Helm master vs .....

[Tazer Face]

Hello all, first post. new GW owner. I have a 2021 285 Freedom. with the new 300's IDES motors. Currently boat does not have helm master or auto pilot or trolling motor.
I need the auto pilot and be able to hold positions for fishing without physical anchor.
My question is, should I pay the close to 18k for Helm master installed which does all needed or 10k for Garmin auto pilot and a Rodan trolling motor?
Thoughts? pros cons?

 

[SkunkBoat]

Trolling motor is going to require some LithiumFe batteries that will take up space and need to be charged by a special charger.
A 28 is a big boat for a bow mounted electric but idk the performance of a Rhodan.

In theory, the Helm Master also gives you docking manueverability. You're in the pot for $100... call the $1...

 

[Halfhitch]

If you are planning to fish while Helm Master is holding your position, you will only catch deaf fish. Way too noisy to fish around. My $.02.

 

[JJF]

I don't know if the noise of the helm master will ruin your fishing (per comment above), but assuming it doesn't impact your fishing, I would prefer it over the auto-pilot and trolling motor.

 

[Tazer Face]

yeah i don't think it would affect my fishing either, normally fish in 100 plus ft of water. Course never tried with helm master either.

 

[Sauza45]

I have the helm master and use it for fishing offshore in 100+ feet all the time. Never hurt my
fishing yet. The auto pilot is great, set my waypoint and go. All I do is look out for stuff in the water. It also slows down when you are getting close. I would not be without it after have it.

 

[Tazer Face]

I have the helm master and use it for fishing offshore in 100+ feet all the time. Never hurt my
fishing yet. The auto pilot is great, set my waypoint and go. All I do is look out for stuff in the water. It also slows down when you are getting close. I would not be without it after have it.

That's super helpful.. thanks for the comment..

 

[Halfhitch]

To tell the truth, I have never been fishing on a boat with Helm Master. The extent of my knowledge about it is standing on the fuel dock one day and a guy with a 36 foot center console was maneuvering in to get fuel and the commotion it caused was considerable. The noise of the engines shifting forward to reverse made me cringe.

 

[Sauza45]

Yes if you yank on the joystick is does make a lot of noise shifting, all you need is a very light touch. For me I set the stern into the wind on my fishing spot engage the fishpoint and it hold me there with little noise/shifting.

 

[wrxhoon]

I don't have HM on my boat, I wish I did.
A fishing mate bought a new 23' boat ( not a GW) with 300 Yam and HM . When you buy a new boat it is a no brainer. By the time you install hydraulic steering and auto pilot there isn't much difference in price. I was very surprised how well it works with one engine . The spot lock works perfect as well. The noise doesn't stop the surface fish either . We used spot lock about 30' from a Fish attracting device that our Government places about 12 KN offshore.
I'm not sure how well it works if fitted to an existing engine .

 

[brdawg2001]

Based on what I am seeing everyone is using the Rhodan and minkota...no lithium but 3 batteries...Garmin autopilot..