Having trouble using the switch on you Minnkota Trolling Motor? See This!

Deadeye · July 09, 2013, 09:36:24 AM

For years I have had no issue using my left foot to work the switch, but it is hard to position my right foot to make it work. After seeing in the Trolling Motors section that others were having problems too, I decided to come up with a fix.

I had been toying with this idea for quite a while and had never made a move on it..... until now.

I used a 1 1/2 X 3/16 piece of flat bar aluminum. Set it on the pedal to see how long I wanted it to be and where exactly I wanted it. Marked it, then again with a tri-square. Used a jigsaw and cut it on the mark. Next I replace it on the pedal and made sure that where I drilled the mounting holes would not be 1) in the switch it'self and 2) not into one of the "ribs" that give the pedal plate strength and marked the hole locations.

Then I knew that I would be using some Stainless Steel Screws I had that were short enough not to interfere with the pedal operating. I check with a Drill Hole Sizer the proper size to allow the screw to pass through, in this case it was a 3/16 drill bit. Then I checked the head of the screw to see how big of a hole it would take to allow the screw head to pass, which was 3/8 drill bit.

I drilled out all the way through with the 3/16 bit, then drilled JUST ENOUGH with the 3/8 drill bit to countersink the head of the screw flush with the top of the flat bar.

Now taking the piece back to the pedal I once again located where I wanted it and drilled a 1/8 pilot hole for the screw to go into. If you don't know it is easier to screw a screw into a pre-drillled hole slightly smaller that what the final hole will be after the screw threads into it. This also prevents what your screwing into from splitting.

Next I took my angle sander and rounded off the top and corner edges to make the smooth. First I used a 80 grit pad, then a scotchbrite pad for final touch. I also scuffed with the scotchbrite pad the top surface. Now I would have painted it black, but since I didn't have any handy for now I used a Black Sharpie. Paint will come later when I get some.

Took finished piece back to pedal and install into place using the per-drilled holes and Stainless Screws.

Works Perfectly!!! Easy to get switch to click on from wherever you place your foot on the pedal. Pics below:

Pedal before install, Pieces used, and after install. Try it it is easy to make and it works!

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Deadeye · July 09, 2013, 05:27:17 PM

If you still find that you need a little more sensitivity with the switch, Turn the unit over and look for the switch. There you will find that there are 2 screws that hold the switch into place. The holes for the screws are slotted. I found that mine was all the way to the bottom of the slot. I loosed the screws and pushed the switch up as far as it would go, now to tell the truth I didn't think it moved at all. However now the switch is super easy to turn on. A light press on the flat bar makes it work instantly. I'm very pleased with how it all came out.

Mike Cork · July 09, 2013, 05:31:58 PM

Anglers are always looking for new gadgets to make life easier, I'd get that patented quick and then find some one to make them for you

fishinfranklin · July 13, 2013, 07:48:03 AM

This is one of the BEST TIPS ever !!!! You can bet I will be making one of this today.
Deadeye you are dead on with this tip!!!!!! Iam with Mike get it patented

Donald Garner · July 13, 2013, 11:17:32 AM

Great idea and thanks for sharing the pics with us.

Bigwrench · July 13, 2013, 01:58:49 PM

Quote from: Mike Cork on July 09, 2013, 05:31:58 PM
Anglers are always looking for new gadgets to make life easier, I'd get that patented quick and then find some one to make them for you

I agree with Mike , I see $$$$$ signs ! Good post !

urban · July 13, 2013, 08:11:07 PM

Deadspin this is outstanding! I have the same issue and its really annoying... You should definitely look in to getting this locked up and see where you can go with it. Really innovative and original idea.

cmb · April 04, 2015, 06:19:25 AM

Being new to Minn Kota,I'm, not sure if I'll have an issue with the switch but I'll certainly keep this great tip in mind!

Brocksdad1 · April 04, 2015, 07:38:06 AM

It's not necessarily trouble, it's stiff switch on that pedal, and a little button. The strip that he attached is for leverage and to easily depress the switch. Works great. I did it. After hours of trolling without you'll get tired of looking for the switch and holding it down

merc1997 · April 04, 2015, 11:33:40 AM

great job of fixing an issue.

actually motor guide and minn kota both at one time had conter located buttons. never did figure out why either quit them.

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