Colorado XT PONTOON *Hands Free Steering* TUTORIAL | | CHEAP AND EASY

[@randyashford4073]

Great idea, new owner and just starting

[@ortyone4604]

Takin all the info on board, priceless!

[@jedibill111]

I picked up the minn kota 45 max for my Colorado. You will want the prop at least a foot below the water. A suggestion that I would make is to invest in a piece of hardwood for your steering. A 1"x1"x length should do. Then drill holes through each end to insert a sleeve for your connection eyelets. Face one eyelet up and the other eyelet down to stop the two bungies from rubbing on each other.

[@willritter]

Love it. Especially having one up and one down. Brilliant!

[@jehnb11]

Thank you. Just learning. Had my XT for two years. This is the first season with a trolling motor.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

did you rotate the head on the trolling motor? From what I know the motor is thrusting to the the bow of the boat. So you would be going backwards? I kept trying to see the prop and you didnt show it. So confused? But the basic concept is good.

[@ThePorpoisepower]

The one tweak that comes to mind is I'd use a strip of silicone/rubber around the shaft of the trolling motor where The D-Ring secures the steering board. not that it looks like you have any issues with it slipping... but just something I'd do

[@ellismick3642]

Will, I have used the bungee plan that you shared. I have added a loose zip tie where the cords cross that way the motor doesn't go crazy when I over correct.

[@willritter]

Dude, that's a great idea!

[@kristycannady4396]

This is great! Thanks

[@Im4Right]

Do you have a video on batteries for the trolling motor? I’m really liking your instructional videos. Good details.

[@willritter]

Late reply but yes there's on on there.

[@davidnave4349]

I would suggest using Hard wood.

[@richarddorsch7275]

Yes the 30lb thrust minn Kota shaft is too short at 30 inches. What I did was I lengthened the shaft to 36 inches. It’s not that hard to do, believe me. All that’s needed is to re-wire the unit and fit a 6 inch extension on the shaft. I also did it on a Watersnake 24lb thrust that only had a 24 inch shaft. I lengthened it another 7 inches. .

[@willritter]

thanks Richard!

[@bobbyboyles6424]

How long of shaft is yours that’s to short . Would a 36” be long enough to stay in the water? Thanks love the video

[@willritter]

should work

[@jabbo59]

How do I make my seat swivel? What are the parts? Thanks

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

I have had my xt for 4 years now. I tried this mod. Works ok getting to and from fishing spot, altho these boats don't track well in wind. Found myself twisting in seat too much. You will have to disconnect around docks and any time you have to make sharp turns in wind. It just doesn't maneuver very well in tight spots. There are many times when you have to push full sideways. I drift rivers a lot where I remove motor and really didn't need mount mod. Got tired of messing with it. Canceled it. No offense. I forgot to say that I love to troll via finning. It also interfered with pulling motor up and out of water ( to decrease drag) and when close to shore etc.

[@willritter]

Thanks Dave, I address the tracking issue in another video. I agree about the wind. Any inflatable is going to be terrible in the wind since they ride on top of the water. Thanks for checking it out, tight lines!

[@kellykirby8857]

I added a bull nose rudder,made a huge difference.

[@jccullen6408]

What size battery do you use for your trolling motor? How long can you go looking to set something up soon..Thank you.

[@stevespirek8025]

How long is the board it’s attached to the trolling motor

[@F-N-C]

I'm having steering issues, among others lol. For some reason when I turn one way the trolling motor turns too much and wont turn back the other way. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Both of my bungee's are the same length.

[@willritter]

They both need to very quite tight. I'm guessing that's the issue. Blessings!

[@lngbmb]

How did you center mount your trolling motor? The motor mount included isnt long enough to center

[@mikecarnakis6243]

I see in the video, you tiller handle is facing outboard to the rear. Mine faces inboard so I can steer, and twist the throttle. Is your like a front of boat model ? I think my tiller handle will be in the way of the bungies in your setup. Sujestions?

[@willritter]

Shoot, you're right Mike. My memory!!! Yes, I just rotated the head around so it wouldn't hit the gear in the basket. It's just one screw.

[@mikecarnakis6243]

Thanks....

[@bobd.fletcherjr4912]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙋‍♂️

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Does that Bungee kit have Flat bungee cords ?

[@willritter]

Yes, I got the ones with all flat. I don't think it matters much though. Length/tightness is key

[@phillipl63]

I plan to copy your steering setup using aluminum & stainless steel. I would like some more info on the motor control. I am a fabricator, not an electrician.

[@willritter]

Check my channel, I have a separate video on it.

[@kellykirby8857]

I took the entire head off my motor and mounted it up front. Just had to extend the wiring. I stuck it in a fishing pole holder.

[@rayuman39]

Just found your video and have a question on the trolling motor, I'm looking at Newport Vessels X-Series 40lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (36" Shaft), is this what you would recommend, is the shaft length OK? Thanks for your great videos

[@ThePorpoisepower]

Do you find you need to do anything to offset the weight of a trolling motor/battery?

[@willritter]

my butt was adequate!

[@willritter]

The biggest thing you can do is just make sure it's inflated all the way. Just uploaded a video on it.

[@krishogan9709]

I have a 55pt trolling motor and I've modified it to turn alot like yours so thank you for taking the time to make these videos... I do have a question about the motor taking on air. Should I close off the top of the trolling motor or is it ok to just run conduit from the pole to the pwm

[@willritter]

I used the factory cord coming off the trolling motor to hook into the pwm. I did have another trolling motor cord from a broken one that I used between the pwm to the battery. Hope that helps!

[@krishogan9709]

I have enough wire just wondering about air flow at the top of the pole

[@willritter]

@@krishogan9709 if you're referring to the cavitation I mentioned, air is sucked from the surface of the water by the prop. No air flows from the top of the trolling motor. I hope I'm understanding.

[@krishogan9709]

@@willritter Yes that's what I was thinking and thank you so much

[@padrerich1]

Brand and length of Bungees?

[@willritter]

Hi Richard. I can't remember the brand. I bought a multipack of flat bungees from walmart and I'd recommend doing the same. Your specific setup and seat position (it's adjustable) would determine the length. Hope that helps!

[@willritter]

I added a link in the description for a pack that will work

[@charleswarner2237]

@@willritter I bought the one you linked, and it really doesn't seem to be what you would have wanted to use... They are all different lengths, so you'd have to but two kits to get two of the same length.

[@robertslater5215]

What size/type of battery do you use with your trolling motor?

[@willritter]

It's an Everstart 29dc. 845 ca, 122 amp hours. Fits perfect in the battery box. Battery box link is in the description and it's a must have in my opinion

[@robertslater5215]

@@willritter Seems kinda heavy

[@robertslater5215]

@@willritter How long does it last for you without charging? Recommend a charger?

[@willritter]

I have the big battery because I don't want to run out of juice during the day. As far as the weight, I'm 220 plus battery, motor, gear, etc and it sits just fine in the water. Note: you can adjust the placement of the frame on the pontoons by a couple inches to compensate for any weight though i don't have to. I can go all day on that battery and it can charge up at night with this charger: amzn.to/3vrW7YH

[@robertslater5215]

@@willritter Thanks for all the info Can't wait for spring now

[@BigAlFishingAddiction]

I am going to try to make one Today how do you stop it when you need to can you reach the throttle from the seat?

[@willritter]

You can check out another video on the speed controller that I use. I don't operate it with the handle

[@MrHatetheplayer]

bingo. i was looking through soo many vids trying to simplify, simplify, simplify. this set up is by far the one that strips away cables, pulleys, linear actuators, tricky fasteners and whatever else. thank you!

[@gregorynielsen8972]

Is that swivel seat standard or is it an aftermarket seat. If so I’d to find one. My boat has a fixed seat.

[@willritter]

Hi Greg, I linked the swivel and seat in the description. Blessings!

[@ThePorpoisepower]

Just need an Indy Car style jack to prop the frame up for removing/installing the wheel!

[@willritter]

totally, I've never actually used mine

[@lngbmb]

Me either, waste of money

[@kellykirby8857]

Quick question. How far below the water should propeller be? My shift is 40in.

[@willritter]

Just far enough that it doesn't suck air at full throttle. Your 40 is fine

[@kellykirby8857]

@@willritter thank you. Im using your steering setup now. The constant tension is so much better than my old setup. I set it up so my bungee setup aren't rubbing together.

[@willritter]

Great!