Trolling motor won't turn (Minn Kota Edge)

[NorthernBasser]

I have a Minn Kota Edge 70 bow mount. Today as I was fishing, all of a sudden it wouldn't allow me to turn sharply left. I could turn left a little...like maybe 10-11 o'clock. I could turn right, but the most it'd turn was maybe 4-5 o'clock. I couldn't get it to reverse in either direction. Keep in mind the prop is spinning/working fine. It's just the turning that's having issues. 

 

After using it for a little longer, I couldn't make it turn at all. It is pretty much stuck in the 2 o'clock position now.

 

Any ideas what could be the issue? When I manually grab the shaft and try turning it, there's almost a geary or gravely sound coming from either the shaft or maybe even inside the head/control box.

 

Now I'll admit, I put this motor thru the ringer. Always chopping thru thick weeds/pads. So I'm sure that doesn't help. Just wondering if it's something that can be fixed or if I'd be better of buying a new one. My dilemma is I've been wanting to upgrade the motor (came on my boat when I bought it new in 2018). But it turns out the recessed area for the pedal on my boat isn't big enough for the Ultrex, Ulterra, etc's foot pedal. So for now I'm stuck with the Edge I guess. Looking to possibly upgrade the boat next year or after.

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Bankc]

Sounds like one of the gears is out of alignment.  It could have gotten stripped in the process.  You could try to take it apart and look for the problem.  But my guess is, even if you do find the problem, you might have trouble finding the individual parts to fix it.  You might be best off just ordering a whole new box (whatever they call that part) and replacing that whole section.  If you contact Minn Kota, they'll be able to tell you what part and should be able to ship you one.  If not, I've seen those parts online before.  

 

Or, you could just replace the entire trolling motor.  I'm sure you could cut out the recessed area to accommodate a larger foot controller.  Probably not worth it if you're looking to sell the boat soon.  

 

So I'd just buy the replacement box thing, install that, and call it good for now. 

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks you. I fiddles around with it this morning but didn't see anything. Ended up dropping it off at a marina to let the professionals look at it.