How to Use a Motor Guide Trolling Motor

Published on: December 5, 2021
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

A trolling motor is made with some special features. These features will help you to change the speed of the motor easily.

This is very popular among the fishermen. They can accurately control the trolling motor by its self-contained features which includes a propeller and an electric motor.

If you don’t use the motor properly, you will face some difficulties. So before using it, you need to learn how to use a motor guide trolling motor.

In this article, we have given some essential instructions for using a trolling motor along with the application and operation of it. Hope you will benefit from this descriptions.

Starting the Motor

To start the motor, you have to crank the recoil starter properly. It is not a hard task. You just have to follow some easy steps.

This will protect you from an unexpected accident. Let’s discuss the steps.

Positioning

A kill switch is an important part of the motor, which helps the motor in starting and stopping. It attaches the wrist. At the time of positioning, the seat near the kill switch of the motor.

Avoid standing while you are pulling the string. Sit near the string. This position will prevent the risk of collapsing from the boat.

A proper positioning will help you to protect yourself from the hit of the propeller. Take care of the cable. Because once the cable is pulled, it will carry away the kill switch. It will stop the motor.

Corking the Engine

To reduce the amount of wind occurring into the engine using a cork valve is a must. You can abate the amount of wind by rotating the valve haft.

Rotating the valve haft means the wind-fuel compound will include more fire than normal.

But don’t cork the engine while it is warm.

Neutralize the Motor

Change the gearshift to neutral. Before starting the motor, you have to alter it to neutral, otherwise, it will not start. It reduces the acceleration of the motor at the time of its starting.

Before out setting the motor, put the propeller down cast into the water. This will enhance the stream of fuel to the machine. At the time of its unfortunate rotation, it will surely protect you.

Controlling the Handle

Controlling the handle properly is a must. Look at the pull rope and gripe the handle on it. Also, reach up to the handle.

Until all tardy in the cord is gone, smoothly pull the haft back.

Draw the haft back swiftly, when the cord is tight. Repeat the process until the motor doesn’t outset.

After several trials, if the motor doesn’t start you can also check the gas and cork. But, let the motor repose for few minutes before another trial.

Placing the Motor

Placing the motor properly is very important because without leaning the motor, in laying the key and shifting the key you will face a lot of difficulties.

Here the instruction of placing the motor is given below.

Leaning the Motor

To put the propeller under the water you have to lean the motor. At the time of starting, it will help the fuel to stream into the engine.

So keep the engine leaned keeping the propeller securely under the water.

Sometimes, it is a rare case that, boats are furnished with an entirely electric outboard propeller. This kind of motors also has electrical starters.

Inlaying the Key

A trolling motor needs a key to surmise before necessary features. The important feature is operating the gearshift.

You have to implant the key inside the surmise slot and also the kill switch if you feel the requirement. This will let the engine to shift into neutral.

Shifting

There is a manual gearshift which will help you to move the electric motor to neutral.

This will help you to start the engine.

You can turn on most of the engines by shifting the key to the start position. Once the engine of the trolling motor starts, release the on button.

Mounting the Motor

Mounting on the Balk

At first, open the mounting bracket bolts. After that slip the motor carefully over the balk.

The trolling propeller must be situated near the center of the adamant without interfering with the activities of the main motor.

Then slip the motor above the balk. Don’t forget to tighten the clamps. Shift the balks clockwise as possible. So, at the time of the operation, the motor will not vibrate

Mounting on the Engine

For mounting the trolling motor on the engine locate the mounting bracket above the machine’s anti-cavitation plate, along with the motor up.

This anti-cavitation plate is a horizontal blade up to the propeller.  It helps to keep the propeller from breaking the stream surface by pushing the boat onwards.

Now mark hollow to be broached through the anti-cavitation blade. Using the mount itself will be better. Bore the hollows for the mounting nails.

Locate the bracket above the anti-cavitation blade and inserting the mounting bolts is a must. Don’t forget to tighten them.

Hilling on the Bow

Separate the motor from the mount foundation. Choose the best place to locate the base. You should place the base where it will accommodate the machine.

Line the hollows to be bored inside the deck.  Bore the hollows for the mounting nails.

Check the base rests height. Always tighten the nuts to protect the base

Stemming from the Motor

The steps of steaming the motor are given below.

Leveling the Boat

You can level the boat by pointing the boat in the vexation that you want to go.

If you cut power to the machine you will lose the capability of steering the boat.

Neutralizing Engine

You can stop the shifting of the propeller by putting the engine back into neutral. Turn the button to the stop position. Now, your motor will stop properly.

How Do I Properly Maintain My Motor Guide Trolling Motor

1. Clean the trolling motor after every use. Wipe down the housing, prop and shaft with a damp cloth.

2. Check all parts for damage or wear and replace any damaged parts.

3. Lubricate the shaft and prop with a marine-grade lubricant.

4. Check the electrical connections to ensure they are secure and free of corrosion.

5. Check the batteries regularly and ensure they are properly charged.

6. Store the trolling motor in a dry place when not in use.

7. Have the motor serviced regularly by a qualified technician.

What is the Recommended Battery Size for My Motor Guide Trolling Motor

The recommended battery size for a Motor Guide trolling motor will depend on the size of the motor and the type of trolling you plan to do. Generally speaking, for a medium-size trolling motor, a 12V deep-cycle marine battery is recommended. It should be able to provide at least 50 amp-hours of power. If you are planning to do heavy trolling, you may need a larger battery with a higher amp-hour rating.

How Do You Fix a Motor Guide on a Trolling Motor?

Motor guide is an excellent way to get more freedom while going to fish. Somehow your trolling motor goes into bad condition. Then, you need to fix the motor guide on a trolling motor. First, check the electrical system and ensure that the power reaches the motor properly. If it is not, you should observe the connections of the battery and trolling motor. 

Next, check the voltage of your battery. If the battery is not capable of holding full charge, you need to replace it. Besides the 12-volt and 24-volt trolling motor both are good for fishering. You need to know every ins and outs when buying a trolling motor.

It is also fundamental to clean the battery timely. Wire and fuse is also important to check. So, cleaning everything. Of course, you have to tighten screws and bolts if it loses.

Conclusion

Using a trolling motor is not a hard task if you know how to manage it. All you need to follow the instructions of managing the motor.

Hopefully, this guide helped you to know how to use a motor guide trolling motor. So, follow the above steps and use the trolling motor without facing any difficulties.