Okay, I went to a lake where no gas motors are allowed. When loading the boat with my trolling motor, as I came in for a landing, did not pull my trolling motor up in time, and I kinda crashed into my trailer with my trolling moter. It bent back under the boat a bit. I thought it was okay, because it gave at the knobs. I went fishing yesterday, just re tightened the knobs, but noticed i can hardly steer(foot control)

I think I must have bent the shaft? If I pull my motor out of the water halfway it turns easy, but down in water I can hardly turn. It feels like If I push to hard on pedal it will break etc.

It looks like its bent on the shaft kind of where the two sections join.

Any body know if there's anything I can do besides buy a new one?

Thanks in advance for your info.

John

does not sound good

Try Bob Ridgeway if in the DFW area.

http://www.bobridgwayrepair.com/

Yes the shaft can be replaced. You will have to take it to a shop and have them replace it.

Okay, so the shaft can be replaced. Any one recommend a place around the hill country, San Antonio area? How much does something like that cost, any ideas?

Why do I have a feeling I'm gonna get shafted!(I know...pretty cheesy)

Sounds like ya have a motor guide. I bent the snot out of mine on Palestine one year. You can take it apart and place the shaft on 2- 4x4's and straighten it with a sledge and another 4x4 block. Little at a time. Roll it on a table and straighten until it rolls smooth. It can be done, I did it.

yea pull the TM out of the water before you get to the trailer. sorry i just had to say that. hope you get it fixed.

I straightened mine also in the same fashion...wasn't bent too badly tho

I did the same mine works fine now, like steve said it will take a lil time but you can get it close mine works fine for me now.

Mavs

Thanks guys for the help. Just for grins, if I do need a new shaft...how much do they run? Where can you find one?

Also, I have been bass fishing for years and years...and loaded my boat many times on trolling motor only. It just shows that stuff like this is bound to happen.

Right next to the ramp was a family bank fishing..bobbers and all. I am sure they got a real good laugh at the "pro" in a fancy bassboat crashing into his own trailer. That and I was with a friend and it was his first time to go.

I have learned if something like this happens it never happens when you are alone....always in front of an audience!!!

You have to laugh at yourself sometimes.