Trolling motor, It looked easier than it was

I have a 55 lb Motor Guide wireless trolling motor on my boat. I had a fishing line issue on Sunday and my line was caught in the prop. I stopped the motor and pulled out what I could, and the motor worked fine for the rest of the day. However, when I got home I thought if I remove the nut for the prop I could get the rest of the line out of it. So far, so good. Cleaned out the line and went to put the nut back on, but there's no slot on the end of the bolt. I managed to get it on tight, but later found out (hello Youtube), that there is supposed to be a pin to hold the prop on that fell on my driveway. Now I can't get the nut off again to put the pin back in. I am thinking of cutting the nut off, and then putting the pin and prop back on. Anyone know if I am on the right track? I plan on fishing a lot next week, so it would be nice to be able to use the trolling motor. I may change my prop to a weedless one at the same time, So I may have to take it to someone and have them do it all. Thanks for any input.

you should try these guys - i bet he has all the parts you need or coudl help with the repair. good luck!

Aikman A Sporting Goods Repair
Address: 3010 Novar Rd, Mississauga, ON L5B 1S4
Hours:
Closed ⋅ Opens 9 a.m. Wed.
Phone: (905) 277-3595

Well I didn't think you had to take your "boot off" whatever that is, to fix it.

Prop nut and pins. Is that what is on there? Why can't it be unscrewed.

Mine has a nut, a washer, and a pin. The one you linked to is different and would have been pretty easy.

I also do not understand why the nut cannot be unscrewed off .

I've done this a few times on my Minnkota to get the tangled line off but Motorguide may be a different design so it would help if you can draw a diagram or show a link to how it is set up.

Ah, I'll bet that because the pin isn't in there, the prop will not hold the shaft steady so the nut can be loosened. If I'm correct, maybe you can twist the prop at an angle enough to keep it from spinning and get the nut off. Can't hurt to try.

Ah, I'll bet that because the pin isn't in there, the prop will not hold the shaft steady so the nut can be loosened. If I'm correct, maybe you can twist the prop at an angle enough to keep it from spinning and get the nut off. Can't hurt to try.

Still not sure, How was he able to screw and tighten the nut back on the shaft without a pin holding the prop ? The shaft is held from spinning by the prop through that pin

I turned the motor on to get the nut back on. Not my best move. JB, you are right, without the pin in, the prop just spins and I can't get the nut off. Cutting it off may be the only way.

Try a small impact gun.

Like I said above either jamb something like a thin wedge of wood between the prop and motor body to loosen the nut. How about you reverse the motor with a pair of pliers holding the nut.

I suggest to try the following.

Find an impact gun and get a buddy to hold the prop in a slightly bend position to hold the shaft as suggested by Fisherman, and try to unscrew the nut with an impact gun.

If that does not work then you may need to cut the nut or the prop off.

Like I said above either jamb something like a thin wedge of wood between the prop and motor body to loosen the nut. How about you reverse the motor with a pair of pliers holding the nut.

I don't believe this motor can be driven in reverse since it rotates around 360 degrees, if I am not mistaken

Well that just isn't good.

I used my dremel to cut a slot in the bolt, then used a screwdriver to stop it from turning and removed the nut. Put the pin back in, reassembled. Done. This is a pic without the prop on it. I need to get a new nut, as I started to cut it off before I had my eureka moment. It's not every day you tell anyone you have to cut a nut off.

I also ordered a new prop, so now I have a spare. prop that is, not a spare nut. Sorry boys.

Excellent outcome. Well except for your nut.