun and elements when not in use, and I had to clean contacts on the foot pad a time or two.

Edited by Rooster on 07/22/01 11:02 PM.

The X65 probably has the temperature turned “off” in the sytem setup. Those features like temp and speed can be turned on or off, I’m guessing yours is off. The speed wheel can be calibrated on your X65. The manual gives good directions for these features. I’m sure you realize that going up or down current will effect the speed too. For example, going upstream will cause the speed impeller to spin faster. Good luck!

Woops. forgot to say that I had the temp setting on, along w/ the speed. sorry

One other thing I forgot to mention. The repairman also told me it is important with the auto pilot to remember to turn this feature off when stowing the trolling motor between uses on the water, it otherwise continues to try and steer the boat while stowed. If unable to turn it can overheat the board also.

Glad I could be of some help dtro! Is’nt this board GREAT?!

Speaking of autopilot foot pedals,….. Mine is a 95 model. I wouldnt fish without it. I love the auto pilot feature! My footcontrol continuous power switch however is out – or going out. My trolling motor probably has 10,000 hours on it compared to the 20 hours on my 115. Bought the entire package in ’95. Nevertheless,….. can anyone direct me to a place to go to purchase just the autopilot “footpedal” (in the metro area)?

You should be able to pick up a new pedal at Fish Electronics in Blaine/Hilltop on Central Ave. Give them a call, (763) 571-1277.

had the same temp problem with my x-75 – double check your connections – pull them out and put them back in. i thought i had them in tight, but after reconnecting them, i regained temp and speed. hope this helps.