Falling out of the boat with an Ultrex

[David g]

I was just thinking after reading other posts that claimed the remotes for the ultrex motors are waterproof that if one had the remote on a strap around the neck and happened to fall out of the boat, it could provide a way to bring the boat back to oneself while in the drink. Would be especially important if the constant on mode was in use. Not quite sure how far the range is for Bluetooth reception but would think it might have the distance capabilities to get the boat back and positioned so one could climb back inside for drip drying. Just one more reason to justify to SWMBO why an Ultrex is a need, not a want. What y'all think?

[CatFan]

Unless it's rated IP68 or better, I wouldn't depend on it working after being submerged. Bluetooth range isn't enough to count on either. 30ft is pretty good in battery operated devices.

[4Kboater]

Yeah, this was a topic a few weeks ago that I believe then turned into a debate some how but hey, it's the BBC way.

I don't use auto pilot if it's rough water and I also make sure to clip the remote to my belt loop.

[mysuzytoo]

Unless it's rated IP68 or better, I wouldn't depend on it working after being submerged. Bluetooth range isn't enough to count on either. 30ft is pretty good in battery operated devices.

The remote works A LOT further than 30 feet! I've tested it! It'll surprise you how far you can control all functions. Can't speak to how waterproof it is!

[bockscar]

what does one do....if they fall out of the boat and the trolling motors running? Channel your inner Michael Phelps and hope you make it to the boat before it runs into something? lol...never thought of this

[Jonestrollingmotor]

So now you'll have a kill switch for the trolling motor as well as the outboards

[11pounder]

So now you'll have a kill switch for the trolling motor as well as the outboards

Honestly I don't see that it would be too difficult for MK to program the motor to shut off when at a certain distance from the remote.

[Jim Dunn]

Honestly I don't see that it would be too difficult for MK to program the motor to shut off when at a certain distance from the remote.

What if you leave the remote at home? Sounds like something my wife would do "hide the remote" like she does with the TV remote.

[11pounder]

That's like forgetting the car keys, only do it once.

[Hez]

I have wondered a few times what would happen if I fell out of the boat with the TM on Constant. I am surprised you don't hear bad things happening relating to that specific situation more often.

[Rob4AU]

Well I have almost fallen out of mine a couple of times due to not being prepared when it decided to adjust its location when on spotlock. I now try to keep the speed on a lower setting when using spotlock to keep it from moving so violent.

[joe3buck3]

Effective range on the remote is very good. I tested my Ulterra (gen2) at home before my first launch and was able to deploy/stow the motor from 100+ft away. That is important because when I launch by myself I use that feature. I always assumed that should I fall overboard with the remote I would be able to 'call' the boat to come and get me. Its one of those experiences I hope I never need to test for real.

[billnorman1]

Put it in a baggie.
Wear your PFD.
Be young.

[fishnfireman]

I have wondered a few times what would happen if I fell out of the boat with the TM on Constant. I am surprised you don't hear bad things happening relating to that specific situation more often.

Have a gut feeling your fixing to start hearing of it happening a lot more----They have sold a ton of them this winter..

[Kodiak16]

Sounds like it could be a movie script. Ghost boat drives itself all over terrorizing the citizens. Throw in a little sex, couple of cars, next summers drive in smash hit.

[willwork4fish]

I fell/dove out of my boat after a rod I kicked over last year when I was spot locked. Wind was blowing pretty good that day, I had a partner in the boat who could have come and got me but I was glad he didn't have to. Remote worked fine after...so did my phone AND I got the rod.

[contium]

A kill switch on the remote that kills the motor when submerged would be the way to go.

[SoonerFan]

I came very close to taking a cold water bath last year. Here's my story....http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....ghlight=Ultrex

[Jeff Hahn]

Sounds like it could be a movie script. Ghost boat drives itself all over terrorizing the citizens. Throw in a little sex, couple of cars, next summers drive in smash hit.

One of the famous ghost ships that roam the ocean!