Watersnake Bow Mount Motor Troubleshooting

< WATERSNAKE MOTOR SUPPORT


Bow Mount Motors are used on the front of the boat and are controlled with a foot control. A significant number of issues can be caused by a disruption of power supplied to your Watersnake motor. Careful inspection of your 12V deep cycle / LIFePO4 battery, wiring and set up should be completed before assuming that there is a fault with your motor.

NO POWER / REDUCED POWER

NOTE – Watersnake Bow Mount motors are fitted with a tilt switch that prevents the motor from running unless it is in the deployed (vertical) position.

  • Make sure your battery and wiring setup matches the requirements on the Trolling Motor Setup page.
  • Check that battery connection has not been reversed. (reversed polarity)
  • Check that your 12V deep cycle / LIfePO4 battery is fully charged. (+ 12V)
  • Check terminals / connections are secure and not loose.
  • Check terminals / connections for any signs of damage, corrosion or build up of debris.
  • If the battery cable has been extended but not replaced, you may be experiencing damaging voltage drop. Check this table to see if you have the correct gauge wire for the length of cable extension.
  • Remove propeller and check for any build up of fishing line / weed or any other debris.
  • Check that propeller pin (shear pin) is in place.
  • Armature or magnet cracked or dislodged – grinding noise will come from motor. Contact the Watersnake distributor in your region.
NOISE OR VIBRATION COMING FROM MOTOR
  • Check that propeller is securely tightened and shear pin is in place.
  • Remove propeller and check for any build up of fishing line / weed or any other debris.
  • Check that your 12V deep cycle / LIFePO4 battery is fully charged. (+ 12V)
MOTOR WILL NOT RUN AT VARIABLE SPEEDS
  • Check that your 12V deep cycle / LIFePO4 battery is fully charged. (+ 12V)
  • Check terminals / connections are secure and not loose.
  • Check terminals / connections for any signs of damage, corrosion or build up of debris.
  • Ensure motor is on and remote battery has charge.
DIFFICULTY DEPLOYING OR STOWING MOTOR
  • Ensure you are using the correct deploy/stow process shown here.
  • Check for obstructions within the mounting assembly.
  • Lubricate shaft with spray lubricant. Concentrate spray on area where shaft runs through the turn box.
  • Clean any debris from the mounting bracket.
  • Remove the side covers from the mounting bracket and apply marine grease to moving parts of the stow/deploy mechanism.
STILL HAVING MOTOR ISSUES?

If the tips above do not resolve your motor issue, please contact the Watersnake distributor in your region. They can help diagnose more serious issues and help with spare parts and repairs.