The present system is a system for controlling a trolling motor in a fishing boat. The system comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a direction sensor, a selection switch, and a transmitter. The direction sensor automatically senses the direction to which the user desires to steer the fishing boat when the user points the direction sensor in that direction. The user then uses the selection switch, and by "clicking" the switch once the transmitter sends a signal with the direction information to the receiving unit. The receiving unit then receives the signal containing the direction information, and affects the trolling motor in such a way that it steers the fishing boat in the desired direction.

An anchorless boat positioning system for establishing and maintaining a boat at a selected geographic location without the use of a conventional anchor. In one embodiment, a steerable thruster is used whose thrust and steering direction are determined and controlled on the basis of position information signals received from global positioning system (GPS) satellites, relative steering angle between the boat and the thruster and boat heading indication signals from a magnetic compass. The system continuously monitors the position and heading of the boat and compares it with the stored coordinates of the selected anchoring location(s) to generate control signals for the steerable motor. Several modes of operation are disclosed and Euler transformations for offset antenna placement for error reduction are taught. Proportional, integral, and derivative control (PID) of four constants of vessel control is also provided. Multiple thrusters in various arrangements are also provided to control either the orientation of the boat or a second point of interest on the boat at a second geographic location.

A trolling motor control system includes plurality of modules that are connected to a communication bus to transmit and receive data used in controlling operation of a trolling motor. Based upon data transmitted over the bus, trolling motor speed, steering, and trim can be controlled. The modules can include motor controller modules, foot pedal modules, compass and GPS modules, RF modules for wireless control, battery metering modules, diagnostic modules, accessory device driver modules, power trim controller modules, and power steering controller modules.

A system for controlling the navigation of a fishing boat between waypoints representing successive positions around a navigation route. The system includes an input device for setting the waypoint positions, a position detector to detect the actual position of the fishing boat, a trolling motor to produce a thrust to propel the fishing boat, a steering motor to control the direction of the thrust, and a heading detector to detect the actual heading of the fishing boat. The system also includes a control circuit which determines a desired heading using a desired waypoint and the actual position of the fishing boat, and generates a steering control signal applied to the steering motor to steer the fishing boat from the actual position to the desired waypoint. The system operates in various modes which allow repeated navigation of the fishing boat around a navigation route. The system provides for automatic waypoint storage as the fishing boat is maneuvered around a navigation route.

A boat including a hull and a floor positioned within the hull. A pedal mount is secured to the floor. The pedal mount defines a pedal recess sized to receive a pedal for controlling a trolling motor.