WATERSNAKE’S latest electric motor
features new GPS technology and a diverse
range of features to make boat fishing easier.
The GPSmart is a solid 80lb thrust motor
designed for saltwater use. It sports corrosion
resistant components with a 60-inch
composite shaft and stainless steel prop mount
on the three blade weedless propeller. Unlike
previous Watersnake motors, the GPSmart is
priced on par with its competitors. The GPS
technology is reported as having unmatchedaccuracy and is fitted in the US to maintain
a high quality standard.
The motor comes with a quick release
bracket. The test boat saw this fixed to the
bow of a 5.5m fibreglass boat. An Anderson
plug was fitted at the front of the boat
connecting to the motor’s lead. From the plug,
another lead then ran to a 50amp circuit
breaker mounted on top of the battery box.
This then connects to the 24 volt power
source required by the 80lb GPSmart.Despite being a hefty motor, the GPSmart
is easily deployed. Once in the water, the
simple wireless remote attached to a lanyard
allows anglers to control the motor from any
part of the boat, not just the bow. The electric
is supplied with two remote controls. That’s a
great feature if one fisho is preoccupied
battling a fish. The other angler can use their
own remote to help chase it down or draw the
boat away from structure.
The major selling feature of the GPSmart is
the accuracy of its GPS technology. There are
three modes which utilise this technology:
Anchor, Route and Track. In Anchor mode the
GPS receiver locks the boat’s position,
compensating for wind and current as it controls
steering and thrust. This is engaged by a simple
press of a button, and as far as I can tell, is a
much easier option in any fishing situation
where you would traditionally drop an anchor.
The memory capacity of the unit facilitates the
storing of eight virtual anchor locations.
Once anchored, your position can be
adjusted by pressing a directional button,
this will then move the boat in 5ft
(1.52m) increments.
The testing arena of Brisbane Water featured
a notorious area of strong tidal f low named
“The Rip”. To put the Watersnake through its
paces we visited this area mid tide. It held up to
the very strong current. Anchor mode was
engaged and we worked our way in 5ft
increments out into deeper water, fanning casts as
the motor held position. It made fishing very easy.
Anchor mode was further tested in a narrow
pinch point channel where the boat was
positioned five metres off a bridge pylon. The
reliability and accuracy of the GPS technology
and the motor’s instant compensation ability to
anchor the vessel was brought to light in this
tight, heavy current situation. The motor also
had no qualms compensating for the 10 knots
of wind on testing day.
The GPS technology is further employed in
Track mode which can be engaged to maintain
the boat’s direction, again adjusting steering
and thrust to compensate for wind and current.
Speed and direction can also be adjusted in
increments once track mode is engaged.
Route mode allows the recording of a
particular path, which the motor can store
and follow at a later date. Controlled through
the remote, 1600km of courses can be stored
and recording may be done with the electric
stowed (providing the power is still on) while
travelling at up to 60 knots.
Overall I found the Watersnake GPSmart
to be a quality item designed to make an
angler’s life easier. The RRP of the GPSmart
is $2600. More info can be found at
http://www.jarviswalker.com.au/gpsmart.html.Watersnake has raised the bar with the release of its
GPS equipped bow mount electric. Luke Reilly reports.
Snake Charmer
REVIEWED
(^110) FEBRUARY 2015 REVIEWED WATERSNAKE GPSMART 80LB