Minn Kota Weedguard?

[Fenix189]

Have an older MinnKota 3hp trolling motor transom-mount with clear, two-blade prop held on with center screw. Can't find what I vaguely remember as a cage/funnel-looking thing that was designed for trollers.. Need "something" or I'll have to row my favorite lake...motor loads up instantly. Know if these devices are still made? Do they work? Other solutions/alternatives? Many thanks for your thoughts...

 

[JB]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

Hey, Fenix. Try Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops. I think they have advertised those guards. Bet you could make one of some hardware cloth or even chicken wire.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[Fenix189]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

Thanx JB...can't get chicken wire here in the metro NYC area...eat the chicks and the eggs too fast to store 'em! Good thought and I may have to do that, thanks. Do these things work? Did try Bass Pro on the phone and searched Cabela's current and old catalogues without success. Will kick those tires again. Have to do something...I'm the trolling motor in a couple of these bass lakes! Just can't seem to recharge fast enough anymore. thanks again..Fenix

 

[yensid]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

I have one of those weed guards on my (old) trolling motor, and it seems to do a fine job. I've only had this boat out a couple of times, but I went through some decent weed beds with it (darn lawn fertilizer runoff in to the Mpls lakes) and the motor had no issues.<br /><br />Mine is basically a plastic mesh wrapped in a cone coming from the motor. Though it looks like it could have been part of it originally, not aftermarket....

 

[Fenix189]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

Thank you, Yensid. Seems to me that these things should be better than what I've got...just can't find a commercial version. Tried to jury-rig something but can't solve all the stability problems yet. No alternative but to keep trying I suspect.. is there any kind of markings or name on the unit that you have? Would appreciate it if you find something. How do they attach it-under the prop? Many thanks again...

 

[yensid]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

*grrrr* can't seem to find my cable for my digital camera or I'd just show you.<br /><br />OK, this is an old Ram-Glider motor. The plastic mesh has a lip on it where it is attached to the motor. This lip is held down by what is essentially a big metal ring clamp. It's pretty much kept in place by that, plus there's a little skeg under the prop that keeps it from moving back, but I don't think that's a real threat. The mesh is basically wrapped around the motor, but cones out over the prop, and is held together by little plastic ties.<br /><br />Does this make sense?

 

[Fenix189]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

Many thanks Yensid. Makes good sense and I'm going to try and jury-rig something this weekend. Who knows, maybe find a market among the guys like us who have older trollers and don't have to part with them. thanks again...will let you know..

 

[JB]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

Hey, Fenix. I was touring the pawn shops in a nearby city today and saw an old troller with that conical basket weedguard on it. It was exactly as Yensid describes it. I examined it closely and am sure you could make one.<br /><br />The big end of the basket was about 1" larger than the diameter of the prop, the small end the diameter of the motor. The small end is held to the motor by a large hose clamp, in front of the shaft, which fits into a slot, as does a small skeg. The basket appears to install from the back, with the prop off.<br /><br />I guess you knew all that, but just in case. . . <br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[Fenix189]

Re: Minn Kota Weedguard?

JB: Thanks for remembering! Dimensions are extremely useful...I'm going to try a modified clamshell design, since stability "under fire" is where the last (very simple and in hindsight also pretty naieve)try broke down. Have about two weeks before I'll be back in that particularly weedy lake. Will keep you and Yensid posted and do appreciate the advice. Even keels to all...Fenix