Frequently asked Questions:
My trollng motor footpedal and direction are not together
To time the footpedal with the trolling motor, those with dual cable steering, you remove the
head, loosen the cable tension. With the trolling motor deployed, rotate so the prop is forward,
then lift the cable drum off the pinion, rotate the cable drum in your hand so the heel fo the
footpedal is down, then replace the cable drum on the pinion and tighten the cable tension. With
single cable steering, remove the rack from the rack guide and pinoin, rotate the trolling motor so
the prop is forward, pull the rack to place the footpedal with heel down, the replace the rack.
We can be reached by calling 870 773-3474 or e-mail to: jonestrollingmotor@cableone.net
JJONES TROLLING MOTOR SERVICES
870 773-3474
How do I wire my batteries for my trolling motor?
Depending on the trolling motor and the number of batteries there are several different wiring
configurations available. Under “Home > wiring diagrams” above, I have some of the more common
diagrams shown.
What size trolling motor do I need and what lenght shaft?
This will depend on the waters you fish and your fishing style. Generally for bassboats, Aluminum
and small glass boats can get by with a 12V, 55# system in a 40 - 45” shaft. If you have room for
an extra battery, a 24V in a 70# class will give better performance. Boats from 17’ to 19’ should
have a 24V system in a 70 to 80# class. Again a 40 - 45” shaft is OK, unless you fish a lot of wind
and are concerned with the bow coming out of the water. Boats 19’ and over will benefit from a
36V trollingmotor, however 19 and 20 footers can use the 24V 80# class. Shaft length will vary
based on fishing conditions, but a 50/52” is more common on the 20/21’ class boats.
What size wire should I have for my trolling motor system
Generally, on 24 and 36V trolling motors with the batteries located in the bilge area of the boat,
6ga wiring is recommended. There should be a breaker placed inline, close to the positive side of
the battery that feeds the positive to the trolling motor (not the jumper wires). The 6ga wire
can carry up to a 60A breaker. On 12V systems, an 8ga wire can be used, however a 6ga will be
more efficient.
I have voltage to the trolling motor, but when I push the button, I get nothing
This can be a trolling motor problem, but in most cases I see it coming back to a wiring connection.
you should check the voltage with the trolling motor set to constant and the speed control turned
up to full. If you still have voltage to the trollingmotor, then it will be a trollingmotor problem and
should be looked at by a qualifed trollingmotor service center. If you loose the voltage in this
case, it will be wiring/connection problem. Most of the times, this happens at the plug
connections.
I have a variable speed trolling motor that runs wide open all the time
IN most cases, this is a control board problem and the control board or Module (depending on the
brand trolling motor) will need to be replaced. This can also happen on a MinnKota if the ground
brush lead shorts to the motor housing, or if someone, in an attempt to eliminate depth finder
interferance, grounded the ground brush to the motor housing.
My MinnKota Maxxum / Fortrex will not shut off when I release the foot button
This is a reed switch that is out of adjustment. Under the button, you will see a reed
in a plastic holder. There is two small wires that come from the bottom. If it does not shut off,
the reed needs to be pushed down in the holder. a pencil eraser pressed on the reed from
above will set the reed deeper in the holder. If the motor will not come on, the reed is too
deep in the holder and a small flat screwdriver in the slot of the holder from the bottom will
allow you to raise the reed into position.