Please help!

[brian_huston]

I have lots easy questions I need help!<br />Just bought used boat. the trolling motor only works when it wants to...the previous owner says he had new batteries in August. would cold weather damage them (he did'nt have them charging) does this sound like a fuse problem. The steering is out of whack on the trolling motor. Is that a common problem? when do I know to run the Bilge pump?<br />Yes I know these are clueless questions, but I need help to get running!

 

[Trent]

Re: Please help!

First of all may I suggest a coast guard approved course.<br /><br />Second make sure the battery is fully charged and then recheck the trolling motor.<br /><br />Dont really know what you mean about the trolling motor steering being "out of whack". Is their too much "play" in it. As in very loose?? <br /><br />Run the bilge pump when their is enough water in the bilge to pump out..If you dont know..Turn it on and see if water comes out. Or just look in the bilge and see if any water is their. You can install a automatic bilge pump and then you dont have to worry about when to turn it on.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Please help!

I'll try to help,and I'm sure you'll get more answers. I would 1st start at the batteries, clean them, charge them, make sure all wires and connections are in good shape. What kind of steering does the kicker have? The bilge can be operated in 2 modes, 1. automatic when the float switch rises, 2. you can lift the float switch by hand until the water is pumped out, or 3. from a manual switch on the dash. Check to see if it set up to work in auto mode,even when the Ing. switch is off, the float switch should be wired directlly to the battery for auto mode. The steering might just need some adj.<br />I was typing my response while Trent was. Like he said sign up for a local Coast Guard Aux. Safe Boating course. You will learn a lot and be able to get a discount on insurance.

 

[brian_huston]

Re: Please help!

Thanks for your patients.<br />I did clean and charge the batteries before I went out...so that is why I was wondering about the cold damaging them or fuse problems? As far as the steering, it is controlled by a foot pedal. It is not loose, actually pretty tight....but it would not hold in a forward position, when I was out of the water it did not match with the foot position or the dot on the casing top, which under murky water makes it pretty difficult to understand what the hell its doing.....that is why I am wondering if there is a realignment process?

 

[mac bass]

Re: Please help!

if your troling motor works sometimes and sometimes doesn't try pushing the on switch until it doesn't work then spin the prop with your fingers if it starts working then yo have dirty contacts as for yor pointer on the top of the motor most of them you can just hold the motor still and twist the pointer till it matches the direction of the motor if this does not work just remove the top housing and adjust it to match your motor