tiller type minn kota mounted on bow

davhusn

Cadet
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
8
I bought an old aluminum fishing boat that has a tiller type Minn Kota 4WD motor mounted on the bow with the use of a angle iron clamp on contraption.
It's difficult to raise and lower but managable but I have to run it in reverse, which has only 3 speeds, to make the boat go forward.
I have two questions :
--- Will it harm the motor to run it constantly in reverse if I needed it to get home ?

--- Would it be possible to swap a couple of wires to use the 5 forward speeds to go forward.
 

Huron Angler

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
6,025
Re: tiller type minn kota mounted on bow

You will get more weeds in the prop and wrapped around the skeg doing it that way...but not a problem to run it in reverse.

MUCH better solution would be to remove the bolts off the top of the motor and flip the tiller around so that you can run it forward properly.

This only takes a few minutes and will make your life much easier. I did the same for my 12' aluminum bat and have been happy with it.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: tiller type minn kota mounted on bow

You should be able to turn the head around on the shaft. Look just below the head for a recessed machine screw. If you see one, carefully unscrew it, taking care not to lose the nut on the other end, also recessed. Then simply spin the head 180 degrees and replace the screw and nut. I'm constantly switching mine for different applications. I had a block welded on the front of my john boat so I could use my Minn Kota in the front or back depending on which method makes more sense.
 

davhusn

Cadet
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
8
Re: tiller type minn kota mounted on bow

Thank You------This was embarassingly simple but worked perfectly. I'm not surprised that I didn't see it because I'm well known for doing everything the hard way! Thanks again!





You should be able to turn the head around on the shaft. Look just below the head for a recessed machine screw. If you see one, carefully unscrew it, taking care not to lose the nut on the other end, also recessed. Then simply spin the head 180 degrees and replace the screw and nut. I'm constantly switching mine for different applications. I had a block welded on the front of my john boat so I could use my Minn Kota in the front or back depending on which method makes more sense.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: tiller type minn kota mounted on bow

You're very welcome sir. Glad it was a simple fix. I recommend keeping a spare screw/nut combo (stainless please) handy just in case. You can find the ones you need at the Depot or Lowes. Those little rascals have a way of jumping out of your hand and into the water when you decide mid-trip to make a switch. That's what I've heard any way. Wouldn't know personally.:redface:
 
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