MINN KOTA TALON User manual

©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. minnkotamotors.com | 1
12'/ 10'
INSTALLATION
MANUAL

2 | minnkotamotors.com ©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Your new 12' or 10' Talon comes out of the box with everything you’ll need for direct-to-transom
mounting. If you have an irregular shaped transom that cannot accept a direct-to-transom mount,
please go to minnkotamotors.com for details on our universal mounting brackets, and to locate your
closest dealer. Otherwise, please take a moment to review the parts list below, and tools needed for
installation prior to getting started.
PARTS LIST
A. (1) Anchor Assembly
(includes Power Cable and
30A Resettable Fuse Assembly)
B. (2) Remote Control Assemblies
(includes two (2) lanyards and
one (1) dash mount remote holder)
C. (1) Mounting Bracket
D. Mounting Bracket to
Anchor Hardware
E. (2) Bracket Straps
F. (4) ⅜"–24 Nylock Nuts
G. (4) ⅜" Flat Washers
H. (4) ⅜" Lock Washers
I. Mounting Bracket
to Transom Hardware
J. (4) ⁄" x 3.5" Bolts
K. (4) ⁄" Fender Washers
L. (4) ⁄" Plain Washers
M. (4) ⁄" Lock Nuts
N. Water Shield
O. (2) #8 SS Flat Washers
P. (2) #8–18 x ⅝" Screws
Q. (2) Cord Retainers
GETTING STARTED
PARTS INCLUDED
A
B
C
D
HG
E
F
J
Q
K L M
N
O
P
I

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GETTING STARTED
The following two options can be used to mount your Talon:
1. Direct Transom Mount (recommended)
2. Optional Adapter Plate. If you’re not mounting Talon directly to the transom, you’ll need one of our
adapter plates to offset the unit from the back of the boat. For more information on adapter plate
applications and purchasing, visit minnkotamotors.com.
Your Talon comes complete with all the necessary hardware to mount directly to the transom/stern.
MOUNTING OPTIONS
TOOLS REQUIRED
•Drill
•⁄" Drill Bit
•½" and ⁄" box end wrench or socket wrench
•3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
(recommended for direct mount installations)
or Marine Grade Adhesive Sealant
•Wire ties for cable routing
•4' straight edge or level
•Tape measure
•Torque wrench (up to 30'/lb
capacity recommended to set
vertical adjustment bolt tension)

4 | minnkotamotors.com ©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Talon must have a clear, unobstructed path to deploy.
The Talon mounting bracket included with your unit
will allow for approximately 6" of clearance from the
transom to the front edge of the deploying anchor
(Figure 1).
NOTE: The Talon mounting bracket can be mounted directly to the
transom (recommended) or to an adapter plate when direct transom
mounting is not possible due to obstructions or irregular-shaped
transoms. For more information on universal adapter brackets and
other Minn Kota® Talon accessories, please visit minnkotamotors.com.
NOTE: Check to make sure that your proposed location will allow the
anchor to deploy without hitting trim tabs, poling platforms, ladders,
engine or other obstructions.
NOTE: When selecting the Talon mounting bracket mounting
location, examine your boat to ensure that you will not drill into any
obstructions and that the hardware will be accessible for assembly.
DETERMINING A
MOUNTING LOCATION
PORT (LEFT) OR STARBOARD (RIGHT)
SIDE MOUNTING
Talon is designed to mount on either the port or
starboard side of the transom. You should consider
your fishing methods when selecting the mounting
location (Figure 2).
Figure 1.
6”
Figure 2.
STARBOARDPORT
STEP 1

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PLACEMENT OF THE TALON
MOUNTING BRACKET
When mounting the Talon mounting bracket directly
to the transom, Minn Kota suggests installing the
mounting bracket in the highest possible location.
This will provide the most clearance, and the greatest
amount of vertical and angular adjustability. The
bottom edge of the Talon should never be less than
4" above the bottom line of the hull to prevent spray
and drag conditions (Figure 3).
NOTE: All bass boats should mount Talon as flush with the
bottom of the Talon mounting bracket as possible to mitigate spray
while underway.
STEP 1 — DETERMINING A MOUNTING LOCATION
ENGINE REVIEW
When selecting a mounting location make sure that no interference exists between the Talon and your
engine during normal operation. Once you have selected your mounting location, trim the engine all
the way up and all the way down, and steer the engine fully to the side selected. Ensure there is two to
three inches of clearance from any point on the Talon.
The mounting bracket can be mounted at an angle if additional clearance is needed (Figure 4).
Figure 4.
Figure 3.
4”
3” 3”

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STEP 1 — DETERMINING A MOUNTING LOCATION
PLATFORM REVIEW
There are many brands
and types of poling
platforms available.
When choosing a
mounting location make
sure the platform will not
interfere with operation
of the Talon (Figure 5).
REVERSE-TRANSOM ANGLE REVIEW
Some boats may be manufactured with a
“reverse-transom angle.” In these cases, the Talon
mounting bracket may be mounted upside-down as
shown to compensate for the reverse angle (Figure 6).
Figure 6.
Figure 5.
REAR PROFILE

©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. minnkotamotors.com | 7
INSTALLING THE TALON
MOUNTING BRACKET
If you have followed Step 1 carefully and you are
installing the mounting bracket directly to the
transom, you are now ready to drill holes. Please
make one final check to ensure that you have met
the requirements for each review and that your drill
locations will not encounter any obstructions
(lines, hoses, gas tank, etc).
TO INSTALL
1. Position the mounting bracket in your selected
location and mark the mounting holes (Figure 7).
2. If using provided mounting hardware, use your
⁄" drill bit and carefully drill the marked holes
ensuring the drill is perpendicular to the transom
(Figure 8).
3. Apply a ⅛" bead of 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive
Sealant around each of the four (4) drilled holes,
as well as the perimeter of the mounting bracket
(staying approximately ½" from the outside edge).
4. Attach the mounting bracket to the transom/
stern using the “mounting bracket to transom
hardware” (J–M). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN
(Figure 9).
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
STEP 2

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ATTACHING THE TALON TO
THE MOUNTING BRACKET
TO ATTACH
1. The Talon mounting bracket comes pre-assembled,
ready to be installed. Once the mounting bracket
is actually assembled to the transom (or universal
adapter bracket), the mounting straps should be
adjusted to orient them as perpendicular to where
the waterline will be as possible.
Do this by first making sure the top two (2) locking nuts
are loose to the point that the nuts are flush with the
end of the bolts they are threaded onto. Next, remove
the bottom two (2) locking nuts, lock washers and flat
washers. The bottom of each mounting strap should
tilt inward, allowing the two bottom bolts to slide out
of the mounting bracket. You can now adjust the angle
of the mounting straps to achieve proper orientation
based on the angle of your transom.
2. To install the Talon assembly onto the mounting
bracket, the Talon assembly has two (2) vertical
tracks on either side of the outer column for vertical
adjustment (Figure 11).
One vertical stop adjustment bolt is located on the
starboard (right) side of the anchor assembly track.
It is to be used above the mounting bracket as an
operational position stop.
3. Carefully lift the anchor assembly onto the mounting
bracket, aligning the tracks with the top of the bracket
straps (Figure 12). Slide the anchor assembly down
the tracks until the stop adjustment bolt comes in
contact with the mounting bracket. Ensuring the stop
adjustment bolt is loose enough to slide freely, lower
the anchor assembly to not less than 4" above the
bottom of the hull (Figure 12). Temporarily tighten
the stop adjustment bolt.
4. The final adjustment can now be made to the
anchor assembly.
NOTE: To make the final angle adjustment (Figure 10), you may
have to disassemble the bottom portion of the mount assembly.
NOTE: Additional adjustments may need to be made after a trial run
of the boat.
Align Talon with
the mounting
straps.
Bracket allows
for angular
adjustability
Stop
Adjustment
Bolt
H
G F
C
E
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
STEP 3

©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. minnkotamotors.com | 9
Figure 13.
30˚ PIVOT
5. Adjust the angular pitch of the Talon so the anchor
is perpendicular with the horizon by removing the
bottom two (2) mounting bolts from the bracket,
adjusting the angle and then replacing the bottom
two (2) mounting bolts in the appropriate angled
hole (Figure 13).
6. Tighten the four (4) mounting bracket hardware
(E–H) securely to the recommended torque
of 30'/lb.
7. Ensure the stop nut is tightened securely.
STEP 3 — ATTACHING THE TALON TO THE MOUNTING BRACKET

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CONNECTING AND ROUTING THE
POWER CABLE AND DEPLOYMENT
NOTIFICATION ALARM WIRE
The Talon power cable includes a 30A in-line resettable fuse
and a deployment notification alarm (green wire). These wires
can be routed in many ways depending on your boat type and
starting battery location. Take time to familiarize yourself with
the shortest and cleanest route from the Talon to your starting
battery. We recommend routing the power cable along the gas
outboard wire and cable harness assembly (Figure 14).
NOTE: Connecting the green deployment notification alarm wire is a requirement
to comply with warranty requirements. If connected, your Talon will emit an alarm
tone each time the ignition key is turned to the ON position and the Talon is
deployed. If the unit is properly stowed, no tone will be emitted. Please see the
wiring diagram on page 11 for further reference on connecting the deployment
notification alarm wire.
NOTE: The Talon does draw a small amount of residual current from the battery even when not in use. If the boat will not be used for more
than 30 days, the power leads should be disconnected from the battery.
It is recommended the Talon be connected to the starting battery through a battery selector or power disconnect switch. This will disable
power to the Talon when the master switch is OFF. If you are not using a battery selector/switch, the Talon may be connected directly to the
starting battery.
TO CONNECT
1. If connecting to a battery selector/switch, turn it to the
OFF position prior to connecting your power cable.
ABYC COMPLIANCE NOTE: For proper ABYC compliance, when the
factory fuse assembly has been removed, the user must install a 30A fuse
within 7" of the positive battery terminal.
2. Inspect the selected wire routing carefully to ensure there
are no sharp edges, obstacles or obstructions that may
damage the power cable. The cable harness boot may
have a wire tie or clamp that will need to be opened to
allow the power cable to pass through (Figure 15).
3. Carefully route the power cable through to the
battery compartment.
4. Carefully remove any slack in the power cable so that it routes cleanly along the outboard wire and cable harness.
5. Connecting the deployment notification alarm: if connecting, the user must install a wire from the switched side of
the 12V ignition power back to the green deployment notification alarm wire. This wire should be no smaller than
18AWG. Cut off the sealed end of the green wire and splice the green wire to the user installed wire. Make sure to
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
STEP 4

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use adhesive-filled heat shrink to waterproof
this splice. Verify that 12VDC is present at
this splice when the key switch/ignition of the
boat is in the ON position and that no voltage
is present when the key switch/ignition of the
boat is in the OFF position. When properly
connected, this feature will sound an alarm only
when the ignition key is turned on AND the
Talon is not fully retracted.
6. Connect the white lead with red stripe of the
power cable (with 30A in-line fuse) to the
starting battery positive (+) (or battery selector
switch positive). Connect the black lead of the
power cable to the starting battery negative (-)
(or battery selector switch negative).
NOTE: There may be other accessories or connections to
the starting battery (battery selector switch). Make sure all
connections are properly attached and secured.
7. Once the power cable has been routed to
the power source, the remaining loose cable
may be pushed inside the channel that runs
vertically along the outside column. Included in
your installation hardware are 2 black 1/4-turn
cord retainers, designed to keep the cord in place
inside the channel. Place the t-slot portion of the
cord retainers into the slot and once properly
positioned, use a pair of pliers to turn the cord
retainer 90˚ to lock it into place (Figure 15b).
STEP 4 — CONNECTING AND ROUTING THE POWER CABLE
AND DEPLOYMENT NOTIFICATION ALARM WIRE
O
N
O
F
F
SEE: ABYC Compliance note on Step 1SEE: ABYC Compliance note on Step 1
Optional direct to battery connection
POWER CABLE FROM TALON
MINIMUM 18 AWG WIRE
SEALED HEAT SHRINK CONNECTION
OPTIONAL DEPLOYMENT ALARM
The green wire must be
connected so that 12V
is present ONLY when
the ignition is in the RUN
and START positions.
IGNITION SWITCH
MASTER POWER SWITCH
(RECOMMENDED)
12 V
PROPER CONNECTION OF THE GREEN WIRE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR WARRANTY,
AND IS CRITICAL FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR BOAT AND THE TALON.
Figure 16. DETAILED WIRING DIAGRAM
Figure 15b.
Cord Retainers

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The water deflection shield is designed to be adjustable
for how each installation is performed, as installations may
vary from one boat to another. It is designed to prevent
undesirable spray conditions.
TO INSTALL
1. Once your Talon is installed onto the main mounting
bracket (Figure 17), you will need the water deflection
shield, two (2) (#8–18 x ⅝") mounting screws and
two (2) washers.
2. Place the water deflection shield on the bottom surface
of the mounting bracket, so that the formed profile of the
water deflection shield is mated up against the inboard
facing side of the extrusion (Figure 18).
3. Align the closest set of holes on the water deflection
shield with the mating holes in the corners of the main
mounting bracket, so that the water deflection shield
has a slight downward curve to it (there should be no
gap between the water deflection shield and the outer
extrusion of the Talon).
4. Install the two (2) (#8–18 x ⅝") screws and two (2)
washers through the water deflection shield, and into the
corner holes of the main mounting bracket.
NOTE: If you adjust the angle of your Talon after step is complete, you will
need to readjust the placement of the water deflection shield to ensure
proper functionality.
INSTALLING THE WATER
DEFLECTION SHIELD
STEP 5
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Align Holes on the
Water Deflection
Shield with machined
holes on bottom of the
Mounting Bracket

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VERIFYING INSTALLATION
1. Carefully inspect the area around the Talon for any
obstructions that may interfere with deployment
(for this test your Talon must be able to deploy and
make contact with the ground without hitting any
obstructions).
2. On the front control panel of the Talon are three (3)
switches: Auto UP switch , Auto DOWN switch
and MODE toggle switch . Be sure the
MODE switch is selected so there is no MODE LED
illuminated.
3. If using a battery selector, or power disconnect switch,
turn the selector switch to the “ON” position.
4. Standing clear of the Talon, push the Auto DOWN
switch .
a. The Talon spike will begin to deploy.
b. When the spike comes in contact with the ground,
the unit will automatically shut off. After the initial
shut off, you will hear two (2) additional deploy
cycles (or clicks), each 3-seconds apart from the
initial ground contact.
c. The front panel will show that the Talon is in
motion by flashing the LED that most closely
represents its current depth of deployment.
During this exercise, the top LED will be flashing.
d. If the above steps were successful, push the
Auto UP switch . The unit will fully retract
to the stowed position. The top LED will flash
during retraction as well.
e. If the above steps were not successful, please see
the trouble shooting guide at minnkotamotors.com.
f. To perform the same test using the remote instead
of the buttons on the control panel, double click the
remote DOWN button to deploy, and single
click the remote UP button to retract.
STEP 5 — INSTALLING THE WATER DEFLECTION SHIELD
Figure 21.
Figure 20.
Depth of
Deployment
Indicator Lights
Mode Button
Rough Water
Mode Indicator
Light
Soft Bottom
Mode Indicator
Light
Figure 19.

14 | minnkotamotors.com ©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Q. How do I know when I should use a mounting adapter bracket?
A. Some boats have irregular-shaped transoms and the standard Talon quick release mounting bracket cannot be mounted
directly to the transom. In other cases there are other accessories such as trim tabs, transducers, poling platforms, etc.,
that may require additional clearance. Use the Talon Adapter Bracket Selection Guide to select the proper application for
your boat.
ADAPTER BRACKETS AND APPLICATIONS
Q. Why do I want to be able to adjust the Talon
up or down when mounting on my boat?
A. Each boat sits differently in the water, and has varying
amounts of draft (hull under the waterline). While
Minn Kota recommends that the Talon mounting
bracket be mounted as high up on the transom as
possible, Minn Kota also recommends that the bottom
of the Talon be a minimum of 4" up from the bottom line
of the hull of your boat. Having this adjustability will
minimize any spray that may occur while under way,
and offer the greatest amount of stability to the Talon.
Q. When do I want to use the reverse angle
on the bracket when mounting the Talon?
A. Some boat models have transoms that angle towards
the inside of the boat. In these cases, the Talon quick
release bracket can be inverted to account for this
reversed angle without the hassle of shims.
Q. Do I need a separate battery
to operate the Talon?
A. No. Minn Kota recommends connecting your Talon to
the starting/cranking battery of your boat.
Q. Can I install an electrical plug
on the Talon lead wires?
A. Yes. Minn Kota offers a quick disconnect plug accessory
specifically designed for the Talon.
Q. How do I determine where and how to mount
the Talon?
A. This will vary from one boat to the next. It is important
to check for proper steering and trimming clearances
when laying out your installation. See the Talon
Installation Manual for detailed instructions.
Q. Which side of the boat do I want
to install the Talon?
A. Minn Kota recommends installing your Talon on the
port (left) side of your boat in order to give you the
maximum amount of clearance between the boat
engine and the control panel of the Talon. However,
the Talon can be installed on either side of the boat.
Q. How do I mount the Talon when I have trim tabs?
A. Talon requires a minimum of 6" of clearance from the
mounting surface. If further clearance is required, or it
is necessary to mount over top of trim tabs, Minn Kota
offers a 6" riser accessory and a variety of adapter
plates that will give you the proper amount of setback
(distance from the transom) to clear trim tabs and/or
other accessories.
RIGGING
TALON FEATURES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

©2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. minnkotamotors.com | 15
NOTES

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SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR
ADJ
P.O. Box 8129
Mankato, MN 56002
MINN KOTA CONSUMER
& TECHNICAL SERVICE.
121 Power Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
2377159 RevB ECN 35487 03/14