Deployment of Minn Kota Power Drive TM's

[TnT]

Everyone I have talked to that owns one of these TM's love it with the exception of 1 thing. It can be a pain in the neck when it comes to deploying it. I done some "Forum Searching" and got some info I didn't know that has helped in deploying the by TM 200%... Now I just push the handle down with a little force and the TM tries to literally jump in the water!!
Just above the foot of the TM, on the shaft, there is a Jam Nut or Collar that is locked into place with a pan head screw and a nyloc nut on a threaded shaft. Just loosen the screw and adjust the collar as far as you can away from the foot. Tighten the screw back up. This gives your release lever less room to travel before it hits the TM to push it off the cradle, therefore pushing it sooner and further off the cradle. I also used some Armorall on the shaft. I took a few pics to show the location of the Jam Nut or Collar and a pic to show the location of the motor coming off the cradle once the release handle was engaged. I hope this helps some of yall out like it did me:

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In the last picture, I had to hold the trolling motor back from completely deploying!!

Thanks to Cane Pole and IBNFSHN

[crappiechappy]

TnT.....Those two guys (Cane Pole & IBNFSHN) you mentioned seem to know almost everything fishing or otherwise. I know I probably aggravate them more than I should, but they've sure helped me out several times. I've yet to ask a question that one or both didn't know the answer to. Thanks for sharing the Minn Kota tips.

[hunt4crappie]

I made this adjustment and it sure does make it easier. Good advice, thanks.

[Shine Runner]

Good info. I have been using the armorall since I got mine and it makes a huge difference. Keep a small bag of the wipes in the boat to freshen it up if needed. Those two guys have been a ton of help to me too. Thanks.

[Kellog]

I have been using Reel-Magic on the cradle to help with deployment and it works really well. I will try this adjustment in the morning and if it helps I won't be spending $6.99 a can for Reel-Magic every few weeks. Thanks for the tip.

[bowler man]

that does work , it works almost to good, one piece of advice make sure it is strapped down or you move the depth setting to the lock position before trailering or making long runs down the lake, i found this out the hard way

[Shine Runner]

does it have to be adjusted all the way out? can it be set half way? I agree with locking the depth adjustment down to keep it from unwantedly deploying......right Reelcrappie!!!

[TnT]

I adjusted mine all the way...It gives the release lever more "kick" in deploying. Once you take a look at it and play with it just a minute or 2, you'll know just where it needs to be set at...Total time on job= 5 minutes and a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

[reelcrappie]

that does work , it works almost to good, one piece of advice make sure it is strapped down or you move the depth setting to the lock position before trailering or making long runs down the lake, i found this out the hard way

Good advice, I found out the hard way too.

[Luremaker358]

What size lock nut does it take and where can you get one of these. I just put a power drive on my little boat and this looks like a great idea.