Importance

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Abstract

Automated constant depth steering and automated yaw correcting techniques for fishing boats or similar craft usable in concert or separately are disclosed. The constant depth steering arrangement controls a relative constant thrust electric trolling motor by varying the orientation of this trolling motor which propels the boat relative to the boat. The constant depth steering arrangement includes operator entry switches and potentiometers for receiving an operator selected water depth and an indication of the direction and sense in which water depth changes. The automatic yaw correcting arrangement includes a rudder-like structure for sensing the lateral component of craft motion relative to the water, and is responsive to the sensed lateral motion to imparting a lateral thrust to the craft in opposition to the sensed lateral component of craft motion. The lateral thrust may be provided by a reversible motor such as another trolling motor mounted to the craft with its thrust axis transverse to the craft, and the sensing arrangement, in addition to the rudder may include a normally open switch coupled to the rudder and closable in one of two positions when the lateral component of craft motion exceeds a prescribed threshold, the one closed position being indicative of the direction of lateral motion and, therefore, the direction in which the reversible motor must be energized to appropriately compensate.

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First Claim