1. Minn Kota
  2. Trolling Motors
  3. Electric Steer Motors

Using the PowerDrive (2023-present)

Updated

The PowerDrive is available with a foot pedal or with Advanced GPS. If you have Advanced GPS on your PowerDrive, you will not be able to use the foot pedal. If you have Advanced GPS installed, the PowerDrive can only be operated by the Advanced GPS Remote.

Installation Considerations

  • It is recommended that the motor be mounted as close to the centerline of the boat as possible.
  • Make sure the area under the mounting location is clear to drill holes and install nuts and washers.
  • Make sure the motor rest is positioned far enough beyond the edge of the boat.
  • The motor must not encounter any obstructions as it is lowered into the water or raised into the boat when stowed and deployed.
  • When installing the PowerDrive, we recommend following the instructions in the PowerDrive Installation Guide.
  • We recommend a using a circuit breaker.
  • Consider a quick release or adapter bracket with the installation of your motor. The button below will walk you through selecting the best Quick Release Bracket for your boat and motor.
  • You may want to consider using a Trolling Motor Plug as it will allow you to easily disconnect your motor from power when not in use or when charging the trolling motor batteries. Click here for MKR-28 Trolling Motor Plug purchase options

Motor Functions
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  • To Deploy the Motor
    Loosen the Depth Collar, then push firmly down on the Deploy-Assist Lever to release the Latch Collar and slide the motor forward, out from the Mount Ramp. Lower the motor to the desired depth. Make sure it clicks into a secure, vertical position. Once at the desired depth, slide the Depth Collar against the Steering Housing and tighten.
  • To Stow the Motor
    Loosen the Depth Collar and depress the Tilt Lock Lever and raise the motor by pulling up on the composite shaft or control head. Pull the motor toward the stern until it rests securely on the Mount Ramp and the Deploy-Assist Lever captures the Latch Collar. Slide the Depth Collar down and secure it against the top of the Steering Housing to secure the motor in place and prevent accidental deployment.
  • Trimming
    Once the boat is on the water, it may be necessary to adjust the Lower Unit up or down to achieve an optimum depth for motor performance. When setting the depth of the motor, be sure the top of the motor is submerged at least 12” below the surface of the water to avoid churning or agitation of surface water.
    While holding the Shaft, loosen the Depth Collar Knob until the Shaft can slide up and down freely. Raise or lower the motor to the desired depth. Turn the motor control head to the desired position. Slide the Depth Collar against the Steering Housing and tighten the Depth Collar Knob to secure the motor in place.
  • Push-To-Test Battery Meter
    This motor is equipped with a Push-to-Test Battery Meter. The LED lights are located on the Indicator Panel on the Mount of the motor. The Battery Meter provides an accurate display of the remaining charge in the battery. It is only accurate when the motor is off. The meter reads as follows:
    • One light indicates recharge.
    • Two lights indicate low charge.
    • Three lights indicate good charge.
    • Four lights indicate full charge.
    Push

Adjusting The Lower Unit For A Secure Stow

Once the motor has been used, it may be necessary to adjust the Latch Collar up or down. The ideal adjustment is a slightly loose fit that completely captures the Latch Collar in the Deploy Assist Lever when stowed.
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  1. Before transporting the boat over water or land, stow the motor to determine where the Lower Unit rests on the Mount Ramp.
  2. If the Lower Unit does not sit on the Mount Ramps, refer to the Adjusting the Latch Collar section of this refer to the Adjusting the Latch Collar section of this help the Lower Unit stay on the Mount Ramps as it is captured by the Deploy Assist Lever.

Using the Foot Pedal

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  • Momentary Button
    The Momentary Button is located at the heel end of the foot pedal and is used to turn the propeller on.
  • Momentary/Constant Switch

    The Momentary/Constant Switch is used to toggle between Momentary and Constant Mode. During Momentary Mode (MOM), the propeller only turns while pressure is applied to the Momentary Button. While in Constant Mode (CON), the propeller will run continuously regardless of pressure being applied to the Momentary Button.

    If a propeller encounters an obstruction while either in Momentary or Constant Mode, while the propeller is running, the increased electrical current being generated by the obstruction will signal the motor to decrease the power to the propeller to prevent damage. If the current overload is detected for more than 20 seconds, the prop will be disabled to prevent damage to the motor. In this event, the operator can turn the prop back on after being sure that the obstruction has been cleared.

  • Speed Control
    The Speed Control dial is on the upper right side of the toe end of the Foot Pedal. Turn the Speed Knob forward to increase speed and backward to decrease speed. Speed can also be adjusted using the remote, if applicable.
  • Steer Right and Steering Left
    These buttons are located to the right and left of the Prop ON/OFF button and have an arrow symbol. They cause the motor to turn in the desired direction as long as the button is held down. If a steering button is held for more than seven seconds, the steering will automatically stop until the button is pressed again.
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  • Steering the Motor in Reverse
    The propeller always turns in the forward direction. You can reverse the direction of thrust by turning the motor 180°.
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Advanced GPS Navigation (available on select motors)

The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. PowerDrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from PowerDrive's simple and straight-forward micro remote.

PowerDrive Remote Options

The PowerDrive has 2 options for remotes, Advanced GPS Wireless Remote and the Advanced GPS Micro Remote. The remote you have will determine how to use it. If your PowerDrive has a foot pedal it is not able to be converted to use Advanced GPS Navigation. If you have the Micro Remote, you can purchase the Wireless Remote as an accessory. If you have the Wireless Remote, you can purchase the Micro Remote as an accessory.

Using the Advanced GPS Micro Remote

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  • Prop On/Of
    Pressing this button will turn the Prop on and of
  • Speed Down & Speed Up
    Press to decrease or increase motor speed.
  • Steer Left & Steer Right
    Press to steer the motor to the left or to the right.
  • Max Speed
    Bypasses the current motor speed to speed 10. Double press to engage. Single press to disengage.
  • Spot-Lock
    Press to enable Spot-Lock. When Spot-Lock is enabled from the Micro Remote, use either the fully functioning standard remote or the fish finder if you want to save it.
  • AutoPilot
    Press to enable AutoPilot. The selection between Heading Lock and Course Lock must be made from either the fully functioning standard remote or the fish finder.

Using the Advanced GPS Wireless Remote
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  • Power
    Press to turn remote on. During operation, press once for power and lighting menu options and SWA and motor controls. Press and hold for 3 seconds to power off.
  • Menu/Back
    Press to move in or out of menu(s). Press and hold to close menu(s) and return to Dashboard.
  • Speed Up & Speed Down
    Press to increase or decrease motor speed. Press to scroll up and down in a menu..
  • Steer Left & Steer Right
    Press to steer the motor to the left or to the right. Press to move left or right in a menu.
  • Prop On/Off
    Press to turn the Prop on and off.
  • Spot-Lock
    Press to enable and disable Spot-Lock.
  • AutoPilot
    Press to enable and disable AutoPilot.
  • Cruise Control
    Press to enable and disable Cruise Control.
  • One-Boat Network
    Press to enable and disable One-Boat Network (OBN) functions.

Manuals

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