Installing a Minn Kota Maxxum 65sc on a 97' 700LX

By: Jack K.

I finally ordered it and here's what I had to go through to install it.

I know this is not a very detailed step-by-step, but givin the little time I put into it I hope it will at least give you a general idea.

Shot of my old MG Brute 756

Ding Dong! UPS!

Removal of the Motorguide

• Remove the trolling motor completely leaving just the mount

• You'll want to remove anything around the panel access area.
• Disconnect the wire harness and remove the panel completely

• Tape the edges around the panel hole so you don't get any glass splinters in your forearm.

• Here's a shot of the tool I made to reach the distant bolts. (Don't Laugh.. It actually worked out great)
• Basically used a 15" Screwdriver and a standard 3/8 ratchet stuck together with duck tape.
• Now your ready to remove the bolts.

• I had to use some wax to remove some the scum and oxidation.
• Nice and clean and ready for the Minn Kota

Installing the Minn Kota

The bolt pattern of the Minn Kota was exactly the same as my Gator Mount. I elected not to drill the addition 2 holes since the Motor was only a 65lb. If you're installing anything more powerful its probably a good idea to use all six.

I bought some rubber grommets from the local hardware store so the bolts would fit snug. I did cut the lip on the grommets later on so the Minn Kota mount would fit flat on the bow. Minn Kota recommends that you mount their trolling motors flat with no spacers.

Now that you have the Motor mounted it's ready for the bottom bolts. (**Might be a good idea to have someone hold it while you bolt it down).

Here's a shot of the 1/4" steel plate with 2 pre-drilled holes.

Since my big arms won't reach that far and I don't have any kids. I had to rely on the pick-up magnetic's arm. I positioned the plate on the pick-up magnet and then positioned the plate through the two bolts.

I had a dumbbell weight holding the pick-up magnetic's arm while I bolted the front mount down.

I just used the same tool I made, but this time inserted some reversed duck tape in the socket so the nut would stick and not fall out.

Just go in and feel for the bolt and with a Phillips screwdriver on the top side bolt that sucker down.

Now that the hard part is over the rear two bolts are A LOT easier since you can access the area with your arm through the storage compartment area.

• Mounting the Foot controller was merely drilling three holes and mount.
• You'll need to get a 24-volt recepticle. The ones by Minn Kota are made by: Marinco.
• I also installed a 40-amp manual circuit breaker, which is recommended by Minn Kota

All Done!

Good Luck!

-Jack K.

** Special thanks to members on this site: James D., Chris F., and Bill H. **