RC Trolling Motor

Update : Aug 5th 2025:
Okay, so this project has gotten some love, SO it needs an update. The setup worked great for a summer but last fall (2024) she quit on me. Here is where I am at.
The Hobbywing 880 goes into overdraw mode. So I swapped it to the left and right motor works great and is still alive and well.
The Acxico is no longer with us. It melted and failed. That is weird as it is rated for a really high draw. I suspect cheap components. I also have purchased a Hobbywing QuicRun 1080 G2. It should be here soon.

Some added details. I believe they are lying about the stats on some of the these ESCs. for example all the ESCs I have bought are "rated" for over 60a continuous draw. The trolling motors peak is in the mid 40a range. I also have a breaker (60a marine) between the battery and the trolling motor as I thought this would protect them. So logically there is not more than 60a draw at anytime otherwise the breaker will pop. This never happens, so I conclude that they are over cooking their stats. The Hobbywings seem to be the most accurate.

The HOTRC trasmittter/reciever is gold! Never has an issue!

The Goal:
Take an old trolling motor and use RC components to power it so it can be run with a remote for cheap.

As promised here are the details.

I have this old Powerdrive Minnkota trolling motor. It has a flat-style plug and is considered a V1. I like to keep my fishing costs low, part of the fun of fishing for me is making my gear my own so I can buy the things I can't make. I wanted to upgrade my motor this year to one that has a remote. Looking on Marketplace in my area, the cheapest Powerdrives are selling for $300-$400 and the are base models that don't include the copilot feature. So I was looking at north of a $500 investment. I did find an upgrade kit for my model but those were also quite expensive. I figured I could do the same thing on my own.

Here is what I came up with:
Two ESC's one that controls the main motor and one that controls the left/right motor. And one receiver with a remote.

ESC one- Acxico 7.2 V-16 V 320A High Voltage ESC Brushed Speed Controller Set
This one is for the left and right motor. This one is rated for higher amps but I don't know if I trust it as much as the other one (due to the price and lack of reviews). This is way overkill for the motor I am using it on. Cost:$17
Amazon Link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BFFXXBM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

HOBBYWING QUICRUN 880 ESC, Rated for 80a Cont. and 400a, peak.
This has great reviews and will be running at about 40amps Cont. This is also able to be programmed with a programming card. There is also a higher cost to this one about $35.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NYBF6MQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

HOTRC DS-600 6CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter and Receiver Remote Controller with DS 600 PWM 6 Channel Receiver for RC Boat (w/PWM RX) I wanted a one-handed remote for easy adjustments. This also has a cruise control feature so I can lock in a speed and just adjust the direction. I ordered from this post and the version they sent me was a bit different as it has a screen. I would prefer the simple version but in three order and return attempts, I only got the fancy one. It works fine.

Amazon Link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y8XT53X?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Once I have this completed I will upload a video showing how all the wiring works. As of right now, my cost to create this is about $100. I do have some items on hand like extra wire and connectors so that can make the cost a bit higher. Bottom line, this is fun to create I have learned a lot about RCs and I am going to get what I want at a fraction of the cost.

I will post the FreeCAD files if you would like to modify and I will also post the .stl files for those who just want to print.

AND... before I get messages about the logo appearing in the pictures but not on the files, I know. I can't distribute a logo that I do not own. MinnKota does appear to be pretty friendly on the matter.

https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/logo-download

Update 5.3.24
I am almost 100% sure this is going to work as intended.

The bad

• I had intended to use double-sided tape to secure the ESC's and receiver, I should have made it so they could be secured with zip ties. Dumb move on my part. Not the end of the world.
• I also messed up the top piece and made the screw cylinders too tall. Not a huge issue as I just trimmed them with a hot razor blade. I will correct the files so it will not be an issue.

The good
All the tolerances and pockets are near perfect. The holes that don't go all the way through are channels for zip ties. They work perfectly and help to keep the wires from moving around.

Here is a video explaining how it works and how it was made.
https://youtu.be/KgqkblZk3T8?si=Ygf-A4pyWIYj6YDW

Update Aug 9th 2024:
I have been using this design all summer and have had 0 issues. It always connects to the remote and is very responsive. I have used this for hours on end while I troll Lake Superior. I use this to steer my boat while the main motor pushes. I have been operating in 90-degree plus weather at full speed for about 4-hour runs at a time and it simply works.I am calling this a success. If you have an older trolling motor where the pedal stops working or you would like to add a remote control I would say this is a good solution.

As always, if you would are interested but can't print for some reason, I would be willing to help out.

Check out my other fishing Creations!

Garmin Echomap 4" Slide Cover
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6401316

Striker 4 Slide Case-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4355677

Planer Board Storage System-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6004432

Dipsy Diver Holder-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5989727

Star Port Mount-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4332777

Kayak Cupholder/ Rod Holder-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4332777

Garmin Striker 4 Plus Mount with Transducer Mount To Fishing Kayak and Using a Jump Starter for Power-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4082316

If you would like one but don't have a 3D printer please let me know I would be happy to help you out!

This work is under CC-BY-ND-NC