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VariMAX
User Manual
53 pgs3.47 Mb0
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MotorGuide VariMAX User Manual

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.
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.
eng i

VariMAX 90-8M4002696 1010

© 2010 Mercury Marine
© 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.
ii eng
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
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WARRANTY INFORMATION

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.
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WARRANTY INFORMATION
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.
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WARRANTY INFORMATION
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 _______________________________
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GENERAL INFORMATION

a
b
c
45651

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
4 eng
GENERAL INFORMATION
21604

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.
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.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

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.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
45654
m

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
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY
i
h
a
g
l
k
j
e
d
c
b
f
h
i
m
n
45746
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.
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY
a
b
c
d
45687
a
45690
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
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY
180°
39062
a
b
c
45694
4. Rotate the cam lock clockwise 180°. Move the cam lock flush against the top housing.
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
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY
180°
45695
38656
38662

Extending and Retracting the Handle

1. Firmly grasp the handle, then rotate and loosen the cam lock counterclockwise 180°.
2. Extend or retract the handle to the desired length.
Extending handle
Retracting handle
12 eng
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