To start off with, I have to note that Lowrance
offers two “types” of Autopilots
– one for bass anglers and one for offshore anglers. you need it, the Outboard Pilot, featuring Lowrance
SmartSteer™ control from your HDS unit, will steer
to a heading, waypoint or route.
Bass anglers need the Mercury Xi5 trolling motor in
order to make use of the Autopilot software. This
software is built-in to both our HDS units and also
our Elite Ti units. Bass anglers do not need to
purchase the Outboard Pilot pack (explained
below), all they need is the interface cable - avail-
able from Mercury - in order to connect their Xi5
trolling motor to their Lowrance head unit. Everything you need is in one box to fit an auto-
pilot to your hydraulic-steer outboard motors, the
Outboard Pilot lets you focus on fishing activity
while keeping your boat on course.
The functions of both the Outboard Pilot pack and
the Xi5 autopilot system are almost the same – the
only functions that are unique to bass boats are:
the ANCHOR function (if you find a good spot, the
autopilot software will ensure that you remain on it
- a prized function for bass anglers!), and PROP
CONTROL function (allows you to increase/de-
crease prop speed).
Most of the other autopilot functions (e.g. steer to
a waypoint, or turn patterns etc.) remain the same
for both offshore and bass boaters.
I will now concentrate on the Outboard Pilot pack
that is offered to skiboaters. Lowrance has some
AMAZING bundle deals on offer for skiboat
anglers… read on to learn more!
OUTBOARD
PILOTS…
Offshore anglers can pair HDS displays with
Lowrance’s autopilot system - providing automatic
steering for hydraulic-steer outboard motors with a
mechanical tie-bar. An extra pair of hands when
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The Outboard Pilot can steer to a waypoint or
along a route, select a turn pattern or simply hold a
constant heading. You can even choose to steer
along a specified depth contour line (viewed on
your added map of choice). And, with your HDS
unit, you can easily convert trails to routes – so you
can retrace a previous track and safely get your
boat back to the harbour.
The Outboard Pilot system works with skiboats no
larger than nine metres in length, and it only works
with HDS units – Gen 2, Gen 2 Touch, Gen 3 and
the new CARBON units (in other words; it will not
work with HDS Gen 1 units).
If you have an existing HDS display and want to add
an autopilot system – MAKE SURE THAT YOUR
SOFTWARE IS UP TO DATE! You can download the
latest HDS software free from our website
(www.lowrance.co.za).
It is important to note that the Outboard Pilot is
advertised overseas for single-motor installations –
due to the fact that overseas, most boats only
require one engine (they do not have the exciting
surf that we do here in SA). Therefore, that is how
the system was originally advertised.
However, that is
not the case!
l owr a nce sou th africA | LOW RANCE. CO. ZA
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