Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

[DaveAF]

I needing some help. I have a used 55lbs Thrust Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon Trolling motor. The TM works great, has the autopilot feature which is awesome. But I cant seem to figure out how to deploy and stow the shaft/motor when I want to use it . First problem is the TM doesnt deploy easy like the claim, and then it will not want to latch when deployed. After I finally get the thing to latch it doesnt want to unlatch to stow it.

I have searched all over the Minn Kota website for a manual, and cannot find one at all.
Has anyone had this problem also?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

Is this a new "V2" motor or the older Grip Glide version. If it's the Grip Glide, some of those motors had an issue with difficult deployment but it wasn't related to any latching mechanisms -- it involved the hard rubber blocks on the motor frame that prevented the motor from sliding out of its stowed position. As for latching down once deployed, you will need to remove the side covers and check the latch linkage to see what's not working. If you have the Grip Glide version of the motor, let me know, I have a fix for the hard to deploy problem.

 

[DaveAF]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

yes sir it is the Grip Glide version. I did notice that the rubber slides were what I thought was the problem also. I would love to know how to fix it. I dont want to go head first over the bow.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

The area where the motor rests when pulled up is not the problem. Difficult deployment is an internal thing. Pictures are provided below. The first pictures shows the ends of the hard rubber blocks when viewed from the motor end. These blocks compress when the motor is pulled up and stored. The second picture shows the blocks with the side cover removed (one on each side). Using a very sharp box cutter, trim about 1/16-inch off the top of each block. If the motor is still tight, trim a little more until you get to the degree of looseness you want.

 

[DaveAF]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

Do these blocks slide out?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

No -- and there is no need to remove them. Just trim off the top or bottom edge. The metal tab at the top edge compresses the block when the motor is folded down. There is too much tension on the blocks so that's what makes the motor hard to slide forward to deploy. Trimming the blocks loosens that tension.

 

[bOAT2007]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

will the new type latch fit the old powerjlide. thanks Steve

 

[dozerII]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

will the new type latch fit the old powerjlide. thanks Steve

Yes they will the link will take you to my post that lists the part #s http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=390276&highlight=Deploy+assist
Glen

 

[mistertwister87]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

Not to hijack this thread, but I am attempting to do the exact thing Silvertip is describing. But how do I trim the "inside" of the rubber blocks? Just took off 1/16" off the top on each side, of the outside. I can get at the outside with the covers off, but cannot get a boxcutter on the inside no matter if the TM is stowed or deployed. Can I only trim the outside and leave the inside? Please help.

Thanks!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Minn Kota Power Drive Pontoon deployment problems

This thread was started more than 4 years ago. It would be better to start a new one of your own.