Minn Kota head redesigned

[jusfloatin]

Good day to all.

I was woundering if anyone has removed the hand controler from the shaft and then tried to convert it to a dash mounted remote?

My reason: I find it a pain in the *** leaning over the back of my boat to adjust the speed control. It would be nicer to be able to contol that part from the dash or from some other part of the boat.

 

[JB]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

Go to the Minn Kota site and read about the CoPilot. No reinventing the wheel required.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

Thanks JB but the model you are refering won't work with what I have.

I probably didn't explain enough, I have a 55 Maxxum transom mount with a 36 inch shaft. This trolling motor sits on a kicker mount which makes it sit back from the boat anouther 6 inches. It is a problem reaching back all day long to adjust the speed.

My thought is to cut the top off. I would still use the transom mount as I would just lenghten the 2 wires ( how ever long I would need to go inside the boat) and fill the shaft with silicone so no water problems would occure. The steering would now be controled by being connected to the big motor by a steering rod.

With the top part in hand has anyone done or have an idea whether and how a person could gut it and just use the electrics. It would be nice to have it in a small box with a long cord or even a dash mount.

Hope that sheds some more light on what I hope to have.

 

[fix_it]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

I believe that if you take that apart, you will find there are more than two wires. The ones that I have seen apart have on wire for each speed plus the ground. I don't see why you couldn't lenghen the wires and mount the switch elsewere, but make sure to use heavy enough wire. At least 10 or 8 gauge. I'd bet a 55 lb thrust motor will draw a lot of amps. My 40 wants a 50 amp breaker.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

There is only two wires going down the shaft a red one and a black one, I am sure there is more wires in the top part which is why I am looking for some help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

Certainly there are more wires in the head of the troller. But if you leave the head alone, all you need to do is extend the two wires going down the shaft. My curiosity in this however, is how do you intend to steer this motor if you are sitting at the helm? Rather than butcher the troller, install a Power Drive (either corded or cordless). You can therefore control it from anywhere in the boat.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Minn Kota head redesigned

The steering will be done by a steering rod that would go from the top of the shaft of the trolling motor to the big motor 85 hp Merc. ( just to clarify I would be just removeing the top, nothing else it would still be mounted the same way as if the top was still on)

I know I could just lengthen the wire and be done but I would rather not have to hold the top of the unit all day long nor would I be interested in mounting it to a chunk of wood.

I just want to compact the top part so to be able to mount it under the dash or in some sort of small box which could have a 10'cord.