46 results about "Trolling motor" patented technology

A sonar transducer mount and aiming system for attachment to an electric trolling motor, which includes a rotary actuator assembly and a rotating shaft. The rotary actuator assembly includes a housing that is secured to the electric trolling motor and a rotating coupler is rotationally driven. The rotating shaft is connected to and rotates with the rotating coupler and includes a sonar transducer mounting point. The rotating shaft of the sonar transducer mount and aiming system and the electric trolling motor shaft have a common axis of rotation and are configured to rotate independently from one another about the common axis of rotation.

A sonar transducer mount and aiming system for attachment to an electric trolling motor, which includes a rotary actuator assembly and a rotating shaft. The rotary actuator assembly includes a housing that is secured to the electric trolling motor and a rotating coupler is rotationally driven. The rotating shaft is connected to and rotates with the rotating coupler and includes a sonar transducer mounting point. The rotating shaft has a tubular shape with a through bore that is configured to receive at least a portion of an electric trolling motor shaft in a co-axial arrangement. The size and shape of the through bore is designed so that the electric trolling motor shaft may be positioned within the through bore in clearance fit such that the rotating shaft of the sonar transducer mount and aiming system is free to rotate independently of the electric trolling motor shaft.

A mounting system for a front view sonar transducer. The mounting system has a mounting assembly a mounting bracket affixed to a boat and to a mounting clamp. The mounting clamp has a clamping portion configured to clamp around an outside perimeter of a support tube. The mounting system further includes a waterproof motor housing positioned above the mounting bracket, the motor housing secured to a flange on the support tube. A tubular shaft extends through the waterproof motor housing and support tube, the tubular shaft having an upper portion extending upwardly from the waterproof motor housing and a lower portion configured to receive a front view sonar transducer. The tubular shaft directionally controlled by a motor in the motor housing. A trolling motor shaft extending through the tubular shaft with a motor for directionally controlling the trolling motor in the motor housing. The mounting system further includes one or more foot pedal assemblies configured to operate one or both of the electric motors within the waterproof motor housing.

A transducer mounting assembly includes a trolling motor including a shaft mounting a propulsion unit, and a transducer mount mounting a transducer on the trolling motor. The propulsion unit is oriented by rotation of the shaft, and the transducer mount is actuatable to orient the transducer independent of rotation of the shaft.

Methods of situationally controlling marine devices connected via a one boat network on a watercraft are presented. The marine devices are selected from fishfinders or other OBN devices, trolling motors, heading sensors, main propulsion engine, i-Pilot Link, shallow water anchors, AIS / MARPA, smart chargers or power monitors, downriggers, trim tabs, drift paddles, lighting, sonar and imaging transducers, chart plotters, foot pedals, handheld remote controls, and mobile marine apps. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one situational condition of at least one first marine device, identifying at least one second marine device, and triggering a situational control action for the at least one second marine device when the at least one situational condition for the at least one first marine device is met. The methods include situationally controlling a speed of a trolling motor and anchoring of the watercraft, as well as providing advanced power management thereon.

Swivel mounts, mounting assemblies for boating accessories, and boats having such are disclosed. The swivel mounts include a support member, a mounting member, and a swivel element for enabling the mounting member to swivel relative to the support member. In some cases, a trolling motor mount bracket and / or a trolling motor may be coupled to the swivel mount. In further embodiments, the swivel mount may be coupled to a surface of a boat, such as but not limited to a boat gunnel. In particular, a swivel mount may be configured and disposed above an upward facing surface of the gunnel such that a mounting member of the swivel mount is able to swivel about an axis that is perpendicular to and passes through the upward facing surface of the gunnel. Mounting members having a hole pattern to accommodate different types of trolling motors is also provided.

An alternating current (AC) propulsion system for a boat. The AC propulsion system includes a trolling motor operably mountable to the boat and an AC power system. The trolling motor has a head and a motor housing secured at upper and lower ends, respectively, to an elongated shaft. An AC motor is disposed in the motor housing and drives a propeller. The AC power system includes a generator and a variable frequency drive (VFD). The VFD includes a VFD AC input and a VFD AC output. The VFD AC input is electrically coupled to an AC output of the generator. The VFD AC output is operably electrically coupled to the AC motor of the trolling motor. In some embodiments a second trolling motor with an AC motor may be electrically coupled to a second VFD AC output of the VFD.

A trolling motor mount to mount a trolling motor to a boat consisting of a multi-bar change point apparatus to lock the trolling motor in either a stowed position or a deployed position and a release assembly to unlock and move the multi-bar change point apparatus from either the stowed position to the deployed position or from the deployed position to the stowed position.

A device for steering a trolling motor of a watercraft is provided. The device comprises a housing and a joystick attached to the housing, pivotably supported for movement from a neutral position in directions radial to an axis of the joystick. The movement from the neutral position generates a steering command for the trolling motor. The device has a transmitter within the housing and a processor communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the joystick. The device may further include a memory including a computer program code. The computer program code is configured when executed by the processor to receive movement data from the joystick, generate a steering command from the movement data, and transmit the steering command to the trolling motor. The steering command causes the trolling motor to rotate to aim in the steer direction to cause the watercraft to travel based on the joystick movement.

A trolling motor assembly including a main housing and a shaft rotatably coupled therewith. The shaft is rotatable through a first angular displacement about its longitudinal axis that exceeds 360 degrees. A first gear coupled with the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A second gear coupled with the first gear has an axis of rotation spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and is rotatable through a second angular displacement that exceeds the first angular displacement. A plurality of discs coupled with the second gear are rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to one another and to the second gear. A first disc defines a first stop that is rotatable into and out of engagement with a second stop coupled with the second gear. A second disc defines a third stop that is rotatable into and out of engagement with a fourth stop coupled with the main housing.

A trolling motor is provided for attachment to a watercraft. The trolling motor includes a system for steering and trimming a trolling motor. The system includes a trolling motor shaft attachment feature configured to receive and rotate with a trolling motor shaft about a trolling motor shaft axis. The system further includes a steering system having a steering motor configured to rotate the shaft attachment feature and shaft to steer a facing direction of the trolling motor. The trim system includes a trim module having a trim motor configured to cause the trolling motor shaft to raise or lower with respect to the steering system so as to cause the trolling motor to raise or lower with respect to the watercraft. The trim module is disposed on the shaft attachment feature such that the trim module rotates with the trolling motor shaft attachment feature about the shaft axis.

In an aspect, a pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor of a marine vessel is presented. A pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor includes a mount having a top surface and a bottom surface. A bottom surface is attachable to a surface of a marine vessel. A pivot and sliding mount includes a base. A base includes a rotatable element and a slidable element. A base is configured to allow both a rotation and axial translation of the trolling motor with respect to the mount.

An example system for a watercraft includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft, and a motor. The outer shaft is attached to a first sonar device. The inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and is rotatable with respect to the outer shaft. The inner shaft is attached to a second sonar device so as to enable directional control of a facing direction of the second sonar device relative to the outer shaft. The motor is coupled to the inner shaft and configured to operate to cause rotation of the inner shaft to cause rotation of the facing direction of the second sonar device. The first sonar device may be a 360-degree sonar imaging device, and the second sonar device may be a live sonar imaging device. The system may be mounted to a trolling motor or to the watercraft without mounting to the trolling motor.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

Example systems and methods are provided herein for controlling a watercraft in response to a bite on a fishing line. A system includes a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured to receive data via user input or one or more sensors to determine whether a fish has bitten on a fishing line. In response to a determination that the fish has bitten on the fishing line, the processor causes the watercraft to operate according to a fish-on operation, which includes at least one of altering a speed of the watercraft, altering a direction of the watercraft, altering a rate of change of the speed of the watercraft, altering a direction of a trolling motor, notifying other watercrafts, or engaging an autopilot to navigate the watercraft according to a preset route. The fish-on operation is designed to aid a user in catching the fish.

Methods of situationally controlling marine devices connected via a one boat network on a watercraft are presented. The marine devices are selected from fishfinders or other OBN devices, trolling motors, heading sensors, main propulsion engine, i-Pilot Link, shallow water anchors, AIS / MARPA, smart chargers or power monitors, downriggers, trim tabs, drift paddles, lighting, sonar and imaging transducers, chart plotters, foot pedals, handheld remote controls, and mobile marine apps. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one situational condition of at least one first marine device, identifying at least one second marine device, and triggering a situational control action for the at least one second marine device when the at least one situational condition for the at least one first marine device is met. The methods include situationally controlling a speed of a trolling motor and anchoring of the watercraft, as well as providing advanced power management thereon.

A device for steering a trolling motor of a watercraft is provided. The device comprises a housing and a joystick attached to the housing, pivotably supported for movement from a neutral position in directions radial to an axis of the joystick. The movement from the neutral position generates a steering command for the trolling motor. The device has a transmitter within the housing and a processor communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the joystick. The device may further include a memory including a computer program code. The computer program code is configured when executed by the processor to receive movement data from the joystick, generate a steering command from the movement data, and transmit the steering command to the trolling motor. The steering command causes the trolling motor to rotate to aim in the steer direction to cause the watercraft to travel based on the joystick movement.

A control system for a trolling motor operated based upon commands generated by a wireless remote control device and a wired foot pedal is provided. The controller is interposed between the trolling motor and the wired foot pedal to add wireless controllability to the trolling motor via the wireless remote control. The controller communicates with the remote control through a bidirectional wireless communication link to receive commands and to provide status information on the operation of the motor. The remote control includes user inputs for generating commands that are sent wirelessly to the controller to control operation of the marine device. The remote control also includes a display for displaying real time status information that is received wirelessly from the controller. The controller generates control signals upon receipt of wireless communication from the remote control that simulate signals that are normally generated by the wired foot pedal.

To provide a ship propulsion system capable of reducing delay in the propulsion start of a propeller.SOLUTION: A controller 70 starts the process of moving a trolling motor 5 to a use position and acquires the latest ship maneuvering instruction content according to acceptance of a use start instruction specifying a maneuvering mode capable of using the trolling motor 5. The controller 70 determines the direction of the trolling motor 5 based on the maneuvering mode specified in the use start instruction and on the latest ship maneuvering instruction content, and starts a steering process so that the direction of the trolling motor 5 becomes the determined direction before the trolling motor 5 completes its movement to the use position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

To provide a ship propulsion system capable of improving turning performance while ensuring quietness.SOLUTION: A steerable outboard engine 4 with a skeg 23 is provided at a stern 2A and a steerable trolling motor 5 is provided at a bow 2B. The propulsion force of a trolling motor 5 is controlled based on an operation instruction in a trolling motor mode and the steering angle of the skeg 23 is controlled without generating the propulsion force in the outboard engine 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Disclosed herein is a motor mounting assembly for a marine vessel having a locking mechanism for securing the motor (e.g., trolling motor) to the marine vessel. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly comprises an outer and inner plate, a pin, and a lock. In some embodiments, the outer plate has a cavity to receive the inner plate, which is configured to be secured to the marine vessel. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to be secured to the outer plate. In some embodiments a pin is placed within the inner and outer plates via apertures, to secure the inner and outer plates together. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a lock configured to be inserted within the outer plate, and transition to a locked configuration to prevent the pin from being removed from the outer plate, thereby preventing removal motor and outer plate from the marine vessel.

Trolling motor assemblies and systems employing a fuse for protection of components thereof are provided herein. A trolling motor assembly comprises a shaft, a trolling motor housing, and a main housing. A belt extends between the trolling motor housing and the main housing. A fuse is positioned in at least one of the main housing or the trolling motor housing, and is configured to reduce stress from the shaft applying a force to the belt.

To prevent autorotation during traverse movement of a vessel and at the same tima maintain navigation performance.SOLUTION: A chevron shape is formed by an outboard engine 14 on starboard side and an outboard engine 15 on port side in plan view by steering the outboard engine 14 on starboard side in a right turn direction as well as steering the outboard engine 15 on port side in a left turn direction when a vessel 10 is moved in a right lateral direction, furthermore, propulsion force FT in the same direction as lateral force F is generated in a trolling motor 16 by generating propulsion force fl backward in the outboard engine 14 on port side as well as by generating propulsion force fr forward in the outboard engine 15 on starboard side so as to position an action point P of traverse force F, which is resultant force of the propulsion force fl to backward and the propulsion force fr forward, behind a turning center of gravity G.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

A mounting assembly for selectively mounting a trolling motor to a watercraft and the watercraft. The mounting assembly includes a base to fixedly connect to a deck of the watercraft. The base having a base interlocking feature and defining a first plane. The mounting assembly includes a top plate to connect to the trolling motor and selectively coupled to the base. The top plate having a top plate interlocking feature. In response to moving the top plate in a first direction, the top plate and base interlocking features engage, coupling the top plate to the base to prevent uncoupling along a second plane. The mounting assembly includes a latch moveable between a locked position, preventing movement of the top plate in a second direction and an unlocked position, in which, with the top plate coupled to the base, the top plate can move in the second direction.

The retractable bow thruster and trolling motor is a system designed for permanent installation into a boat hull. When not in use, the thruster retracts fully into the boat hull, with a plate or cowling sealing against a recess within the boat hull. This seal prevents water intrusion and avoids physical damage to the bow thruster from waterborne debris or shallow water conditions. When needed, the thruster extends outward from the bottom of the boat hull and is rotatable to provide thrust in any direction. In combination with an optional electronic control systems, the bow thruster will increase the maneuverability of the boat for docking or undocking, as well as maintaining position in the water.

A trolling motor steering unit to control rotation of a propulsion support shaft and direction of thrust of a lower propulsion unit including a steering motor, a shaft sleeve to receive the propulsion support shaft therethrough and a multi-stage planetary gear assembly driven by the steering motor to engage and rotate the shaft sleeve to rotate the propulsion support shaft and lower propulsion unit.

A combined sonar and motor assembly is provided. The combined sonar and motor assembly includes a sonar transducer assembly, a propulsion motor, a subassembly defining an opening therein, and a first shaft defining an axis. The sonar transducer assembly is attached to the subassembly, and the propulsion motor is attached to the shaft. The subassembly is configured to receive the first shaft within the opening so that the first shaft is rotatable relative to the subassembly to enable rotation of one of the sonar transducer assembly or the propulsion motor about the axis without rotating the other. The sonar transducer assembly and the propulsion motor are both configured to rotate about the axis.

The retractable bow thruster and trolling motor is a system designed for permanent installation into a boat hull. When not in use, the thruster retracts fully into the boat hull, with a plate or cowling sealing against a recess within the boat hull. This seal prevents water intrusion and avoids physical damage to the bow thruster from waterborne debris or shallow water conditions. When needed, the thruster extends outward from the bottom of the boat hull and is rotatable to provide thrust in any direction. In combination with an optional electronic control systems, the bow thruster will increase the maneuverability of the boat for docking or undocking, as well as maintaining position in the water.

A trolling motor configured to avoid damage due to vertical impact forces is provided. The trolling motor is also configured to sense such impact forces. The trolling motor includes an electronic trim motor for electrically controlling the trim position. A clutch is interposed between the trim motor and the propulsion unit to disengage the trim motor from the propulsion unit upon the propulsion unit being exposed to an impact force greater than a predetermined amount. A sensor may be present to sense unexpected trim events.

This application describes a submersible steering control system, e.g., a submersible steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such a submersible steering control system can reduce the moment about a pivot mount coupled to the boat when the trolling motor includes a shaft of increased length and a submersible thruster using increased force (e.g., for use with larger vessels). The submersible steering control system described in this application can be used to include a shaft that is substantially solid (e.g., devoid of cables for power and / or control), thus increasing the strength of the shaft and further increasing the lifespan of the trolling motor. In some cases, the submersible steering control system is integrated with the submersible thruster, further reducing the moment between the steering control system and submersible thruster.