trolling motor shaft

[kincade]

i ran my trolling motor into my trailer while it was down, slightly bent the shaft (i assume, i can't see a bend). Is there anyway to fix this as this is a new trolling motor, $500 cost. Motor runs fine, just difficult to turn with foot control.

[sac-a-lait]

you should be able to buy a used shaft at your local trolling motor shop. It's easy to change.

[speckfinder]

yeah, try to find a shaft.

[chaunc]

i ran my trolling motor into my trailer while it was down, slightly bent the shaft (i assume, i can't see a bend). Is there anyway to fix this as this is a new trolling motor, $500 cost. Motor runs fine, just difficult to turn with foot control.

Is it still under warrenty? See what it costs to be serviced if it is.

[CastandBlast]

Unless it's a really bad bend you can straighten it out. Find a place that rents boats with trolling motors and they will probably have a shaft straightener they use. (people bend them all the time) If not a good body man can roll it around and do it by eyeing it. You just can't be afraid to really whack it. I saw my brother almost cry when he bent his $1000.00 trolling motor witrh a composite shaft. He could barely turn it if he stood on the foot control. The guy who had the boat launch there and who rented boats said he had a straightener. The only problem was the shaft was too big to fit in his straightener so he said he would fix it with a hammer. He hit it a few times then called for a bigger hammer. My brother (who was visiting me from kansas) almost fainted. Lol....The guy fixed it perfect in about 15 min. Now my brother loves to tell the story of the Arkansas hillbilly with the big hammer.

[Barnacle Bill]

What kind of TM is it?

[Grumpy]

I have straightened out bent shafts with a block of wood and a big hammer. I would try that before buying a new shaft. You have nothing to loose.

[kincade]

its a motor guide, i guess i'll make some phone calls and see if anyone has a straightener. Then if all else fails........hammer...?

[REDEYE50]

contact Tri State Trolling Motor Repair in St Charles, Mo. They are just across the river from you they do great work. I have used them several times.

[wasabi]

Minn Kota fixed mine under warranty. See if a repair shop can handle the authorization for you.