electric powered paddle boat
 

OK, troops. I just got a used Sun Dolphin Spirit paddle boat with a
trolling motor built in (well sorta). The price was right so I'm not
complaining to the orriginal owner, just trying to fix the problem.
The damn motor doesn't work! I THINK (big mistake) that it might be
what I belive to be a voltage regulator of some sort. It is located in
line with the Positive side of the battery before it enters the wiring
harness, There is no manufacturer on it but has the following: 12V35A
with the number 439 below it. It is pretty rusted and when I put a
screwdriver across the terminals (there are only two) the motor (which
is basically just a trolling motor without the top part) sputerred a
bit in the "Reverse" position, but NOTHING happened in the "Forward"
position. Also, the voltage indicator on the console shows "dead"
except when the screwdriver/jumper makes contact. Does anybody
recognize the part I am talking about . . .its function . . . and how I
would get a replacement . . . and if you can think of other problems
that could be causing this situation.

Thanks in advance . . . I really have no intention of using the peddals
for the rest of my life LOL

electric powered paddle boat
 

My opinion is that the motor is junk. it's probably a solid magnet
unit, and has had water seep in though the seal on the prop and has
corroded the insides.

Chances are it's a United Technology design and IF you can get it
apart, you'll not only find that its corroded to beat the band, but the
brush's are corroded into their holder as well. if that be the case,t
hen it's probably time for another motor. And if that also is the
case, you can probably buy the whole trolling motor rig on sale
somewhere, cheaper than getting a replacement motor that is IF you can
identify what brand it is.

BTW, that "voltage regulator" is probably a breaker, in case the motor
gets wrapped in weeds or hung on something, so it doesn't start fryig
wires or drain the battery ( while frying wires)

Good Luck!



Commander wrote:
OK, troops. I just got a used Sun Dolphin Spirit paddle boat with a
trolling motor built in (well sorta). The price was right so I'm not
complaining to the orriginal owner, just trying to fix the problem.
The damn motor doesn't work! I THINK (big mistake) that it might be
what I belive to be a voltage regulator of some sort. It is located in
line with the Positive side of the battery before it enters the wiring
harness, There is no manufacturer on it but has the following: 12V35A
with the number 439 below it. It is pretty rusted and when I put a
screwdriver across the terminals (there are only two) the motor (which
is basically just a trolling motor without the top part) sputerred a
bit in the "Reverse" position, but NOTHING happened in the "Forward"
position. Also, the voltage indicator on the console shows "dead"
except when the screwdriver/jumper makes contact. Does anybody
recognize the part I am talking about . . .its function . . . and how I
would get a replacement . . . and if you can think of other problems
that could be causing this situation.

Thanks in advance . . . I really have no intention of using the peddals
for the rest of my life LOL

electric powered paddle boat
 

Yep, the 35A most likely means 35amps. You can replace it with any
breaker around that size if you want. Lots of people hook trolling
motors straight to batteries without breakers. You could also put a
battery switch on it and just cut it off if it shorts out. I agree
about the motor, it's probably a mess but it will cost you nothing to
take it apart and see. It mgiht not be too bad if it runs in one
direction. Could also be the forward/reverse switch. If it's toast
just look for a reasonable used one. I presume you got a price that
made it a bargain with or without the motor.

Tim wrote:
My opinion is that the motor is junk. it's probably a solid magnet
unit, and has had water seep in though the seal on the prop and has
corroded the insides.

Chances are it's a United Technology design and IF you can get it
apart, you'll not only find that its corroded to beat the band, but the
brush's are corroded into their holder as well. if that be the case,t
hen it's probably time for another motor. And if that also is the
case, you can probably buy the whole trolling motor rig on sale
somewhere, cheaper than getting a replacement motor that is IF you can
identify what brand it is.

BTW, that "voltage regulator" is probably a breaker, in case the motor
gets wrapped in weeds or hung on something, so it doesn't start fryig
wires or drain the battery ( while frying wires)

Good Luck!



Commander wrote:
OK, troops. I just got a used Sun Dolphin Spirit paddle boat with a
trolling motor built in (well sorta). The price was right so I'm not
complaining to the orriginal owner, just trying to fix the problem.
The damn motor doesn't work! I THINK (big mistake) that it might be
what I belive to be a voltage regulator of some sort. It is located in
line with the Positive side of the battery before it enters the wiring
harness, There is no manufacturer on it but has the following: 12V35A
with the number 439 below it. It is pretty rusted and when I put a
screwdriver across the terminals (there are only two) the motor (which
is basically just a trolling motor without the top part) sputerred a
bit in the "Reverse" position, but NOTHING happened in the "Forward"
position. Also, the voltage indicator on the console shows "dead"
except when the screwdriver/jumper makes contact. Does anybody
recognize the part I am talking about . . .its function . . . and how I
would get a replacement . . . and if you can think of other problems
that could be causing this situation.

Thanks in advance . . . I really have no intention of using the peddals
for the rest of my life LOL

electric powered paddle boat
 

Thanks Tim and James. Before I read your replies, I had already come
to the conclusion that the "12V/35A" marking indicated something like a
fuse, or breaker. I'm gonna try just bypassing it at first and see if I
get any results, then follow your advice and go into the motor looking
for any obvious problems.

Thanks again for your input and advice.