Insanity Posted June 29, 2014 Posted June 29, 2014 Hey guys wondering if it would hurt my 30 lbs thrust trolling motor to wire in a dimmer switch in the main power line. To slow it down more. My tin boat is so light even on the lowest speed setting its still to fast to just let it run and fish along. I no lower current then required will eventually ruin an ac electric motor. But I don't no on dc. It would be like running on a half dead battery. Thoughts welcome! Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 You can use one IF it has the amp capacity to operate the motor. 1 Quote
Kevin22 Posted June 29, 2014 Posted June 29, 2014 +1 on what Wayne said. Has to have the capability to handle the high amp load. And make sure you get one for 12V and not 110-120V. Just make sure you do not slow it down to the point the motor is trying to turn but doesn't have enough power to spin the prop, that is where problems will arise. You may think about putting an extension on your control knob so you can easily turn it on/off, then you do not have to leave it running and won't have to mess with the electrical side of the issue. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 Better yet is to add a Big Foot switch to one of the power connections so you can turn the motor on/off with your foot. That switch is heavy duty enough to handle the motor amps. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 You guys are always thinking - A-Jay Quote
Insanity Posted June 30, 2014 Author Posted June 30, 2014 I can reach the handle fine. It just pulls to fast on low. I don't have an outboard yet so theres very little drag. Thanks guys! Quote
MikeinFresno Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 look at BASSYAKS web site( I think thats it) they make trolling motor conversions for yaks and have some speed controls. May give you ideas. Quote
Crappiebasser Posted July 1, 2014 Posted July 1, 2014 I tried it on a boat I had once and it did not work out too well. You can slow the motor down some but you'll get a bad hum when the voltage gets too low. Minn Kota made a product call a digital maximizer that does what you're looking for. It works by sending pulses of full current rather then a reduced voltage. They aren't made anymore but you can find old ones on eBay. They aren't cheap though. Quote
Kevin22 Posted July 1, 2014 Posted July 1, 2014 I can reach the handle fine. It just pulls to fast on low. I don't have an outboard yet so theres very little drag. Thanks guys! What do you mean it pulls to fast? You only need to use it to move the boat 10' then turn it off. I often fish with my 70# on 100% just so I can make quicker moves. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted July 2, 2014 Super User Posted July 2, 2014 Depending on what tm you have you may be able to switch props. Motorguide used to have a 4 blade that would go through pretty much anything as far as weeds go, but because it's blades were very short and stubby your speed would drop because of it. For your situation this would be helpful! Quote
Insanity Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 Depending on what tm you have you may be able to switch props. Motorguide used to have a 4 blade that would go through pretty much anything as far as weeds go, but because it's blades were very short and stubby your speed would drop because of it. For your situation this would be helpful! That will work! I can cut the blades down some. I think its out of balance already anyway. It's a Minkota.(sp?). What do you mean it pulls to fast? You only need to use it to move the boat 10' then turn it off. I often fish with my 70# on 100% just so I can make quicker moves. I used to have a hydra sport. I could leave its trolling motor on low and just fish along. Perfect speed. This is a hand control so I have to reach to it every time. I can just turn it with my foot if I could leave it on. Quote
Insanity Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 I tried it on a boat I had once and it did not work out too well. You can slow the motor down some but you'll get a bad hum when the voltage gets too low. Minn Kota made a product call a digital maximizer that does what you're looking for. It works by sending pulses of full current rather then a reduced voltage. They aren't made anymore but you can find old ones on eBay. They aren't cheap though. Thanks for the heads up! Quote
Insanity Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 I just ground off about an 1/8 inch or the tips to start with. Il see how fast that is this weekend. The price of a new prop ( if I go wrong) is most likely cheaper then the dimmer switch anyway. The other problem I was having with bumping it off and on was the rear end doesn't track straight when you switch it off. ( no out board to act as a rudder) the faster you run it the worse the turn is when you let off. Quote
Kevin22 Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 So how did it work out? If you ever grind a prop you need to make sure everything is exactly even or you will get huge vibrations and likely ruin your motor. Quote
Insanity Posted July 7, 2014 Author Posted July 7, 2014 Took her out yesterday. Much better. Just an 8th inch off the tip made a lot of difference. Id take off a little more but im using it to get from point a to b rite now and don't want to slow down high speed to much..She had a little shimmy on high before but its gone now guess I fixed that.. I found a 7.5 hp motor for her . After I get it she should do a lot better if not back to grinding lol . Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted July 7, 2014 Super User Posted July 7, 2014 That will work! I can cut the blades down some. I think its out of balance already anyway. It's a Minkota.(sp?). Didn't know which brand you had. I'm not sure if you can modify one of those to work on a Minn Kota or not. Quote
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