Using the Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum (SM) (2009-present)

Updated June 27, 2024 15:20

It's up at the crack of dawn, before anyone else hits the ramp. And it's still kickin' when the sun goes down. Maxxum® is built to keep up with dedicated anglers, with tournament-tested power, innovative fishing features, and an impact-resistant composite head.

If you want to get to the fish, you'll have to go through saltwater first. Blow right past with Riptide Maxxum. Battle-tested toughness, quiet operation and corrosion-resistant design to take you where you want to be. End, meet means.

Jump to:

Installation Considerations

When installing your Minn Kota Trolling Motor, we recommend following the instructions in the Installation Guide. We also recommend a 50 amp or 60 amp circuit breaker. You may also 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.

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 your Minn Kota Trolling Motor, we recommend following the instructions in the Installation Guide.
We recommend using a circuit breaker.
- We recommend a 60 amp circuit breaker for 55 lbs or more of thrust.
  Click here for MKR-27 60 Amp Circuit Breaker purchase options.
- We recommend a 50 amp circuit breaker for 50 lbs or less of thrust.
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 also 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.

Foot Control Mount Features

Maxxum mount features.png

The motor Mount is designed to fold back and lock the motor flat on the deck when not in use and to provide secure stowage for transport.
The Pull Grip and Rope releases the lock bar, which automatically engages when the unit is lowered or raised into position. The Pull Grip and Rope should be used to both lower and raise the unit.
The Motor Rest positions the Lower Unit as it comes in contact with the nose of the mount and guides it onto the Motor Rest.
The Yoke captures the Motor Shaft and keeps the Lower Unit centered on the Motor Rest.
The Hold Down Strap must be used to place pressure on the motor shaft to hold the lower unit tightly against the motor rest when stowed.
The Pull Grip and Rope can be stored by placing the Pull Grip into the rope stow slot on the control box of the motor.

Warning-The Maxxum is not intended to be.png
Warning- The prop may turn on.png
Warning- Be alert for unexpected boat.png

Hand Control Mount Features

The motor Mount is designed to fold back and lock the motor flat on the deck when not in use and to provide secure stowage for transport.
The Pull Grip and Rope releases the lock bar, which automatically engages when the unit is lowered or raised into position. The Pull Grip and Rope should be used to both lower and raise the unit.
The Motor Ramp positions the Lower Unit as it comes in contact with the nose of the mount and guides it onto the Motor Rest.
The Yoke captures the Motor Shaft and keeps the Lower Unit centered on the Motor Rest.
The Hold Down Strap must be used to place pressure on the motor shaft to hold the lower unit tightly against the motor rest when stowed.
The Pull Grip and Rope can be stored by placing the Pull Grip into the rope stow slot on the control box of the motor.

Stow and Deploy the Maxxum (Foot-Controlled)

Stow Deploy Maxxum FC.png

Deploy the Motor
simply pull back and lift the motor off of the mount with the Pull Grip and Rope. Lower the motor into the water using the Pull Grip and Rope. The motor will lock into the deployed position automatically.
Stow the Motor
pull back and lift the motor out of the water with the Pull Grip and Rope. Lower the motor Lower Unit onto the Motor Rest using the Pull Grip and Rope. The motor will lock into the stowed position automatically. Wrap the Hold Down Strap over top of the Motor Shaft to secure the motor.

Warning-When stowing or deploying the motor.png
Warning-Moving the motor creates a variety.png
Warning- When the motor is being transported.png
Warning-Avoid contact with the Bowguard.png

Stow and Deploy the Maxxum (Hand-Controlled)

Stow Deploy Maxxum HC.png

Deploy the Motor
Simply pull back and lift the motor off of the mount with the Pull Grip and Rope. Lower the motor into the water using the Pull Grip and Rope. The motor will lock into the deployed position automatically.
Stow the Motor
Pull back and lift the motor out of the water with the Pull Grip and Rope. Lower the motor Lower Unit onto the Motor Rest using the Pull Grip and Rope. The motor will lock into the stowed position automatically. Wrap the Hold Down Strap over top of the Motor Shaft to secure the motor.

Warning-When stowing or deploying the motor.png
Warning-Moving the motor creates a variety.png
Warning- When the motor is being transported.png
Warning-Avoid contact with the Bowguard.png

Transport the Motor

Before transporting the boat over water or land, stow the motor to determine where the Lower Unit rests on the Mount.
If the Lower Unit does not sit on the Motor Rest, deploy the motor so the Depth Collar can be loosened and the motor can be adjusted to allow it to rest on the Motor Rest. Adjust the shaft and then re-secure the Depth Collar.

Caution- The Lower Unit should be.png

Adjust the Depth of the Motor (Foot-Controlled)

When setting the depth be sure the top of the motor is submerged at least 12” to avoid churning or agitation of surface water. The propeller must be completely submerged.

With the motor deployed, firmly grasp the Outer Shaft or Control Head and hold it steady.
Loosen the Depth Adjustment Knob until the Shaft slides freely.
Raise or lower the motor to the desired depth.
Turn the motor Control Head to the desired position.
Tighten the Depth Adjustment Knob to secure the motor in place.

Maxxum adjust motor depth.png
NOTICE- Be sure the top of the motor.png
Warning- The motor head will create.png

Adjust the Depth of the Motor (Hand-Controlled)

When setting the depth be sure the top of the motor is submerged at least 12” to avoid churning or agitation of surface water. The propeller must be completely submerged.
Adjusting Depth HC.png

Firmly grasp the Motor Shaft and hold it steady.
Loosen the Steering Tension Knob.
Open the Lever Arm to loosen the Quick Release Depth Collar.
Vertically adjust the height of the motor to the desired position.
Bring the Depth Collar to the top of the Steering Tension Knob, and close the Lever Arm to lock the Depth Collar into position.
Tighten the Steering Tension Knob to achieve the desired steering resistance.

Caution-Never operate your motor while it is out of water.png
Warning- The motor head will create a pinch.png
NOTICE- The tension of the Quick.png

Adjust the Steering Cable (Foot-Controlled)

Adjust steering FC.png

Adjust the tension of the cables by turning the cable tension adjustment screw (Phillips pan-head screw) located near the bottom of the foot pedal, just under the steering cable cover.
Turn the screw clockwise to increase tension and counter-clockwise to decrease tension.

Caution- if the cables become too loose.png

Adjust the Steering (Hand-Controlled)

Adjust steering HC.png
Adjust the Steering Tension Knob to provide enough tension to allow the motor to turn freely, yet remain in any position without being held or tighten the knob to place the motor in a preset position to leave your hands free for fishing.

Control Speed and Direction with the Foot Pedal

Adjust Motor Speed
Turn the speed knob clockwise to increase speed and counter-clockwise to decrease speed.
Momentary Mode
The default mode of operation for the foot pedal is Momentary. In this mode, the motor will only run while downward force is applied to the Momentary On button on the top of the foot pedal. A toe touch to the Momentary button on the top of the foot pedal will turn the propeller on in this mode. Removing downward force on the Momentary button will turn the propeller off.
Constant Mode
To switch to Constant Mode, flip the side-mounted Constant On switch until the propeller starts. In Constant Mode, the propeller will continually run, regardless of whether force is being applied to the Momentary On button on the top of the foot pedal.
Turn Left or Right
Push the toe end of the foot pedal down to turn right and push the heel end of the foot pedal down to turn left. The indicator on the motor head shows the direction of the motor. The motor will not maintain its own heading. You must keep your foot on the pedal to control steering during operation.
Reverse the Motor
The motor always travels in the direction of the indicator. You can reverse the direction of the motor by turning the motor 180° from straight ahead.

Caution- Make sure that the power.png
NOTICE- Remember to turn.png

Control Speed and Direction with the Tiller

Warning- be alert.png

5 Speed - 55lb & 70lb Motor

Maxxum 5 speed tiller.png
This Motor offers 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds. The speed control may be operated in either direction, forward or reverse. Turn the tiller handle counterclockwise from (OFF) to increase reverse speed and clockwise from (OFF) to increase forward speed. Speed decreases as you approach (OFF) from either direction.

Variable Speed - 80lb Motor

Maxxum Variable Speed Tiller.png
This motor offers variable forward and reverse speeds. The speed control may be operated in either direction, forward or reverse. Turn the tiller handle counterclockwise from (OFF) to increase reverse speed and clockwise from (OFF) to increase forward speed. Speed decreases as you approach (OFF) from either direction.

Maxxum Serial Number Location (Foot-Controlled)

The serial number is located near the momentary switch on the underneath side of the foot pedal.
Maxxum FC Serial.png

Maxxum and Riptide Maxxum Serial Number Location (Hand-Controlled)

The serial number is located under the tiller handle.
Maxxum HC Serial.png