Auto Tether Trolling Motor Shut Offf

[pete208A]

Hi Folks:
Last year I purchased my first real boat. It is a 2014 hard top 208 Adventure with auto pilot, 741xs chirp, Lewmar windlass with remote, rocket launchers, 9.9 kicker and most of the other options available. I fish primarily Lake Erie and Lake Ontario for walleye, steelhead and salmon. My concern is when fishing alone, I feel quite vulnerable when trolling and netting fish out the back in 2-4 footers. I would like to add Auto Tether to kill the trolling motor if I ever bail out. My questions are: can the receiving kill unit be mounted on the trolling motor cowling (highly unlikely), wire both motors together so one kill switch would handle both or add a shut off at the helm adjacent to the main motor switch? Are there any other, better, options? The Admiral says "...no fishing this year until that thing is rendered idiot-proof!" I'd appreciate all the help I can get. There are only 92 days until first launch.

 

[dstarok]

The Autotether connects to your kill switch just like the clip with the coiled tether does, You can use one kill switch for 2 motors, if your kicker has an ignition switch near your main engine ignition switch (key). Or maybe you can figure a way to add another kill switch for your kicker motor. I CAN tell you I spoke to Anthony at Autotether and he said there has been a huge demand for these lately (partly due to the recent media coverage of former Miami Dolphin falling out of boat and having to swim to shore). He is waiting for parts for the circuit board and he doesn't expect to have units available until the end of March. So if you want to get this done I would order now. I've been thinking about this too, so I ordered mine from BOE Marine, lowest price I could find ($189), and they will ship as soon as they receive them.
Dave

 

[journeyman]

The base unit could be attached to the trolling motor cowling with the same Velcro tape used to attach it at the helm. If the motors are different brands, the clip end might be different but the kit comes with several to cover most manufacturers.

 

[HMBJack]

I purchased the Autotether (made by ACR as I recall) and was not happy with it. After returning it I searched for another option.

I ended up locating and buying a wireless Kill Switch made by Maritech Industries in Redding, California. It was $150 with one sensor (which is all you need since it is for solo fishing trips).

The install was an easy 3 wire connection and I couldn't be happier. I put it on my 2nd boat which is a 20 foot Scout with a single Yamaha 150 four stroke (easy to fall off of!).

This unit is the only one that is ABYC certified and is used by Fire and Law enforcement agencies.

I truly have no affiliation but recommend this highly to anyone who fishes alone. Safety is a critical item for me and if there is something out there that can save a life - I comment and share!
Below is the link for more info.

http://www.maritechind.com/vlunit.html

p.s. they do not list the unit that I purchased on the above web page. Simply call or e-mail them and ask for the $149 unit. This company seems to be a small outfit so be patient in your attempt to contact and receive a response from them. Just sayin...

 

[pete208A]

Thanks for the info jack
I will contact Maritech for more details.
Where did you make the 3 wire connection? At the motor or at the ignition switch (key) area?
I like the idea of a submersible rather than proximity sensor. Also the certifications say a lot.

 

[HMBJack]

The 3 wire connection is between your existing kill switch - which stays active BTW - and the engine.
Best to get your wiring harness schematic to know how to connect.
I tested the heck out of mine and it works great.