I'm just now discovering this. I was hoping to see more info on what it is and and up close view, and a quick explanation of how to integrate it with a trolling motor.
TBNation I have the old model and am really wishing i had waited to buy this newer version. I love mine so much and it works great but having that new smart head and not having to fiddle with those wires and the black box of the old one would be so nice. Is there anything i can do to get the updated version for a reduced price or something?
Do you have an install video of the new updated version? Does this mean, the guts are all in a head replacement for trolling motors? I have the minn kota Endura C-2 45lb just waiting for this very update!
Yes. The guts that normally were in box now are inside the Smart Head (replacement head). The GPS/compass is also inside the head (no mounting separately on shaft). Also the motherboard and internals are entirely new and a huge upgrade. Inside the Smart Head is a brain that can accept firmware updates wirelessly. The Smart Head also will have way more remote control options that can sync up to it. Also several protection/durability enhancements. The system also has a beefier AutoDrive (motorized collar). It is a significantly enhanced system over the Legacy box units. I’m still running a Legacy box unit on one of my boats, but Smart Head is no doubt a worthy upgrade. We hope to have them in hands of more RUclipsrs for testing and sharing video content. 😊 The Legacy box units were reliable but they involved a lot of variables and some customers didn’t install correctly. This led to customer frustration at times. This new Smart Head system just works and cuts out a lot of potential user errors. ~ Co-Owner AutoBoat USA
I preordered and am very excited! Nice to hear that you are slow rolling the release to make sure you get it right. Is this smart head the one with metal gears, or plastic?
@@TBNationOutdoors I see in Brazil they have an "Extreme" collar version with metal. Any way to get those? I had the company: Mares Do Sul Caiaques in Brazil ship some Milha Lite Skiff aftermarket stuff. I'll ask if he has heard of this.
Hey Greg, The AutBoat Smart Head system will ship out November/Early December to customers. The original plan was October, but we had simultaneously been working on a GEN 2 system and found we could essentially build a GEN 2 Smart Head instead of GEN 1 Smart Head and only delay shipping by about a month. The GEN 2 Smart Head system will have a lot of benefits to customer in years ahead and we feel it is more future proof. At least if I was the customer I would prefer to wait about a month for all the added features and capabilities. It also has some hardware improvements and cord improvements by simply waiting that 1 month. So plan for November/Early December shipments to customers. I am a co-owner in AutoBoat and we definitely have a focus on kayaking market. You can see this via our app which has kayak stern modes and gain settings catered to kayaks.
@@KayakDIYnot a ‘Yak’er but I’d definitely be a little annoyed if a Gen 2 came out a month or 2 after I waited months to get mine LOL. I have it on order from TBN but I can wait another month. It’ll go on my MK Endura C2 50lb for my 1236.
Hi. Does this 2nd Gen has an updated gps reception to hold spotlock? Cause my friend installed one but instead of 6 ft diameter area, it's more of 15 feet or more which is significant when trying to hold the spot over underwater structures. Also the app was glitchy when using it for the track re-tracing.
Have friend pay close attention to distance of gps puck from motor head. It should be slid down below highest position at least 3”. This helps reduce interference. Also make sure he didn’t flip the motor head backwards as this positions power wires ontop of gps/compass puck. The new Smart Head system was designed to alleviate these customer install errors. The Legacy box units are reliable and predictable but little install errors or use errors can create perceptions of inaccuracy…but really it is accidental misuse. To answer your question many agree the new Smart Head is more accurate and is pegged around 6ft. Perception of accuracy is most noted in medium/high current/wind since vessel sways less.
This company doesn't have its consumers in mind. that's why they shipped out units with faulty anchor mode that require work arounds to function properly
@@nicks1294 Mike from TB Nation has been very helpful to me, the black box on my unit had an issue and sent me a new one ASAP. I wasnt aware of the anchor mode issue, can you explain? thanks
@nicks1294 We have a really robust warranty program for this unit. It gets warranteed with almost no questions asked. We respect you for your time here, but this is nonsense. You lie.
The shipment is planned closer to November. The reason is we made many new hardware, cord, and software improvements. Basically we had to choose between shipping a Gen 1 system in October OR a radically improved upon Gen 2 system that could reach customers in November/Early December. We think most customers would rather have the Gen 2 system features & improvements so we bumped shipment plans to more of a November timeline.
@@KayakDIY as much as I want it yesterday I will agree with that. The only thing I'm wondering is if the pre order will be filled/run out before the Release date cause of the extension of time or if you will have more supply by Nov/dec.
@@oxyfide TBNation and AutoBoat are forecasting orders into 2025. We are paying close attention to current pre-order demand and can adjust AutoBoat factory distribution orders accordingly. This is a routine weekly conversation between TBNation and AutoBoat. Obviously ordering sooner than later is best, but we will try to not have large gaps between shipments to fullfil customer orders.
@@oxyfide Just depends how many pre-order it. It's gonna drop out of season for me, so I'll wait. Question: Do you really want to risk being a beta tester for the Gen 2 system? I guess someone has got to do it, report back if you have issues!
@@Monty_FPV damn.....good points. I hear the customer service is super great and you can return within a time period if it's not working. I just want it so bad ... Here in Florida the cooler season is great to get out there.
I ordered mine almost 2 weeks ago and I can’t wait till I get it and put it on the boat👍
It will be well worth the wait.
Any updates?
I'm just now discovering this. I was hoping to see more info on what it is and and up close view, and a quick explanation of how to integrate it with a trolling motor.
There has to be a way for us to upgrade the old model! I bought mine 2 months before this was announce and wish I had waited!
TBNation I have the old model and am really wishing i had waited to buy this newer version. I love mine so much and it works great but having that new smart head and not having to fiddle with those wires and the black box of the old one would be so nice. Is there anything i can do to get the updated version for a reduced price or something?
Same question I was about to ask, ive only had the older one for 4 months now and I wish I waited for this one.
Or sell your first gen model? I imagine there is a market for them.
Nearing first week of November, hopefully they ship out soon.
If you get yours, please update here!
they're not shipping till late dec or even jan 🙁
Question, how does the system work so that the wiring doesn't become wrapped around the shaft?
Do you have an install video of the new updated version? Does this mean, the guts are all in a head replacement for trolling motors? I have the minn kota Endura C-2 45lb just waiting for this very update!
Yeah same, holding off on my order until I see more content about it. There is no install, demo, nothing. Just this advertisement.
Yes. The guts that normally were in box now are inside the Smart Head (replacement head). The GPS/compass is also inside the head (no mounting separately on shaft). Also the motherboard and internals are entirely new and a huge upgrade. Inside the Smart Head is a brain that can accept firmware updates wirelessly. The Smart Head also will have way more remote control options that can sync up to it. Also several protection/durability enhancements. The system also has a beefier AutoDrive (motorized collar). It is a significantly enhanced system over the Legacy box units. I’m still running a Legacy box unit on one of my boats, but Smart Head is no doubt a worthy upgrade. We hope to have them in hands of more RUclipsrs for testing and sharing video content. 😊
The Legacy box units were reliable but they involved a lot of variables and some customers didn’t install correctly. This led to customer frustration at times. This new Smart Head system just works and cuts out a lot of potential user errors.
~ Co-Owner AutoBoat USA
I preordered and am very excited! Nice to hear that you are slow rolling the release to make sure you get it right. Is this smart head the one with metal gears, or plastic?
They will be pretty robust hardened plastic
@@TBNationOutdoors I see in Brazil they have an "Extreme" collar version with metal. Any way to get those? I had the company: Mares Do Sul Caiaques in Brazil ship some Milha Lite Skiff aftermarket stuff. I'll ask if he has heard of this.
Will The smart head be fully featured when stern mounted? or is this similar to the previous gen where it would be best at the bow?
How do you stow a transom from a kayak bow mount
Want to buy one but i see that they make a black and a white model , wonder if y'all can clarify if is a difference a side the color, thanks.
Foot control pedal would complete this system!
Can’t wait to order one for my old town when is going to be available ?
Hey Greg, The AutBoat Smart Head system will ship out November/Early December to customers. The original plan was October, but we had simultaneously been working on a GEN 2 system and found we could essentially build a GEN 2 Smart Head instead of GEN 1 Smart Head and only delay shipping by about a month. The GEN 2 Smart Head system will have a lot of benefits to customer in years ahead and we feel it is more future proof. At least if I was the customer I would prefer to wait about a month for all the added features and capabilities. It also has some hardware improvements and cord improvements by simply waiting that 1 month. So plan for November/Early December shipments to customers. I am a co-owner in AutoBoat and we definitely have a focus on kayaking market. You can see this via our app which has kayak stern modes and gain settings catered to kayaks.
@@KayakDIYnot a ‘Yak’er but I’d definitely be a little annoyed if a Gen 2 came out a month or 2 after I waited months to get mine LOL. I have it on order from TBN but I can wait another month. It’ll go on my MK Endura C2 50lb for my 1236.
Thank you for the information I don’t Maine wait I think is worth it 👍😎
Shaft Length plz Thank you
Hi. Does this 2nd Gen has an updated gps reception to hold spotlock? Cause my friend installed one but instead of 6 ft diameter area, it's more of 15 feet or more which is significant when trying to hold the spot over underwater structures. Also the app was glitchy when using it for the track re-tracing.
The current one holds within 6ft. The next one will be more accurate.
Have friend pay close attention to distance of gps puck from motor head. It should be slid down below highest position at least 3”. This helps reduce interference. Also make sure he didn’t flip the motor head backwards as this positions power wires ontop of gps/compass puck.
The new Smart Head system was designed to alleviate these customer install errors. The Legacy box units are reliable and predictable but little install errors or use errors can create perceptions of inaccuracy…but really it is accidental misuse.
To answer your question many agree the new Smart Head is more accurate and is pegged around 6ft. Perception of accuracy is most noted in medium/high current/wind since vessel sways less.
@@KayakDIY Thank you!
as an electrician i can tell you that power cable wont last verry long if twisted arround that much many times
The final version will have a coil cord. Good point though.
@@TBNationOutdoorswill the one shipping in October have it?
Anyone know if these are compatible with a minnkota traxxis?
Not on the approved list. You can check the website for compatible motors or just modify it but you'll void the autoboat warranty.
I ordered one on sept. 13 will I receive a gen 2 ?
Yes
@@TBNationOutdoors awesome thanks! And thanks for getting back to me!
ugh frustrating, i bought the legacy one 2 months ago. it is awesome but if I had known I would have waited.
This company doesn't have its consumers in mind. that's why they shipped out units with faulty anchor mode that require work arounds to function properly
@@nicks1294 Mike from TB Nation has been very helpful to me, the black box on my unit had an issue and sent me a new one ASAP. I wasnt aware of the anchor mode issue, can you explain? thanks
@nicks1294 We have a really robust warranty program for this unit. It gets warranteed with almost no questions asked. We respect you for your time here, but this is nonsense. You lie.
@@TBNationOutdoors kinda figured because other than the black box it has worked amazing. keep up the good work guys at TB
@@nicks1294 My anchor mode was booty. Didn't work at all. Sold it and bought the xi3 gps model
It still says pre order? Is it available now or still in Oct?
The shipment is planned closer to November. The reason is we made many new hardware, cord, and software improvements. Basically we had to choose between shipping a Gen 1 system in October OR a radically improved upon Gen 2 system that could reach customers in November/Early December. We think most customers would rather have the Gen 2 system features & improvements so we bumped shipment plans to more of a November timeline.
@@KayakDIY as much as I want it yesterday I will agree with that. The only thing I'm wondering is if the pre order will be filled/run out before the
Release date cause of the extension of time or if you will have more supply by Nov/dec.
@@oxyfide TBNation and AutoBoat are forecasting orders into 2025. We are paying close attention to current pre-order demand and can adjust AutoBoat factory distribution orders accordingly. This is a routine weekly conversation between TBNation and AutoBoat. Obviously ordering sooner than later is best, but we will try to not have large gaps between shipments to fullfil customer orders.
@@oxyfide Just depends how many pre-order it. It's gonna drop out of season for me, so I'll wait. Question: Do you really want to risk being a beta tester for the Gen 2 system? I guess someone has got to do it, report back if you have issues!
@@Monty_FPV damn.....good points. I hear the customer service is super great and you can return within a time period if it's not working. I just want it so bad ... Here in Florida the cooler season is great to get out there.
Dumb question. What does Tht% in the app mean?
Also, in the video, is that the boat flexing on the motor clamp mounting point when it moves?
Somebody made some form of unboxing of the 2nd gen. But it's in Portuguese: ruclips.net/video/Sh2zueGQ4dY/видео.html Upgrades are significant.
Thank you.
what inflatable is that?