Fishing enthusiasts know that the right equipment can make all the difference in the success of a fishing trip. A key piece of equipment for any angler is a reliable trolling motor, and one option that has gained popularity among freshwater fishermen is the Minn Kota Edge 45.

The Minn Kota Edge 45 is a trolling motor designed for use on smaller boats, such as bass boats, jon boats, or small aluminum boats. With a thrust rating of 45 pounds, it provides enough power to move a boat through the water at a reasonable speed, allowing anglers to maneuver into the perfect fishing spot with ease.

One of the standout features of the Minn Kota Edge 45 is its foot pedal control. This allows for hands-free operation, freeing up the angler’s hands to focus on fishing, and making it easier to maintain control of the boat in rougher waters. The foot pedal is also designed to be responsive and intuitive, so anglers can adjust the speed and direction of the motor with ease.

The main power source for boats is their engine. When talking about engines, troller engines are renowned and famous. Among the troller engines, the Minn Kota Edge 45 is mention worthy.
However, people are facing many problems with this troller engine lately. This has the users frustrated and overwhelmed.

So, what are the Minn kota edge 45 problems?

Firstly, bad control boards are a big issue for the Edge 45 motor. A proper replacement is required for it. Secondly, this motor can face steering wheel issues where it becomes stiff. Finally, the motor engine shaking and restarting is somewhat a common problem of this motor’s engine.

This information is valuable, but it’s not the total package. Read through the entire article to get a better insight!

Start reading here!

3 Problems of the Minn Kota Edge 45

There are multiple problems regarding the Minn Kota Edge 45. Starting from steering issues to non-existing power controls.

I have mentioned all of them down below. Read them to understand the reasons behind the problem and fix it accordingly!

Problem 1: Bad Control Board

Every technology and vehicle has one main unit that runs it all. For computers, it is the motherboard. Similarly, for troller engines, it is the control board.

When the control board is bad, many problems can come with it. Now you may ask, how do I know if the Minn Kota control board is bad?

Well- it can show a number of symptoms. Losing control of the board, malfunctioning, and glitching are some common ones. A bad control board can actually ruin other peripherals of the trolling motor in the process. It is a small part of the boat, but it is mighty important!

It can also create other problems like the prop of the motor not spinning etc. As risky as it is for the water ride, it can actually hinder your overall experience as well. That is why you will need to fix it as soon as possible.
Below, I have provided the steps for successfully getting rid of control board problems. Give it a good read to find out!

Solution

To solve this issue, you will have to do a control board replacement. Here are the steps to replace a control board of the Minn Kota Edge 45-

• Start off by putting the trolling motor down. Unplug the motor and take it off by unscrewing from both sides. Then remove the shrink wraps. You can use a box cutter knife for this task.

By using these knives, you can do a handful of tasks. On top of that, they are very durable and efficient.

• After removing all the shrink wrap, the control board should be visible to you. The wiring you will see is the setup that you’ll rewire.
  So for future reference, take a picture of the wiring setup on your phone. Then disconnect all the wiring so that you can switch to the new control board.
• Then, grab e new control board and take its cover off. Transfer all the necessary wiring to the new control board. Make sure all the connections are firmly put.
• Finally, you have to use heat shrink tubes on the wires. This way, they can resist water more and prevent corrosion. You can use a lighter to apply heat on the heat shrink tubes.
  Be careful while attempting to seal the wires with the tubes. After the wires are sealed, you can go ahead and screw back the cover.
  Then, put it back in the old control board’s place. Match the holes with the notches.

This is how you can successfully replace a Minn Kota Edge 45 control board!

Problem 2: Steering Problems

Since steering a boat is one of the main features, good boat steering is essential! If you take a good look, you can tell how a boat steering works.

However, lately, some incidents led to the steering of the Minn Kota edge 45 not working. When tracking this issue, in most cases, the users are losing steering control.

Additionally, there are cases where the steering is too stiff to turn. For this reason, operating the boat becomes a big challenge.

Don’t stress too much though. I’ve given the fix for this problem in the next segment. Give it a thorough read!

Solution

Here is the solution to this problem. Follow the steps in sequence to solve this problem!

• Firstly, the adjustment screw for the steering needs to be adjusted to your preferences. It dictates the amount of pressure you will need to rotate the wheel.
  You can find this adjustment screw where the pedal meets the cable. Over time, this screw gets loose and sloppy. As a result, there might be problems with the steering wheel. Tighten it up using a wrench.
• Secondly, you need to adjust the pointer. You need to take off the top part of the engine in order to do this. The only thing you have to worry about is the allocation of parts.
  Remember the positions of the parts before removing them. That way, you can reassemble them whenever.
  You can find the pointer in line with the foot of the motor. Make sure the pointer is pointing at the opposite of the pro orientation.
  If it is not, set it that way. You can complete this process on dry ground.

Adjusting these will definitely fix the issues with the steering wheel!

Problem 3: Motor Engine Shaking

This one is another highly reported problem of the Minn Kota Edge 45. The users have reported that the motor engine is shaky at times.

After operating the engine for a while at certain speeds, the engine jerks. It gets very difficult to ride with a shaky engine. The motor runs for 10 – 20 seconds and starts shaking.

This issue is mostly seen when operating at a high speed. For instance, operating on speed 4 or more. Since the motor is having difficulty, it might also result in a dysfunctional boat speedometer.

Although this problem is quite frustrating, there is a solution for it. I have given the fix for this problem in the next segment. Read to find out!

Solution

Before you repair Minn Kota trolling motor, you need to understand something. This issue is more of a power issue vs. a motor issue.

Emphasize the motor and follow the steps I have provided below:

• To start off, you’ll have to check the circuit breaker. Overloading the circuit breaker might cause the circuit to break. Usually, motors are equipped with a low-rating circuit breaker.

So, run the motor without the circuit breaker. If the motor works fine, replace the circuit breaker with a high amp rating. For instance, a 50 amp circuit breaker.

• Also, check the connections inside the motor thoroughly. The shaking might represent a restarting motor, which happens for bad connections.

This is how you can fix the shaking motor issue of the Minn Kota Edge 45.

FAQs

What size trolling motor do I need for a 20-foot boat?

For a 20-foot boat, you need at least a 52” – 60” trolling motor. There are other power requirements for this trolling engine. Firstly, the engine has to be at least 36V. Additionally, it has to have 100lbs of thrust. These boats have dedicated spaces for deep cycle batteries, so you can have more power.

Can I test a trolling motor out of water?

Yes, it is possible to test a trolling motor out of water. However, it is not safe to do for a long time. Similar to any backup power system, the motors need water for the cooling system. If there’s no water, the motor can overheat really quickly. This is why running a motor in water is the best option!

How deep should your trolling motor be in the water?

The depth of a trolling motor should be 12 – 18 inches inside the water. The propeller of the motor should be inside the water. The propeller has to be at least 6 inches deep. The depth is different for different types of motors, but it is the general rule. Ultimately, it all depends on the motor size and model.

How long should a Minn Kota last?

The lifespan of a Minn Kota trolling motor can vary depending on a number of factors, including usage patterns, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, with proper care and maintenance, a Minn Kota trolling motor can last for many years.

Minn Kota motors are known for their durability and high-quality construction, which helps to extend their lifespan. The composite shafts used in many Minn Kota models are designed to be resistant to impacts and flexing, which helps prevent damage from collisions with submerged objects or rocks.

The weedless propellers used in Minn Kota motors help prevent damage from debris or vegetation, which can extend the life of the motor.

Will lithium battery damage trolling motor?

No, using a lithium battery with a trolling motor should not damage the motor, as long as the battery is compatible with the motor’s voltage and amperage requirements. In fact, using a lithium battery can have several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries.

Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular for use with trolling motors due to their high energy density, which means they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. This can make them more convenient to handle and transport, especially for anglers who need to move their equipment frequently.

Are Minn Kota motors made in China?

Some Minn Kota trolling motors and parts are manufactured in China, but Minn Kota is an American company based in Minnesota. While some components may be sourced from other countries, such as China, the company is committed to maintaining high standards of quality and performance in all of its products.

Minn Kota has a long history of producing high-quality trolling motors, and the company is known for its innovation and commitment to providing anglers with the best possible equipment. While the manufacturing process may involve components or assembly in different countries, the company takes great care to ensure that all products meet its high standards before they are sold to customers.

Is it OK to leave trolling motor in the rain?

It’s generally not recommended to leave a trolling motor in the rain for extended periods of time, as exposure to water can cause damage to the motor’s electrical components and lead to corrosion or other issues.

While many trolling motors are designed to be water-resistant and can withstand some exposure to moisture, leaving them exposed to rain or other sources of water for prolonged periods can increase the risk of damage.

The Final Words

That’s all we have regarding the Minn Kota edge 45 problems. I hope that you’ll be able to identify the reasons and fix them as well.

If you have any more problems, feel free to comment down below. I’ll help you as much as I can.

Wishing you all the best!