Trolling motor control overview

Integrated trolling motors are controlled using the dedicated Trolling sidebar. The Trolling sidebar provides controls that enable you to manoeuvre your boat over short distances, or hold position without using an anchor.

Sidebar TrollingTrolling motorThe Trolling sidebar will be available on all networked displays when a supported Trolling motor is detected on the network. The controls will be enabled when the Trolling motor is ‘Deployed’. When the Trolling motor is in the ‘Stowed’ position the controls will be disabled.

The Trolling sidebar provides controls for the following Trolling motor modes:

  • Manual control

  • Anchor here

  • Hold heading

  • Hold COG — Only available on Power-Pole® trolling motors.

  • Nav mode

Note

  • Trolling motors usually use built-in sensors for position and heading; this sensor data is not shared with the display.

  • On larger boats where the boat’s GNSS (GPS) receiver is several meters from the Trolling motor, there may be an offset when performing a “Goto” or following a route.

Selecting a mode will initiate that mode on the Trolling motor and open the relevant mode sidebar.

The system will remember the last networked display that the Trolling motor was controlled from, and will automatically open the Trolling sidebar on that display the next time the Trolling motor is ‘Deployed’. However, if the autopilot is engaged when the Trolling motor is deployed, the sidebar will not open automatically.

Anchor here, Hold heading, Hold COG and Nav (navigation) modes require the Trolling motor to have its own GPS position fix. These modes will be disabled if the Trolling motor has no position fix.

The Trolling mode sidebars provide controls similar to the controls available on trolling motor wireless fobs.

Steering controls

Steering controls adjust the Trolling motor’s heading.

Thrust/Speed controls

  • Thrust provides direct control of motor thrust.

  • Speed sets a desired Speed Over Ground (SOG).

Note

When using your boat’s engine(s), the Trolling motor should be correctly ‘stowed’ to prevent damage to the Trolling motor.