I have had my big johns for over 10 years.I have the auto stop.The tube hit the switch which turn it off.Set the length with the tube with cable crimps,so the ball stays in the water when it stops,then on mine I just lift to a ball cradle mounted on the bottom of my rigger.Always before you move it turn switch to off postion,because if the tube and switch come apart it will reel the cable in,I know it happens to me.Hope this helps and good luck. B-man