I recently bought a new boat that came with a Minn Kota Maxxum hand control trolling motor and the control box is broken where it meets the shaft. Since it is a hand control trolling motor there is a good bit of movement that relies on this piece so it makes turning it a bit sloppy. It jiggles around and has a little bit of give before the trolling motor itself actually turns and when it is stowed it flops around when running in rough water.
I saw that Minn Kota sells replacement parts including this piece ($7) but I'm worried that it would be something that I wouldn't be able to replace myself due to the amount of wires/gears/whatever located in that area. My plan is to sell the thing and replace it with a foot control trolling motor because the hand control is just not for me, so dropping big bucks at a trolling motor repair place wouldn't make sense.
Does anyone know how big a task this would be to replace? Or would this be something that Minn Kota would replace under warranty or for relatively cheap?

Pic below for reference of the piece I'm talking about

If it was broken before you picked up the boat looks like the dealer would be responsible. If you broke it looks like you'll have to repair it, pay the dealer or a trolling motor repair shop to repair it. Selling it might be an option but you'll probably be disappointed in what you'll get for it and installing a foot control is not an easy project.

I've never really taken that one apart but gave on the terrova plenty of times. The wires are connected so you just have to pay attention how they are routed when you remove the cover. The hand control itself is where I'd pay the most attention as to how it comes apart because there are smaller parts that will fall out and you have to put them back together the correct way. Overall it probably isn't very complicated. Is it the entire bottom section or just the small wedge that you have to replace?

I've done this on my Motorguide. I take pictures, draw little pictures and put labels on wires.

Not that hard. Just use a piece of masking tape and write a number on each one.

I would fix it while it's still mounted. It'll be easier. Take photos and have a little patience and confidence while you take it apart paying attention as you go. If you remove a part, take another quick pic... It's really not hard. Get some shrink tubing for the wire connections.

As for the foot controlled TM:
If installing a tray, cutting the hole for the recessed pedal is the hardest part (not really hard). Just measure several times and do some research on your model to see if there's any obstructions (bracing, wires, conduit, etc.). This hole once cut, will allow for easier access for mounting.
Depending on the model you choose to replace it with, will determine if you need to drill any additional holes for mounting. It's easy (6 holes already there like a jig), just take your time. I was only able to get to 5 (on both I installed), due to the location I wanted mine mounted. That's plenty. Get stainless hardware (ss carriage bolts if you want to have an extra theft deterrent), large (1 1/4") ss fender washers (this will help displace the mounting load to prevent fiberglass damage down the road as we all know they can take a beating running down the lake, hitting stumps and stowing over and over) and a few extra nuts to be used as locking nuts. I snug them up then give them an extra 1/2 turn or so. This is tight enough. Then install the locking nuts so it never moves/backs out from vibrating/rough water/abuse. Again, the hole you cut for the recessed tray will give you the extra room you need for your arm to get to the nuts as they get filled with fiberglass
Route your transducer cable so it lays on the top side of the shaft while stowed. Zip tie them, snug, not too tight as to prevent cutting through the wire sheath. (This will save you a few transducers over the years). Don't get overwhelmed and I'm sure you'll get the original one fixed and have a new one mounted in a few hours (given you have all the parts necessary). Worst case, you get the hand controlled apart and can't fix it (which I highly doubt) and you take the TM and parts to a shop I'm sure you can do it. Just take lots of pics as you go.
Good luck!!

Minn Kota would likely cover under warranty if broken through normal use. An authorized service center would typically fix it, then file the warranty paper-work for reimbursement.

Take it in, and have them see about it.

Post in general equipment!

Thank you for the write up, it was really helpful. I've installed a few trolling motors on the old Tracker I had so I have a general idea, but I've never installed all the bells and whistles that go with the trolling motor so this will be helpful in getting those things done.

Thank you to everyone else who provided input. Sounds like it shouldn't be too difficult so ill give it a try and hope for the best.