Trolling motor dilemma

[Derekc294]

Good morning,
I have a 1979 Ranger Bass Boat and I added a nice Minn Kota trolling motor. My issue is the distance between the front seat and the trolling motor is minimal and the cables to the foot pedal seem to get in the way because they are so long. What are my options to either shorten the cables or should I just switch to an electrical control and get rid of the cable setup? I was going to use a recessed pedal pod to fix the pedal but its nice to be able to move it around depending on which side of the boat im fishing off of. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Silvertip]

Coil the cables but do not make the coil so small that the cable binds or kinks. Secure the coiled cables with three or four zip ties. You can't have it both ways (out of the way and free to move the pedal around).

 

[gm280]

Derekc294, if you know about trolling motors and how there are built, you can shorten the steering control cable and even the electrical wires as well if that is what you want. It isn't that hard but you have to understand how it is connected at either end before cutting things shorter. Some steering cables use set screws on the ends to attach to gears and others use crimped on fittings. But if you are mechanically inclined, you can work with either type to customize it for your needs. JMHO!

 

[Derekc294]

Coil the cables but do not make the coil so small that the cable binds or kinks. Secure the coiled cables with three or four zip ties. You can't have it both ways (out of the way and free to move the pedal around).

I tried that with my old one before buying this one and had no luck. Only ended up replacing the cables. I'm actually considering just installing a recessed foot pedal well in the middle. This way the cables will just stay looped and not binding.

 

[Derekc294]

Derekc294, if you know about trolling motors and how there are built, you can shorten the steering control cable and even the electrical wires as well if that is what you want. It isn't that hard but you have to understand how it is connected at either end before cutting things shorter. Some steering cables use set screws on the ends to attach to gears and others use crimped on fittings. But if you are mechanically inclined, you can work with either type to customize it for your needs. JMHO!

When I opened my last one to change the cables they didn't show the opportunity to shorten or lengthen the cables. They have those little round ends that look like theyre welded on. If I cut the line it will start to unbraid.

 

[gm280]

When I opened my last one to change the cables they didn't show the opportunity to shorten or lengthen the cables. They have those little round ends that look like theyre welded on. If I cut the line it will start to unbraid.

Derekc, I have replaced cables in a few trolling motors and those ends are usually soldered on or crimped on. And to keep any of those stranded wires from unraveling, simply apply some tape around the cable before cutting it. I've used both duct tape and regular masking tape to solve that. I recently replaced the cables on a Minn Kota trolling motor and I soldered the ends on that setup . Very easy to do with the right soldering flux and solder. SO examine the setup real well before attempting to cut the cables. But it really isn't as difficult as you may think. JMHO!

 

[Derekc294]

Derekc, I have replaced cables in a few trolling motors and those ends are usually soldered on or crimped on. And to keep any of those stranded wires from unraveling, simply apply some tape around the cable before cutting it. I've used both duct tape and regular masking tape to solve that. I recently replaced the cables on a Minn Kota trolling motor and I soldered the ends on that setup . Very easy to do with the right soldering flux and solder. SO examine the setup real well before attempting to cut the cables. But it really isn't as difficult as you may think. JMHO!

Thanks! I just dont want to deal with ruining the cables and having to replace them. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to consider it though.