MinnKota

Yes, we would be glad to help you with this. Please contact us for replacement parts in the U.S.A. at 1 800 227 6433. In Canada, call 1 800 263 6390.

Some models could be made into a Universal Sonar motor, but the cost of parts and labor to do so is prohibitive. Additionally, due to the technical nature of the install and the impact component interface tolerances and fits can have on sonar performance, it is not recommended. There will be no warranty on the sonar parts installed and any existing warranty on the trolling motor will be voided.

We designed a special line of motors for use in salt or brackish water. The Minn Kota Riptide trolling motors have a number of “saltwater-engineered” enhancements, including stainless steel hardware, sealed electrical connections and an advanced painting process for improved corrosion protection. Using any of our standard Minn Kota motors in saltwater may dramatically reduce the life of the motor and voids manufacturer’s warranty. To extend the life of your Minn Kota Riptide saltwater trolling motor, thoroughly rinse the motor with freshwater after every use in saltwater and store indoors. Never leave the motor submerged in saltwater when the boat is moored.

• You are driving a car fully accelerated. To slow down, you lift your foot off the pedal to decelerate allowing only the proper amount of gas (power) to be used. This burns less gas than the first analogy and does not heat up the brake system.
• Same theory applies to the Maximizer. Only the necessary power to go the desired speed is delivered to the motor providing extreme efficiency and longer running time.

• Extended trolling time (up to 5x longer on a single charge).
• The Digital Maximizer speed control saves valuable power over a conventional speed coil motor.
• The Digital Maximizer allows more fishing time on your battery charge, up to five times longer run time per battery charge, compared to the 5-speed switch.
• With variable speed control, the Digital Maximizer allows for proper speeds to be set and maintained while trolling lures for proper presentation.
• Virtual speed adjustments for changing conditions.
• The Digital Maxmizer allows for fine-tune speed adjustments.
• The Digital Maximizer allows the user to control boat speed more effectively in changing environments.

• Since speed coils reduce the power going to the motor, the Digital Maximizer feature was designed to eliminate this inefficient speed control method by using rapid on/off switching. The Digital Maximizer is simply a switch that turns the connection to the battery on and off 20,000 times per second.
• If “on” time is longer compared to “off,” the motor receives more power. If “off” time is longer, the motor gets less power. Since there is minimal power lost to accomplish this, the overall motor is very efficient.

How Speed Coil Motors Work

• Electrical loads are hooked up in series with the motor so that power from the battery is split between supplying the motor and supplying the additional loads (speed coils).
• Power from the battery is fairly constant regardless of the speed setting. Therefore, on speed 1 for example, more power is diverted to the speed coil than is supplied to the motor. This makes the overall motor assembly less efficient (vs. variable speed/Digital Maximizer).
• Extra power consumed by the speed coil produces heat, much like an electrical heating element. The heat is then transferred through the motor housing to the water.
• That is why speed coils are located in the lower motor unit.

• You are driving a car at full speed. To slow down, you brake with one foot while continuing to keep your foot down on the gas pedal. By doing this, you continue to burn gas (power) while causing the brakes to heat up.
• Same theory applies with a speed coil motor. The power supply is still constant, but is diverted to the speed coils for the lower speeds which reduces efficiency and run time.

Choosing the correct shaft length is important so that the angler’s electric motor does not cavitate, creating fish-spooking noise. The rule of thumb is that the center of the motor section should be submerged 9". In general, shaft length selection is more critical with bow-mount motors versus transom-mount motors. Most boat transoms are similar in their distance to the water, and Minn Kota’s standard transom shaft lengths should be adequate. With bow-mounted motors, there is much greater variation in shaft length requirements. Measure down from the mounting surface of the transom or bow to the water level. Add 5" to waterline measurement for fishing in rough water. Add 12" to waterline measurement for steering a hand control motor while standing. Use this measurement and the tables below to find the appropriate shaft length.

Boats do not tend to go in a straight line. Because of this, it is much easier to pull a boat than to push a boat. It is also easier to move the bow of the boat sideways compared to moving the transom. Therefore, a bow-mounted electric motor allows for much greater boat control and positioning. If quick-response boat control and positioning is what you are looking for, a Minn Kota bow-mount electric motor is a must.

View Minn Kota’s various warranty statements.

No, CoPilot is designed only for electric steer motors.