Minn Kota PowerDrive

[Chris Barlage]

I have a Minn Kota PowerDrive motor and am wondering how people are getting past the deploy issue that seems to exist. I bought this motor used and love the motor but did not really look at it close enough to see that the OG PD's do not have the deploy assist lever and first time on the water I instantly had buyers remorse. So how did you guys get past it before you upgraded. I saw one site that talked about upgrading the handle to the assist lever. Not sure if that is really an option or not.

[PerchJerker]

I used PDs for years and never had a complaint about the stow and deploy. Your problem probably comes from having trouble getting the lower unit out of the cradle?? Try pulling back slightly on the handle, and pushing down slightly on the power head, as you deploy the motor. That should take some pressure off the lower unit in the cradle and hopefully make it easier to deploy. Good luck.

[SkunkedAgain]

My has sucked to deploy since the day that I brought it home from the store. Most people still can't figure out how to get it into the water, and it's not from a lack of trying.

I've found that if I kneel on the deck next to the head of the motor, pull back on the release, and give the lower unit a slightly upward - but mostly outward - shove, it will release. It took me a year or two to develop the technique. Those things can be nasty to deploy but work great otherwise.

Good luck

[JimBuck]

I've ran my PD for the past 7 years and it's always been a bit of a struggle to deploy it. It has loosened up over time but I still need to give it a pretty hard shove. They are great motors, but I think this is one of the few areas Minn Kota could improve on with the motor.

[TyGuy02]

at least it won't deploy when going down the highway if you forget to lower the depth controller knob. It can be a bit of a struggle at times, I have found that when I stop, take a deep breath I can get it rather easily, but it seems if you are rushed it doesn't work as well. Mine does seem to be easier now, loosened up or I just get it easier, I don't know. Just have to know where to apply gentle pressure in my opinion

[Chris Barlage]

Just have to know where to apply gentle pressure in my opinion

yea after reading on the inter web a bit I tried again when I got home and found that if I push down a bit on the shaft near the power head and lift the motor slightly that it pops out after a little jiggle.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

They recommend putting a little Armor All on the shaft. Put a little on a rag and rub it on the shaft. Problem gone.

[delcecchi]

I've ran my PD for the past 7 years and it's always been a bit of a struggle to deploy it. It has loosened up over time but I still need to give it a pretty hard shove. They are great motors, but I think this is one of the few areas Minn Kota could improve on with the motor.

They did improve it on the motor, and renamed it Terrova. The easier stow and deploy is worth the added price in my book.

[WalleyeChaser]

I also struggled at the start but now its like second nature. I do it now without even having to think about it. Kneeling on the bow deck if possible and then the slight down pressure on the head unit while pushing forward as mentioned does the trick! It takes time to get used to doing it but you will get the hang of it!

[kerryd15]

A little armor all on the shaft or graphite spray. Will get harder to slide if its scratched up.

[TruthWalleyes]

They can be tricky. I've still got the origional PD and i can deploy with ease, but you must use parallel force with the shaft. One of the reasons though that i generally deploy the TM even when there is a someone else in the boat. I've seen lots of people struggle with mine, there's just a technique to learn.

What's even more fun is when the shaft freezes on ya Had that problem on the Rainy this spring until i finally took out my chapstick and got the shaft lubed up.

[CaptainMusky]

Chapstick is a good tip. I put vaseline on my shaft. Wipe it down every week or so and then reapply.

They are a PITA to deploy, but a little downward pressure on the head while pushing out toward the water and it works flawless.

[Surface Tension]

I've owned them for years and its second nature to deploy or put back.

When I have someone else in the boat I don't even ask them anymore to put the motor up or down. Its just to painful to watch them struggle and I get real impatient when the concept never sinks in.

"pull the handle back" "no not that" " yes thats it"

"now push it out of the cradle" "no not like that" "there you go now turn the AP on"

"its the button on top of the head" "no not there, its on top" "you unpluged the foot control when you were goofing around so please plug it back in" "the plug is at the end of this long cable, it goes in there" "its at the base" " its a black flat plug" "Dude"

[TruthWalleyes]

Yep that's usually how it goes

[Northlander]

I have had 4 PD's now and never had a issue with them. Every one had its own little way of deploying and bringing up. Armor all on the shaft is very helpfull.

[BartmanMN]

When I wax my boat, I wax the shaft as well. And don't be cute with that.

[TyGuy02]

When I wax my boat, I wax the shaft as well. And don't be cute with that.

ooooooooh, I wanted to so badly! It's like the setter on the volleyball team just put one perfect to spike there!

[fishingdad]

Armour all is the way to go. I keep those armour all wipes in my boat just for this very reason. Helps wipe down the seats & dash as well

[MikeG3Boat]

Good idea about the armour-all wipes. I will have to get some of them! I should have plenty of time for that since the opener is pretty much frozen out!