hypovolemicshok

On ‎4‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 9:02 PM, Nailer said:

My brother has the same boat, and asked me today about an AP system. 

Have you been able to try it out yet?

 

I used it for the 2nd half of last season.  I thought it did really well and was an easy install.  Hardest part was running the new steering cable.  I would definitely purchase it again if I did not want to go through the conversion to hydraulic.  I also like how easily accessible the octopus drive people are to contact.  I've called them a couple times and been able to speak with the appropriate staff for my questions.

I have a 1988 Sea Ray 268 and installed the Simrad Ap24 with octopus drive.  The install was pretty easy with the hardest part getting the cables where I wanted them.  I have another buddy who just put the same system in his smaller Sea Ray.  I think I paid maybe $150 for new cables.  I called octopus drive to ensure I got the correct ones and they also informed me that adapters were not needed.  I thought it was pretty nice to contact octopus and get in touch with their staff immediately to have my questions answered.

My shallow water coho spread is 1 downrigger, 2 of the smaller size dipsey set on 3, then 3 lines with keel weights on boards on each side.

I put quite a few more twists in mine. I usually do 13. I felt when I didn't use enough the lure would slide closer to the release.

I have a 1971 Slickcraft 235 that I would like to put an autopilot on this year. I am back and forth between the Simrad AP24 for mechanical steering and the Garmin TR1 gold. Current setup is the stock mechanical steering with OMC components. I haven't looked at the cables yet but figure I will probably have to change them to work with the Simrad if I go that route. Not really sure how much it costs to switch out the cables to ones to use for the Simrad. I can get a pretty good deal on the Simrad but the TR1 I am paying full price. I am going to primarily use it for the kicker while trolling.

Thanks for the info! Looks like I will have to make a quick trip to the north.

I mostly run the small dodgers and peanut flies but I have caught them on thin fins too. I also run a spoon or two in the spread. Last year caught quite a few kings in May. I usually start fishing pretty shallow looking for the warmer water then work out deeper as the water temps warm.