Brunswick Corporation

Zebco Corporation

Lynn E Cook, Iii

Richard J Robbins

William A Henderson

Prentice G Moore

Stephen P Malak

Thomas Earl Griffith, Sr

Trolling motor foot pedal control

An improved technique for operation and assembly of trolling motors is disclosed. The direction indicator assembly is flexibly mounted to allow its initial assembly in any direction. The direction indicator can then be flexibly moved and twisted into the proper orientation where its arrow aligns with the direction of the thrust motor. If any fine-tuning is required, the direction indicator can then be turned relative to a gear mounted to it. The positioning system for the stem supporting the thrust motor includes a clutch system to avoid reverse movements of the drive system for the stem supporting the thrust motor. Fine adjustments can be made to the direction indicator, even after the thrust motor has struck a fixed object and rotated through the use of a clutching system. The clutching system is automatic and allows the continuation of steering commands to the thrust motor once the shock load that has caused the clutch to disengage is removed.

Trolling motor direction indicator assembly system

A stowage device is provided which allows a trolling motor to be longitudinally raised and held in place. The stowage device has a collar, such as a U-bolt, which fits around the trolling motor shaft. The closed end of the collar is rigidly attached to a supporting structure, such as a boat hull or an attachment to the hull. A cam is rotatably attached to the collar so that it can engage the trolling motor shaft. A handle attached to the cam allows the fisherman to control the rotational position of the cam. The trolling motor shaft is inserted between the closed end of the collar and the cam. With the cam in the unlocked position, the trolling motor shaft is free to move and the trolling motor may be positioned anywhere between its two end positions. In its first end position, the trolling motor propeller is in the water, and in its second end position, the trolling motor propeller is out of the water. For normal trolling use, the trolling motor propeller will be in the water. To hold the trolling motor free of the water, the motor is raised to the desired position and the cam is operable to lock the trolling motor in the desired position.

Trolling motor quick-stowage device

The present invention prevents damage to the trolling motor and the mount by providing a shock-absorption system capable of lengthening to allow the motor assembly to pivot out of the path of an obstruction. Adjustable friction force maintains the clutch system assembly in its normal operating upright condition. When the trolling motor strikes an underwater object, the clutch friction is overcome and the clutch assembly lengthens, thus assuring that any damage is minimized.

Trolling motor mount clutch slip-joint

Growing community of inventors

Columbus, MS, United States of America

Lynn E Cook, Iii