Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

[wildmaninal]

Hello

OK here's my problem I have never used a foot controlled trolling motor even though I have driven boats I have never been sitting at the bow controls. I'm trying to get my project boat ready to go on the water for the first time don't like much. I mounted the trolling motor not even thinking about my fused right ankle being an issue but once I got it mounted and tried out the controls I found out that I can't control it. It is just a used trolling motor I went through heck trying to get it mounted but I am willing to try something different but I am on a tight budget any suggestions I can't afford a $300 to a $1000 for a wireless trolling motor. I have thought of training my left leg to operate it but it's not as easy as it sounds, plus I have problems out it to at times. A tiller steer is out of the question, got to have my hands free for fishing. Be nice to get on the water with comfort and piece of mind. See my idea for modifying my trolling motor @ "http://.........................". The trolling motor can be viewed under "http://.........................." under boat pictures if needed. Edited by Wildmainal

I looked at the recess pans for the foot control to drop below the deck but it still wouldn't be much help.

Any help will be much appreciated. By the way, the floor tested good after I posted the reinforcement thread.

 

[wire2]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

One idea, (hopefully of many coming to choose from);

Mount the pedal between the pedestal and the seat, fasten the seat through soft urethane pads around it.
When you sit on the seat and shift your weight, the motor will respond.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

Well it's a thought, if my darn boat didn't get items stolen out of it at my uncle's upholstery shop I would have him look into something like that. For real not to jump off subject but the carpet install I had done through my uncle's shop cost me more then I expected when I found out I had a broken latch, missing new pole light, and missing cable anchors for the doors (the little metal pieces). Yeah on the switches being right there lol be my luck I would let one rip and a spark from the switch would catch me on fire . For real though, that is an idea but you know that probably would be uncomfortable after a while though, and with my weight on it constantly the switches probably wouldn't last long. I'll half to sleep on that one.

Appreciate the input wire2. Sorry about that I was a little slap happy, got to go to bed.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

use what you have the best you can, until you can get a wireless, i will never go back to a tiller or foot control, since i got my motor guide wireless. the key fog is ideal. my remote foot control is in the storage locker for back up.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

If you can lift and lower your leg you could add small blocks to the pedal at each end. That way you could push down on the blocks to operate it. Another option would be to mount the pedal lying on its side and push each end with your toes by sliding your foot forward.

Mount a block of wood large enough to accommodate the pedal lying on its side facing you at your fishing seat. Operate the pedal by sliding your foot forward and pushing each end of the pedal. It may take a little getting used to but it may work?
I would seal the wood with paint or resin to make it water resistant. And you could cover it with carpet to make it fit the boat. Hope this helps.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

That's another idea Drewpster. When laying on its side take and bump or push it one way or the other, whatever direction I need to go then press the button to activate the trolling motor, but it would be a 2 step procedure bump left or right turn then I would half to hit the button to go don't see how I would do it all at once. Has anyone ever thought about modifications like adding a 2 way 12volt motor though? The motor wouldn't half to be very big, just have enough Torch to turn the trolling motor, and waterproof something like a windshield washer motor but 2 way. If I had to gut the pedal control get a piece of wood how every long needed, stick 3 push button switches on it, one for left turn, next one for activating the trolling motor, then the next one for right turn all in a row. Recess it into the upper deck if needed to be stationary or just leave it loose to be moved if wanted. It wouldn't half to be belt driven it could be gear driven or even add a gear box of some kind to the trolling motor then adapt the 12volt motor to it.
I hear ya TD, I'm poor all around lol, thinking about trying to get partial disability, drawing unemployment right now. This fused ankle really does effect the whole body because it thows every thing off balance the way I walk, it is possible that I might half to have hip replacement in the future. That would be something to see a $1000 dollar trolling motor on a $1000 dollar boat lol.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I updated the animation on the GIF file on my site. "http://www...................." Edited
on the modification.
Pushing with my bad right leg can be an issue also if I strain it or use it for so long (if I mean to or not) it trembles and starts hurting or if hurting already if makes it worse, my left leg is just a lazy leg I don't know how else to explain it. I was helping my dad bleed the brakes on an old truck and I was feeling the pain there boy. I have very little muscle in my bad leg because I have no ankle motion to build muscles.

Bump, Bump Y'all, lets see what ya think what ideas do you have?

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

Bump y'all I should of titled this poor mans handi cap modifications . If nothing else what would be a good 2 way motor to use for the modification? Or could I use a DPDT switch with a regular motor and make it work?. It'll end up looking like an old style TV tuner with the cables ran over to your seat lol, but it should work.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

check in to some remote control race car solenoids, servo's, with a joystick, what ever you do is going to have to tilt with the motor, and be above the mount, so it can be retrieved.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I've taken the movement of the motor into consideration. My trolling motor sways like a flimsy flag pole lol. Would the servos be strong enough though I wonder? We have a hobby shop here local I think they are still in business. Another question if the servo isn't going to be strong enough. Would a DPDT switch hooked to like a windshield wiper motor or another type of regular 12volt motor work? I am almost tempted to try a DPDT switch on one to find out (without having it in the boat). Or would you think it would burn it up when reversing it? I know these parts don't normally have anything thing to do with boats except for a windshield wiper motor. I have the pulleys set to the side but I got to find a short enough belt if I decide to do the project this way. I'll half to knock out the bearing in the pulley and adapt it if needed with spacers or a bushing to the trolling motor shaft. I thought of hooking a servo type motor to the steering cables in the foot control and adapting push buttons to the foot control to activate the servos as another thought of modifying it.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I have an idea on a motor to use, it is a head light wiper motor that has a long shaft on it, if my calculations are right it would be about perfect to mount in or on top of the trolling motor and anchor it to the shaft. No pulleys, gears, belts, chains, or friction drive needed.
It's the automatic return part when the wipers normally come down to starting position after you cut the switch off, this has me worried. I don't know if this function is built into the wiper motor or not. I would hate to go buy one and it not work like a regular motor.
Picture can be viewed at.

"http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/wildmaninal/?action=view&current=P7240351a.jpg"

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

i like the idea of a reverseable servo attached to the cables, just a simple cross bar, on the shaft, push/pull. may have to gear it, to slow it down.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

The only bad part about working with the foot control you don't have to much room to add much of anything. I have another old foot controlled trolling motor I'm trying to sell (different brand), I might look at it compared to the one on the boat (should be about the same) and see what I can do with it. I don't think I'll ever sell it anyway.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

they are very hard to sell, i've got one i can't give away, and it works fine.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I hear ya on the older trolling motors, if all else fails if I can't sell it and I don't break it while experimenting on it I might stick it on the 13ft fiberglass boat when I get it done, (I still haven't found out what make the 13ft boat is all I know is it's a 1960). Do you think a little servos like these would be ideal, I might half to get 2 of them one for left one for right, if I can't get it to work with a cross bar as you mentioned, I still got to figure that coss bar out. I about wouldn't know were to start on wiring them servos because they are lower voltage and I imagine lower amps also, I was thinking that 22 gage wire would be the only thing to use for them. I'm not familiar with the measurements of the torque of the servos but I got the torque listed under the description of the picture.

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/wildmaninal/?action=view&current=f706_1.jpg

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/wildmaninal/?action=view&current=945.jpg

My idea of a cross bar (correct me if I'm wrong TD), at this link.

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/wildmaninal/?action=view&current=Servocrossbar3.jpg

I don't know why my attachment option is'nt working on Iboats anymore.

 

[wire2]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I don't know why my attachment option is'nt working on Iboats anymore.

You need

around it.
Click on the image option in Photobuckets (bottom one)

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

I ment on the editing box for when you post, I click the option to attach a file and it comes up error. My computer or my internet service might be the problem, dad gum computers now I remember why I hated repairing them . I can make a working animation of the servos in action also.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

See a working animation of the servo controlling the cables of the trolling motor.
http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/wildmaninal/?action=view&current=servo.gif
If the picture doesn't show and there is nothing but an X right click on the X and go to show picture, it might take a moment to pull up for us dial up users.
Did I hit the nail on the head TD or am I a few inches off ?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

that is exactly what i was talking about. on photobucket, don't put the " around it. i fixed them for you. " around the direct links to commercial sites or that lead to commercial sites.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Handi Cap Modification on trolling motor

Very good so I'm going in the right direction, drawing these plans up sort of helps me as they would other people of course. The next steps will be getting the correct parts, figuring out the mounting and the wiring. I had a servo around hear at one time but of corse this stuff can't be found when you want it. I got you on the photobucket, I appreciate the fix.