Autoboat GPS SMART Remote - Rechargeable

AutoBoat SMART GPS Remote (Rechargeable • Color Screen) New for 2026

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The new AutoBoat Smart Head Remote is here. This is the full-featured, color-screen, rechargeable remote that will be included with all AutoBoat Smart Head units sold in the United States going forward—and it’s also available as an upgrade if you already own a Smart Head and want the newest controller.

• Ergonomic all-black design (about hand-sized) for easy one-handed control
• Color screen with clear status icons and live system feedback
• Rechargeable remote battery (magnetic side charger + standard USB power)
• Instant access to Navigation Mode, Anchor/Spot-Lock, Track features, and Waypoint marking
• Firmware-updatable remote through the AutoBoat app (keeps your remote current)
• Smart Head only: works with AutoBoat Smart Head units (2024/2025+). Does NOT work with legacy black box / Gen One systems

Full Video Walkthrough (Watch Before You Hit The Water)

Power On & Sync (Quick Start)

1. Turn on your AutoBoat Smart Head first.
2. Press the large red Power button in the center of the remote to turn it on.
3. To sync/connect to the Smart Head, press the Power button one more time.

What the Screen Icons Mean

• Signal icon (top left): remote-to-head signal strength (weaker as you move farther away).
• Power icon: confirms the remote is on.
• GPS icon (satellite): Green = strong GPS, Yellow = weak, Red = no GPS.
• Compass icon: magnetic compass health inside the Smart Head: Green = normal, Yellow = interference/poor signal, Red = not working.
• Voltage icon (yellow battery w/ number): shows voltage delivered to the Smart Head.
  • Most accurate on lead-acid batteries.
  • On lithium, it’s generally accurate at resting voltage and can appear lower under throttle/load.
• Throttle icon (blue propeller): shows throttle level. There are 10 throttle settings (1 = lowest, 10 = highest).
• Remote battery icon (top right): the remote’s own state of charge.

Charging (Rechargeable Remote)

The remote charges using a magnetic charger on the side and can be powered from any standard USB outlet (power brick, computer USB, or a USB port on your boat electronics).

Steering & Throttle Controls

• Left/Right steering: factory default is left button = left, right button = right (can be reversed in the app).
• Throttle: + increases throttle, – decreases throttle.
• Note: the on-screen +/– and side-to-side indicators are status indicators only (they display power to the unit; they are not interactive screen buttons).

Navigation Mode (N Button) — Straight-Line Control

Press the N button to enter Navigation / Nav Point Mode. This mode is designed to keep you traveling in a straight line—the Smart Head continuously corrects for wind and current to maintain course as best as possible.

• Increase speed in Nav Mode with the Up control (adjusts throttle/percentage).
• Fine course adjustments: click to “nudge” the course a few feet at a time and re-acquire a new straight path.
• Exit Nav Mode: press the N button again—Nav icons disappear and you’re back to manual control.

Tracking Features

Press the Tracking button (lower left) to access tracking. A red tracking icon appears when enabled.

• Tracking features require the AutoBoat app.
• Start a recorded track, manage saved tracks, and stop/start tracks from the tracking controls.

Mark Fishing Spots Instantly (Waypoint Button)

Press the Fish icon button (lower right) to drop a fishing waypoint instantly—no need to open the app and tap the map to mark a spot.

Anchor Mode (Spot-Lock) + Mode Profiles

Press the Anchor button to enter Anchor Mode (often called Spot-Lock). Press it again to turn Anchor Mode off.

Three Anchor Mode profiles are available and can be changed directly from the remote while in Anchor Mode. When prompted, press OK to cycle between:

• Standard Mode
• Calm Water Mode
• Heavy Current Mode

Important: How Spot-Lock Behaves (No Heading Sensor)

AutoBoat is an all-in-one unit and does not use a separate boat-mounted heading sensor to determine which way your boat “should” face. When you activate Anchor Mode, the system pins a GPS location and works to keep the boat within a few feet of that spot.

• In low wind/current, the boat may rotate around the pinned point and still be “locked” because the system is focused on position, not orientation.
• With wind/current, the unit may allow some drift so it can face into the wind/current, then pull you back onto the GPS point using its control algorithm.
• If wind/current direction changes, the boat will re-orient and adjust to stay on the pinned location—even if that means you’re not facing the direction you prefer.

Best Practice: Stop Before You Spot-Lock

For the most accurate Anchor/Spot-Lock placement, get the boat as still as possible before activating Anchor Mode. If you hit Spot-Lock while moving, the pinned point may land behind/offset from where you intended as the boat slows and swings with wind/current.

Front Mount vs Rear Mount Notes

AutoBoat was designed primarily to be mounted on the front of the boat (pulling the boat). You can mount it on the rear, but behavior changes:

• Anchor Mode on the rear may rotate the boat so the stern faces the wind/current and the pinned location—this may be fine if you fish from the back, but it can surprise front-deck anglers.
• Navigation Mode on the rear may be less effective in wind/current because the motor is now pushing rather than pulling, and it can “drag” off the straight-line path if overpowered.
• Remember: this is a trolling motor drive system—strong wind/current can overpower the setup and reduce performance.

Pairing a Remote to a Smart Head (Upgrade / Replacement)

This remote only works with AutoBoat Smart Head units (not the older Gen One AutoBoat / legacy black box systems).

1. Connect the Smart Head to a 12V battery (power on).
2. Push the button on top of the head down so it is flat (pairing mode).
3. Turn on the remote with the center Power button.
4. Press and hold the OK button until the remote turns off.
5. After the remote turns off, pop the head button back up.
6. Power the remote back on—the remote is now paired.

Menu Options (Language • Units • Calibration)

To access the menu from the main screen, press the Power button to show the Menu icon, then press the Menu button.

• Language: change remote language
• Units: toggle Imperial / Metric using OK
• Calibration: required for GPS features like Navigation Mode and Anchor Mode

Calibration (Required for GPS Features)

You can calibrate two ways:

• From the menu: Menu → Calibrate → press OK (unit rotates one direction, then the other; beeps indicate completion).
• Shortcut: press and hold the N button to start calibration.

After successful calibration, the compass icon turns green. GPS signal may vary indoors/buildings.

Remote Firmware Updates (Yes—This Remote Updates)

This Smart Remote supports firmware updates through the AutoBoat app:

1. Open the app → Device Info → Upgrade → Upgrade Remote Control.
2. Turn on your phone’s hotspot (hotspot name + password must be entered exactly, case-sensitive).
3. Requirements: the remote must be on, connected to the Smart Head; the Smart Head must be powered on; the app must be connected to the Smart Head.
4. On iPhone, enable the Using iPhone Personal Hotspot option if prompted.
5. Follow upgrade progress on the remote screen. When complete, it will show Upgrade Success and the remote will reboot.

Water Resistance

Splash resistant, not submersible. Do not dunk or submerge this remote. If it gets splashed, dry it off promptly. Water submersion damage is not covered under warranty.

Availability & What’s Changing Going Forward

• This remote will be the standard included remote with AutoBoat Smart Heads sold in the U.S. going forward.
• You can purchase the remote by itself if you already own a compatible Smart Head and want to upgrade.
• Older small blue remotes and legacy black remotes are being phased out and are considered obsolete.

Heads up: A foot pedal and 24V system support are in development, but timelines are not confirmed.

Quick Specs

• Display: Color screen
• Power: Rechargeable (Magnetic charger + USB power)
• Wireless: Bluetooth smart remote
• Range: Up to ~300 ft
• Color: Black
• Water resistance: Splash resistant (not submersible)
• Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty