Mercury MotorGuide VariMAX User Manual

eng i

Thank You

Thank you for choosing MotorGuide® VariMAX™. With VariMAX,
MotorGuide capitalized on many years of experience to provide
you with a motor designed to deliver Digital Variable Speed Control
and maximum time on the water.

We designed VariMAX with a BluVis™ Function Display to show
precise speed setting and battery voltage so you are always in
control. The VariMAX Digital Advantage lets you dial in the exact
speed for your boat to match the fishing conditions of the day while
providing significantly longer run times on your battery charge.

The VariMAX motor and its controls are designed to be very
intuitive. You will need to properly install the handle, so please take
the time to read this manual. Remember to keep your receipt and
immediately register your trolling motor. A warranty card is
enclosed or you can complete registration on the internet at
www.motorguide.com.

At MotorGuide, we believe there are some things you should Never
Stop doing.

NEVER STOP LEARNING, NEVER STOP IMPROVING,
AND NEVER, EVER STOP FISHING.

Warranty Message

The product you purchased comes with a Limited Warranty from
MotorGuide. The terms of the policy are set forth in the Warranty
Information section of this manual. The policy statement contains
a description of the duration of coverage, important disclaimers
and limitations of damages, and other related information.
Please review this important information.

The description and specifications contained herein were in effect
at the time this manual was approved for printing. MotorGuide,
whose policy is one of continued improvement, reserves the right
to discontinue models at any time, to change specifications,
designs, methods, or procedures without notice and without
incurring obligation.

MotorGuide, Lowell, Michigan U.S.A.
Litho in U.S.A.

© 2010 Mercury Marine

VariMAX 90-8M4002696 1010

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© 2010, Mercury Marine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole
or in part without permission is prohibited.

VariMAX and BluVis are trademarks of Brunswick Corporation.
Mercury, Mercury Marine, MerCruiser, Mercury MerCruiser, Mercury

Racing, MotorGuide, Gator, Machete, Mercury Precision Parts,
Mercury Propellers, Mariner, Quicksilver, #1 On The Water, Alpha,
Bravo, Bravo Two, Pro Max, OptiMax, Sport‑Jet, K‑Planes,
MerCathode, SmartCraft, Total Command, VesselView, Zero Effort,
Zeus, M with Waves logo, Mercury with Waves logo, and SmartCraft
logo are all registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation. Mercury
Product Protection logo is a registered service mark of Brunswick
Corporation.

eng iii

Warranty Information

MotorGuide Limited Warranty..............................................................1

General Information

Recording Serial Number....................................................................4

Boater's Responsibilities.....................................................................5

Protecting People in the Water............................................................5

Passenger Safety Message.................................................................6

Safe Boating Suggestions...................................................................6

Product Overview and Assembly

Component Identification.....................................................................8

Attaching the Handle...........................................................................9

Extending and Retracting the Handle................................................12

Installing the Propeller.......................................................................13

Wiring and Battery Information

Battery Precautions...........................................................................15

Standard Practices and Procedures..................................................15

Battery Recommendations................................................................15

BluVis Battery Voltage Indicator........................................................16

Single, Parallel, and Series Circuit Battery Connection.....................17

Mount Installation

Transom Mount Installation...............................................................21

Pontoon Mount Installation................................................................21

Gator 20.8 Breakaway Installation.....................................................22

Gator Flex 360...................................................................................24

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Operation

Installing the Motor into the Bow Mount............................................27

Removing the Motor from the Bow Mount.........................................27

Stowing the Trolling Motor.................................................................27

Deploying the Trolling Motor..............................................................29

Adjusting the Steering Tension..........................................................31

Adjusting the Motor Depth.................................................................31

Speed Control....................................................................................32

Direction Control................................................................................33

Maintenance and Storage

Trolling Motor Care............................................................................37

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.............................................37

Storage Preparation..........................................................................38

Battery Inspection..............................................................................38

Propeller Replacement......................................................................39

Custom Applications

Repositioning the Top Housing.........................................................41

Setting the Direction Control Switch..................................................42

Motor Control Wiring..........................................................................46

Owner Service Assistance

Troubleshooting.................................................................................47

Service Assistance............................................................................48

Mercury Marine Service Offices........................................................48

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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MotorGuide Limited Warranty

KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL PURCHASE RECEIPT OR BILL OF SALE.

1. For recreational use customers, MotorGuide electric trolling motors
are warranted to the original retail purchaser to be free from defects
in material or workmanship for two (2) years.

2. To obtain warranty service, the purchaser should deliver or return
the unit (postage prepaid and insured) to any MotorGuide
authorized service dealer. DO NOT RETURN TO PLACE OF
PURCHASE unless they are an authorized service center.
Products returned by mail should be carefully packaged and
include a note describing the nature of the problem and/or service
requested, customer address and phone number. A copy of the
receipt, Bill of Sale, registration verification, or other proof of
purchase is required with the return of the product for warranty
consideration. Warranty claims will not be accepted without
presentation of purchase receipt for trolling motor, other verification
of registration, or bill of sale for boat package.

3. MotorGuide, at its discretion, will repair or replace items covered
under the terms of this warranty. Neither MotorGuide nor
MotorGuide service dealers are responsible for damages to
MotorGuide products due to repairs performed by anyone other
than an authorized MotorGuide service dealer. Neither MotorGuide
nor Mercury Marine is responsible for failure or damage caused by
improper installation, set‑up, preparation, or previous service or
repair errors.

4. For commercial use and government use customers, MotorGuide
electric trolling motors are warranted to the original retail purchaser
to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one (1) year.
Commercial use is defined as any work or employment‑related use
of the product, or any use of the product which generates income,
for any part of the warranty period, even if the product is only
occasionally used for such purpose such as rental fleets, guides,
fish camps, or similar operations. Warranty is not transferable to
any subsequent purchaser. The Mercury Product Protection plan
is not available to commercial use or government use customers.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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5. Warranty coverage is available to customers that purchase from
an authorized dealer or retailer that is authorized by MotorGuide
Marine to distribute the product in the country in which the sale
occurred. Warranty coverage and duration varies by the country in
which the owner resides. This warranty applies to MotorGuide
trolling motors sold and used in the United States. This limited
warranty begins on the date the product is first sold to a purchaser
or the date on which the product is first put into service, whichever
occurs first. MotorGuide accessories are covered by this limited
warranty for a coverage period of one (1) year from the date of retail
sale. The repair or replacement of parts, or the performance of
service under this warranty, does not extend the life of this warranty
beyond its original expiration date. Promotional warranties are not
included in this statement and coverage may vary by promotion.
Product either sold or put into service more than six years from date
of manufacture is excluded from warranty coverage.

6. This warranty does not apply to normal worn parts, for example,
worn cables, adjustments, or product damage due to; 1) neglect,
lack of maintenance, accident, abnormal operation, or improper
installation or service; 2) abuse, such as, bent metal columns, bent
armature shafts, broken control cables, etc., accidents,
modifications, misuse, excessive wear or damage caused by an
owner’s failure to provide reasonable and necessary installation or
care; 3) use of an accessory or part not manufactured by
MotorGuide or Mercury; 4) alteration or removal of parts; 5)
opening the lower unit (motor) by anyone other than an authorized
MotorGuide service center will void this warranty.

7. We reserve the right to improve the design of any trolling motor
without assuming any obligation to modify any trolling motor
previously manufactured.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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8. All serialized "Service‑Repair" trolling motors receive a one (1) year
warranty. Non‑serialized "Service‑Repair" electric trolling motors
are NOT warranted. "Service‑Repair" motor denotes a trolling
motor sold by MotorGuide that may be used, but has been
inspected and may have had minor repairs. Original retail
purchaser of a "Service‑Repair" motor is the first purchaser of the
motor after it is denoted as "Service‑Repair." "Service‑Repair"
motors have a blue sticker on the battery cable and box denoting
"Manufacturer Certified Service‑Repair Motor."

9. This warranty will not apply to 1) haul‑out, launch, towing and
storage, transportation charges and/or travel time, telephone or
rental charges of any type, inconvenience, or loss of time or
income, or other consequential damages; or 2) removal or
replacement of boat partitions or material because of boat design
for necessary access to the Product; or 3) disconnection and
reconnection of hard‑wired trolling motors.

10.TERMINATION OF COVERAGE: Warranty coverage may be
terminated for repossessed product, or product purchased at
auction, from a salvage yard, from a liquidator, from an insurance
company, from unauthorized marine dealers or boatbuilders, or
other third party entities.

11.ALL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE
EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY, WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS ARE EXCLUDED FROM
THIS WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO
THE LIFE OF THIS WARRANTY. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY
VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

For Your Records:

Model Number _______________________________

Serial Number _______________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Recording Serial Number

Record the serial number for future reference. For warranty purposes,
complete the enclosed warranty card or register your trolling motor at
www.motorguide.com.

TRANSOM MOUNT

The transom mount serial number decal is located underneath the
bottom cover.

a - Serial number
b - Model identification number
c - Voltage

a

b

c

45651

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Boater's Responsibilities

The operator (driver) is responsible for the correct and safe operation
of the boat and safety of its occupants and general public. It is strongly
recommended that each operator (driver) read and understand this
entire manual before operating the trolling motor.

Be sure at least one additional person on board is instructed in the basic
operation of the trolling motor in case the driver is unable to operate the
boat.

Protecting People in the Water

WHILE YOU ARE TROLLING

It is very difficult for a person in the water to take quick action to avoid
a boat heading in their direction, even at slow speeds.

21604

Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are
boating in an area where there might be people in the water.

WHILE THE BOAT IS STATIONARY

!

WARNING

A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to
the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers. Stop the
trolling motor immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your
boat.

Shut off the trolling motor before allowing people to swim or be in the
water near your boat.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Passenger Safety Message

Whenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of all passengers.
A sudden reduction in boat speed, such as a sharp change of boat
direction, could throw them off the boat.

Safe Boating Suggestions

In order to safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize yourself with local
and other governmental boating regulations and restrictions, and
consider the following suggestions.

Use flotation devices. It is the law to have an approved personal flotation
device of suitable size for each person aboard and have it readily
accessible.

Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for
maximum load (weight) capacities, refer to your boat capacity plate. If
in doubt, contact your dealer or the boat's manufacturer.

Perform safety checks and required maintenance. Follow a regular
schedule and ensure all repairs are made properly.

Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the
law). Alcohol or drug use impairs your judgment and greatly reduces
your ability to react quickly.

Passenger boarding. Stop the trolling motor whenever passengers are
boarding or unloading.

Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain a
proper lookout by sight and hearing. The operator must have an
unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, or
fishing seats should block the operators view when operating the boat.

Underwater hazards. Reduce speed and proceed with caution
whenever navigating in shallow water.

Tripping hazards. To avoid a trip hazard, route all cables and wiring
neatly and out of the way.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating
Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement agency when
their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident
must be reported if 1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life, 2) there
is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, 3) there
is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds
$500.00 or 4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance
from local law enforcement.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

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Component Identification

TRANSOM MOUNT

a - Top housing
b - BluVis function display
c - Cam lock
d - Extendable speed control

handle

e - Serial number
f - Battery cables
g - Tilt lock release lever
h - Clamp bracket
i - Column
j - Lower unit
k - Propeller
l - Steering tension collar
m -Depth adjustment collar

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

k

l

45654

m

PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

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VARIMAX BOW MOUNT

a - Top housing
b - BluVis function display
c - Cam lock
d - Extendable speed

control handle

e - Serial number
f - Battery cables
g - Gator 20.8 breakaway
h - Decket
i - Gator Flex 360
j - Column
k - Propeller
l - Lower unit
m -Steering tension collar
n - Depth adjustment

collar

Attaching the Handle

NOTE: For proper installation, assemble the trolling motor on a flat, level
surface.

1. Ensure the battery cables are disconnected from the power source.

i

h

a

g

l

k

j

e

d

c

b

f

h

i

m

n

45746

PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

10 eng

2. Align the handle to the top housing using the flat groove on the
extension handle. The handle extension spring should face up.

a - Top housing
b - Handle extension spring
c - Cam lock
d - Handle

3. Press the handle extension spring in while inserting the handle into
the top housing. Adjust the handle to the desired length.

a - Handle extension spring

a

b

c

d

45687

a

45690

PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

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4. Rotate the cam lock clockwise 180°. Move the cam lock flush
against the top housing.

180°

39062

5. To secure the handle, hold the handle steady while rotating and
tightening the cam lock clockwise 180°. Verify that the flat surfaces
of the handle, cam lock, and top housing are in alignment.

a - Top housing
b - Cam lock
c - Handle

a

b

c

45694

PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

12 eng

Extending and Retracting the Handle

1. Firmly grasp the handle, then rotate and loosen the cam lock
counterclockwise 180°.

180°

45695

2. Extend or retract the handle to the desired length.

38656

Extending handle

38662

Retracting handle