Topic: Using trolling motor transducer on electric steer motors? (Minn Kota I pilot cap

[Rotus623]

How are you guys hooking up trolling motor SI transducers on the electric steer motors? Just seems inconvenient no matter how you try it.

[bobcoy]

Most use the transducer shield and saver and run the cable in the slot in the motor shaft. Doug Varenburg has a video on that exact setup.

[Rotus623]

I

Most use the transducer shield and saver and run the cable in the slot in the motor shaft. Doug Varenburg has a video on that exact setup.

I saw that! Do you think you could still do that without epoxying the cord to the shaft?

[bobcoy]

I used an RTV sealant but the epoxy would be fine. If you are worried about getting it back out I doubt it would be any more trouble. Just make sure the transducer cable is centered and you use cable ties or tape to get it laying flat till it is dry. Bob

[Rotus623]

I do not like the way that the wire is cable tied to the top of the shaft in the video. I think I want to try and run the wire up into the head unit from the shaft and back out. That way I dont have to worry about catching the wire with the locking ring.

[bobcoy]

That would be ok as long as you could fit the transducer connector out through the cable hole. I don't feel that is a problem area for me. I never drop the motor shaft totally down so there is never any contact there'. My main concern was at the bottom of the shaft. I made a spacer with a slot in it so when the motor is stowed the bend in the cable does not get flattened. Bob

[Rotus623]

Gotcha. See I could use a 6" longer shaft so I often drop the motor in the full down position. I guess if if got the 54" shaft I wouldn't be as concerned. On rough days my motor churns a bit. Anyone know how much a replacement composite shaft is?

[bobcoy]

I have the 60". I know you can get the longer shaft installed by Minn Kota but do not know how much it costs. Bob