Reprogramming A Motorguide Bulldog Trolling Motor Speeds

[wasabi_VA]

I have this Motorguide Bulldog 40-lb. thrust trolling motor on my little 8' Bassbaby. It works great except the slowest gear is still a little too much power. I'd like to slow it down if I can.

 

The foot pedal lets me select speeds 1 thru 5. Does each setting use a resistor or something to adjust the power, or is it selecting a different tap on the motor? I'm hoping there is something in the unit I can change to slow it down a little.

 

[Wayne P.]

It has a momentary contact switch to turn the motor on and off.

If you are moving too fast, take your foot off the switch.

[flyingmonkie]

Hmmmmmm...  yeah, it's most likely some sort of stepped attenuator.  Most newer models have something more along the lines of a logic board.  The Bullydog should be all analog.

 

Possible, maybe?  It definitely wouldn't be as easy as just soldering in a different resistor.  Maybe if you identify the control, you can find a substitute online that has different values.

[Tim Kelly]

Cut the ends of the prop off so that it doesn't produce as much thrust? Redneck solution, but it would probably work, and if it doesn't a new prop shouldn't be as expensive as a new board if you try messing with the electronics.

[WIGuide]

You could also check ebay for an old 4 blade prop that fits. 4 very short blades do amazing in grass, but not tons of power. That should slow you down enough, but leave you with enough power to move. Not to mention it's cheaper and easier than messing with the electronics. 

[wasabi_VA]

Any new ideas to help me change the output of the 5 speeds this Bulldog has? If I could I would reduce the lowest speed by 25 to 50% without slowing down the top end speed to get me to and from my honey holes ?