Vintage Motor-guide trolling motor, YEAR? and running issue

[Seahorse16]

I got this vintage Motor-guide electric trolling motor and I tried looking up the serial number on several websites, including Motor-guides own website and came up with nothing. It says Patented 1972, but that doesn't mean the year. no big deal, just curious. (see attached picture)

What I am really wondering is what is going on with it. I attach it to a battery, put the switch to "variable" and nothing happens (it never turns on when I turn the switch to "ON"). On variable, I move the speed knob, still nothing happens, then all of a sudden it will start running. It will keep running until I turn it off, then it will not turn back on...except for randomly. The alligator clips and battery knobs are not rusty, so it's not a bad connection. Weird. I have even cleaned off electrical connections and there are no loose wires. Anyone have any ideas? I will try and gut the wiring and hook everything back up, but was hoping not to do that.:mad-new:

 

[gm280]

Re: Vintage Motor-guide trolling motor, YEAR? and running issue

First of all welcome to iboats :welcome: ...

Can't tell exactly, but it kind of looks like an old Motor-Guide II foot controlled trolling motor I use to own back in the late 70's. I actually liked mine. Seems you do have some issues internally. But unless you know electronics the variable portion could be hard to trouble-shoot. Sounds like there even could be a few suspect solder joint issues as well. And I won't be the least bit surprised if the brushes need replaced. But please don't throw it away if you can't fix it. I'll take it... Post some more pictures and even the results of what you find wrong with it if you do manage to repair it... I'd be interested for sure... Good luck...

 

[Seahorse16]

Re: Vintage Motor-guide trolling motor, YEAR? and running issue

Hey, thanks for the reply and advice. I attached some more pictures of the unit. Definitely a solid piece of gear! I still working on tuning up my 1976 Johnson 15 HP and get wiring done on my boat, plus I have a 2 month old, so it may be a few weeks before I have time to mess with it, but I will let you know what I figure out. I know a few guys that are good with this stuff, plus my bro-in law in an electrical engineer so maybe he can look at it.

Not enough hours in the day...

 

[gm280]

Re: Vintage Motor-guide trolling motor, YEAR? and running issue

That could be a very good trolling motor if you can get it properly working right. It will clean up nicely and look new with some proper paint and wiring. DO keep us informed...