Notable Parts of a Minn Kota Trolling Motor

Trolling motors are a handy tool for the fisherman. A bountiful catch is determined by how well your fishing equipment is. Trolling motors are a substitute for the primary gasoline engine, and allows the boat to move stealthily over the water surface. As every fisherman would tell you, stealth is extremely important for a sneak attack on fish. You do not want your engine to give loud cracks and end up spooking the fish.

Moving parts are prone to wear and tear, and need regular servicing for repairs and replacements. Minn Kota trolling motors are the most commonly used trolling motors due to their relatively low maintenance costs and availability of spare parts.

It would be an inconvenience having to buy new trolling motors every time a rotor blade snaps, or a transistor in the electronic motherboard blows up. 

Trolling motor parts are delicate and require proper technical understanding, as this article extensively elaborates.

The Electric Motor

The Minn Kota DC motor is the ‘engine’ of the trolling motor. The motor turns the propelling blades and sets the boat in motion. The motor casing is specially designed to reduce motor vibration and for noise absorption. The casing also allows the motor to start and stop effortlessly, with minimal water interference.

The DC motor is water proofed to ensure that the motor brushes do not short circuit, causing malfunction in the motor. Minn Kota parts are available online, making it easy for one to replace any the faulty parts.

Trolling Motor Propeller and Fins

The trolling motor is designed for marine navigation. As such, the motor case is fitted with a propeller and a replaceable fin. The fin and propeller mimic a fish’s pectoral fins and tails respectively. 

The propeller is made up of symmetrically twisted blades that are attached to the electric motor. As the blades turn, the centrifugal force of the blades against the water induces trust and sets the boat in motion.

The fins are very important because they facilitate the steering and turning of the boat. By cutting the water at an angle, the fin creates a low-pressure zone on one side, which turns the boat towards the opposite direction.

Motor Shaft and Brackets

The motor shaft connects the electric motor to the motor brackets. The motor brackets in turn connect the entire system onto the boat. 

The motor shaft act as the steering rod of the Minn Kota trolling motor. The shaft has roller bearings that enable free rotation of the motor whilst underneath the water surface. Fastening of the trolling motor is adjusted by the use of clamping screws, positioned at the back of the motor brackets.

The tilting lever allows you to adjust the position of the propelling system, such that you can dip and lift the motor at any given time.

Wireless Control Systems

Unlike the primary gasoline engine that requires manual controls, a Minn Kota trolling motor is controlled wirelessly using a handheld remote controlling device.

The DC motor and the motor shaft connections are wired to a centralized electronic circuit that is controlled via radio waves. The remote control enables you to adjust the speed, turn the angle, and reverse the boat without touching the trolling motor.

Power Supply Unit

A Minn Kota trolling motor power supply unit comprises of a battery pack that stores electrical power for propulsion of the motor. Since the battery is rechargeable, it can be used for a longer period. 

A power supply unit is also fitted with an LED display which notifies the fisherman of the available battery charge. An emergency reset button is also fitted on the power supply unit, which lets the fisherman reboot the trolling motor in case of technical malfunction.

Conclusion

Trolling motor parts vary in make and specifications. The better you understand the trolling motor parts, the faster you can diagnose a fault. The knowledge of basic assembly procedures as described above in the article familiarizes you with common technical problems and their solutions. See to it that you replace any worn-out parts immediately to avoid any fishing inconvenience.