MotorGuide PTSv

[KidWalleye]

Just got my PTSv hooked up and tried it for the first time. on any of the tracking modes trolling motor just spins boat in a circle to the left. looking throuoght the online owners manual i think all i need to do is set the center alignment. but would like to make sure I dont have a bigger problem. if anyone has any experience with this trolling motor let me know.

I would also like some input on what you guys think of this trolling motor in general. i got it used for a Real good deal from the knew price. It Has 95 hours on it. I also got the 320 Pinpoint graph with it.

thanks for any info.

Gary

[J Clumpner]

I had a PTSv on my Ranger 619. When the motor was working properly all was well and I really liked the motor. But most of the time I had nothing but problems with it. The trolling motor has a problem with water/moisture geting into the head unit and shorting things out. I had to have the unit repaired 5 times before I finally had. Since I couldn't get Motorguide/Mercury to replace it, I sold the boat and bought a new one with Evinrude and Minn Kota. The one comment that was made to me by the service center I was working with was to cover the head unit with a plastic bread bag to keep out water. That comment was the final straw. Something about using a plastic bag to keep water out a trolling motor just doesn't make sense.

Back to your issue, it sounds very similar to one of the failures I had, which was the unit would turn in circles by it self. I would find a good service center near you and have them check the main board.

Good luck with your trolling motor. I hope you have better luck with yours than I did.

[CLDFRNT]

The foot pedal has to be set at the center detent in order for it to track properly. I found this out by accident, the owners manual says nothing about this. I returned my first one for an exchange only to have the same problem with turning circles. I finally figured out it has to be set on the center detent.
Good luck Mark N

[motorguide]

I just ordered one from Cabelas for $999 brand new. I guess Motorguide is discontinuing them. Parts should be available for 5 years. I'll be happy if I get that out of it. My Excel went down finally after 7 years. Was going to cost $600 to repair.

The PTSv should work with a Pinpoint 7420 sonar right?

[Keef]

Pity if Motorguide is discontinuing their depth tracking line.
Very useful technology that I use all the time.
Still got one of the original Pinpoints, still going strong after 9 years.
Now that was one innovative company - maybe too innovative!

[motorguide]

I talked to motorguide about this before I bought the PTS (which I installed last night).

They said that they are discontinuing that one and what I gathered from the rest of the conversation is that we will likely see the technology in their wireless motors with Lowrance interaction.

Since I already had a pinpoint 7420 and I can't get a bow mount to last longer than a handful of years, I had nothing to lose by getting the PTS for $1,000 now. If my Pinpoint sonar goes to the crapper, I'm screwed, but thats the risk I take I guess.

[ffishman]

If your sonar takes a dump, I have one I can sell you. Heck, maybe I should just list it for sale.

[frankie]

Hey, I would be interested in that Pinpoint. E-mail me what you would want for it if you are going to put it on the market. Thanks, Pat
skulltaxidermy@yahoo.com