Trolling Motor Transducer Cable Installation on Riptide RT80ST

[tperk100]

Running a Minn Kota Riptide RT80ST/IP 54" w i-Pilot.

Installed motor mount transducer and broke the cable as it frequently gets hung up when deploying or retrieving the motor, and sometimes while making extreme steering adjustments. There seemingly is no way to secure/protect the cable (running from the motor to the controls at the top). The attached pic shows Minn Kota's recommendation for routing but it just does not work well. The pic does not really match the actual troll motor, but the cable routing recommendation still applies.

I welcome any suggestions/ pics , etc that would help solve this problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Transducer Cable Installation on Riptide RT80ST

Their cable routing is correct with one exception. You cannot tie-wrap the cable at the mid-pointof the shaft. When you deploy the motor the shaft needs to slide and it will hit and possibly damage the cable when stowing the motor. I've routed all of my MinnKota PowerDrives this way and never had an issue. You do need to leave some slack so the motor can slide without snagging the cable. That and paying a little bit of attention as you stow and deploy the motor.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Trolling Motor Transducer Cable Installation on Riptide RT80ST

Their cable routing is correct with one exception. You cannot tie-wrap the cable at the mid-pointof the shaft. When you deploy the motor the shaft needs to slide and it will hit and possibly damage the cable when stowing the motor. I've routed all of my MinnKota PowerDrives this way and never had an issue. You do need to leave some slack so the motor can slide without snagging the cable. That and paying a little bit of attention as you stow and deploy the motor.

Silvertip...

Can you get a couple of photos of how you are rigging this? I just bought a brand new Humminbird 597Ci HD DI and I would like to have the option of running it on my trolling motor. This drawing looks like the same style of trolling motor that I have.

TerryMSU

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Transducer Cable Installation on Riptide RT80ST

Here ya go! This works for any Minnkota Power Drive or similar motor. Follow instructions carefully. If you have a different motor you will likely need to make some adjustments. Remember -- there can be no tie wraps between the slip collar and the bottom of the motor. Enough cable slack must be provided so it can slide through the coiled cord. You still need to be careful when stowing and deploying the motor so the cable doesn't snag or get pinched.

 

[John_S]

Re: Trolling Motor Transducer Cable Installation on Riptide RT80ST

If you still have problems with pinch points after wiring per silvertip, you might consider something like I did. I have a MG Wireless that still had significant pinch points when trying to route in a similiar fashion. I came up with using a door spring to keep tension on the wire. I have been running it for a few years without any pinching or worn cable sheath. Just something to consider.

http://www.joefishin.com/TMTDmount.html