Q and A

Smith Marine Enterprises,Inc.
F.A.Q's

What's best for me, Bow Mount or Transom Mount?

My first choice is Bow Mount. Simply put, a trolling motor pulls much more efficiently than it pushes. The multiple transom set ups are usually associated with chasing tarpon or other setups in which you want to keep your bow free of clutter. Fly fisherman frequently fall in this category.

What is the difference between 12, 24 & 24/36Volt Systems?

Efficiency is the key word here. A 24 volt motor is twice as efficient as a 12 volt motor. A 36 volt motor is twice as efficient as a 24 volt motor. In other words what your buying in addition to pounds of thrust is running time.

How long will my Trolling Motor run?

That's kind of a trick question. What we can say is given the size of the battery and the amp draw of the motor at maximum thrust, the motor will run "X" amount of time. This is usually around three hours. (See Below)

	GWB 35, GWB43, & GWB52. Maximum amp draw (48 amps)*
	GWB 62, GWB67. Maximum amp draw (33 amps)*
	GWB 72 Maximum amp draw (27 amps)* *Approximate

EXAMPLE: GWB 43 with a GP 27 battery with a reserve capacity of 160 amp hours would give you approximately 3 1/3 hours at a maximum draw. To estimate running time divide the capacity of the battery by the amp draw of the motor. If you have GWB 62 with the same battery you would have 4.84 hours of running time at maximum draw. With this formula you can figure approximately how much running time you will have.

Why the difference in motor mounts?

Lets start with bow mounts. There are three different types in in the salt water series.

	015 Mount- A/K/A Breakaway: This is a standard mount on all 12 volt model motors. While this is an easy mount to use. It requires the use of a tie down strap.
	020 Mount - A/K/A Gator: This is a standard mount on all 24 volt model motors up to 50" in shaft length. We strongly suggest using this mount on the GWB52 and GW52RF due to it's rugged dependability.
	023 Mount - A/K/A Big Water Gator: This mount is used on shaft lengths over 50" and is mandatory on shafts over 54". This is the mount to be used on bigger boat installations.
	025 Mount - A/K/A Power Gator: imagining having tilt and trim on your trolling motor, now you don't have to.
	1P - A/K/A Pontoon Mount: While this unit is designed for fresh watter applications there may be some rigging situations in which this may become the mount of choice. (Call or E-Mail for details) Now lets look at transom mounts.
	009 - A/K/A Widebite: This is the standard mount on all 1997 and newer transom models. Fits transoms up to 3 1/4" and incorporates the convenience of quick stow. This will be your most commonly used from now on.
	003: this is the original transom mount that was standard prior to 1996. It is still available as a replacement item.
	032: This is the mount that marketed as thier heavy duty transom model. This mount featured quick release door so the motor could be removed from the boat while still leaving the mount on the boat. Item is availabe as a replacement part or as a complete noncurrent motor assembly (Call or E-Mail for details)

What about shaft lengths?

Shafts are available in the following lengths: 36" 42" 50" 54" & 60"
Shafts can be custom cut to length. Shafts may be exchanged for either shorter or longer for an additional charge. This will not effect warranty.

How much will it cost to install my trolling motor?

Since every boat is different there is no way to give an exact figure. Bow design, access ability, there must be a flat area on the bow of at least 5" x 17". Some boats require custom work to achieve this. The next consideration is whether the mount will be permanently mounted or the optional quick disconnect (MGA 068) will be used. Battery location is of prime concern because any wire used for MotorGuide must be at least six (6) gauge. Consideration must be taken whether the boat manufacturer has provided a rig tube large enough to accomidate at least two six guage battery cables. We recommend the installation of a simple battery switch. This acts both as safety feature and it will keep the battery from discharging through the trolling motor. Other upgrades that will add to the cost can include such things as extension handles, deck switch/solenoid, plug in, etc. Labor usually will take from 4 to 6 hours average, depending on boat and type of installation.

What about Lazers?

Many of you are going to ask this question. What I am about to give you is my personal opinion. First let's say what is lazer. It's a wireless remote control trolling motor that is supposed to represent the cutting edge of technology. There are several situations in which this would become the motor of choice.

Fishing guides that want to keep his party on the bow and be able to control the motor from any where in the boat.

A bigger boat where a hand control motor is not practical for example, 20' Mako. As with any new technology there have been problems associated with this style of motor. MotorGuide is committed to continually increasing product reliability and maintaining customer satisfaction.

What is the warranty and where does it have to be repaired?

MotorGuide Trolling motors are covered for two years. Smith Marine Ent. is proud to offer complete warranty and non-warranty service for MotorGuide. We stock a complete line of parts and accessories and try to keep a customers downtime to a minimum.