MotorGuide R3-30 User manual

eng i
Thank You
Thank you for choosing MotorGuide, one of the finest trolling
motors available. Years of experience have been committed to
the goal of producing the finest quality products. This led to
MotorGuide's reputation for strict quality control, excellence,
durability, long‑lasting performance and being the best at
providing after‑the‑sale service and support.
Please read this manual carefully before operating your motor.
This manual has been prepared to assist you in the operation,
safe use, and care of your trolling motor.
Again, thank you for your confidence in MotorGuide.
NEVER STOP LEARNING, NEVER STOP IMPROVING, AND
NEVER, EVER STOP FISHING.
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a Two Year
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. Mercury
Marine, 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.
© 2011, MotorGuide
© 2011 Mercury Marine R3-30/R3-40/R3-45/R3-55 90-8M0064068 1211

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eng iii
Warranty Information
MotorGuide Limited Two Year Warranty............................................. 1
General Information
Boater's Responsibilities..................................................................... 4
Protecting People in the Water............................................................ 4
Passenger Safety Message.................................................................5
Safe Boating Suggestions................................................................... 5
Product Overview
R3‑30/R3‑40/R3‑45/R3‑55 MotorGuide Trolling Motor........................7
Specifications...................................................................................... 8
Wiring and Battery Information
Wiring and Battery Information............................................................ 9
Standard Practices and Procedures.................................................... 9
Battery Recommendations.................................................................. 9
Battery Precautions........................................................................... 10
Wire and Cable Routing.................................................................... 10
Battery Connection............................................................................ 11
Trolling Motor Installation and Operation
Transom Mount Installation............................................................... 12
Stowing and Deploying the Trolling Motor......................................... 12
Adjusting the Steering Tension..........................................................15
Adjusting the Motor Depth................................................................. 16
Speed Control....................................................................................17

iv eng
Maintenance
Trolling Motor Care............................................................................ 19
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule............................................. 19
Lubricating the Pivot Points............................................................... 20
Battery Inspection.............................................................................. 20
Propeller Replacement...................................................................... 21
MotorGuide Accessories Inquiries..................................................... 22
Troubleshooting
Trolling Motor Performance............................................................... 23
Owner Service Assistance
Mercury Marine Service Offices........................................................ 25

WARRANTY INFORMATION
eng 1
MotorGuide Limited Two Year Warranty
KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL PURCHASE RECEIPT
1. 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.
Motors purchased in other countries should be returned to place
of purchase. Products returned by mail should also 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.
2. MotorGuide electric trolling motors are warranted to the original
purchaser to be free from defects in material and/or workmanship
for two (2) years. Warranty is NOT transferable to any
subsequent purchaser.
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 the MotorGuide Factory Service Center. Neither MotorGuide
nor Mercury Marine is responsible for failure or damage caused
by improper installation, set‑up, preparation, or previous service
or repair errors.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
2 eng
4. Warranty coverage is available only to customers that purchase
from a dealer authorized by MotorGuide/Mercury Marine to
distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred.
Warranty coverage and duration varies by the country in which
the product resides. This warranty applies to R3 series
MotorGuide Trolling Motors sold and residing 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.
5. This warranty does not apply to normal worn parts, i.e., worn
cables, adjustments, or product damage due to 1) neglect, lack of
maintenance, accident, abnormal operation, or improper
installation or service; 2) abuse, i.e., 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/Mercury; 4) alteration or removal of parts; 5) opening
the lower unit (motor) by anyone other than the Factory Service
Center will void this warranty.
6. This warranty will not apply to 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.
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
eng 3
8. Serialized "Service‑Repair" motors have a one (1) year warranty.
Nonserialized "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. 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.
10.ALL INCIDENTAL AND/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.

GENERAL INFORMATION
4 eng
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
eng 5
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
6 eng
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
eng 7
R3‑30/R3‑40/R3‑45/R3‑55 MotorGuide Trolling Motor
a - Top housing
b - Extendable speed control tiller handle
c - Serial number
d - Positive and negative battery leads
e - Depth adjustment collar (R3‑45/55 model shown)
f - Tilt lock release lever (R3‑45/55 model shown)
g - Transom clamp screws
h - Column
i - Lower unit
j - Propeller
k - Clamp bracket (R3‑45/55 model shown)
l - Steering tension collar
m -Clamp bracket assembly (R3‑30/40 model shown)
n - Tilt lock release button (R3‑30/40 model shown)
o - Collar (R3‑30/40 model shown)
ab
c
d
e
fg
h
i
j
k
l
g
n
o
m
l
45199

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
8 eng
Specifications
Model Peak Thrust Shaft Volts Speed Control
R3‑30 13.6 kgf (30 lbf) 76.2 cm (30 in.) 12 V 5/2 Extendable Hand/
Twist‑Tiller
R3‑40 18.1 kgf (40 lbf) 91.4 cm (36 in.) 12 V 5/2 Extendable Hand/
Twist‑Tiller
R3‑45 20.4 kgf (45 lbf) 91.4 cm (36 in.) 12 V 5/2 Extendable Hand/
Twist‑Tiller
R3‑55 24.9 kgf (55 lbf) 91.4 cm (36 in.) 12 V 5/2 Extendable Hand/
Twist‑Tiller

WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 9
Wiring and Battery Information
! WARNING
An operating or charging battery produces gas that can ignite and
explode, spraying out sulfuric acid, which can cause severe burns.
Ventilate the area around the battery and wear protective equipment
when handling or servicing batteries.
! WARNING
Performing service or maintenance without first disconnecting the
battery can cause product damage, personal injury, or death due to
fire, explosion, electrical shock, or unexpected motor starting.
Always disconnect the battery cables from the battery before
maintaining, servicing, installing, or removing motor components.
Standard Practices and Procedures
When installing or removing this trolling motor, follow these
guidelines:
• Disconnect the trolling motor from the trolling motor battery.
• Do not use the main engine battery to power the trolling motor.
Battery Recommendations
• Use a 12 volt, deep cycle marine battery.
• Install a 50 amp manual reset circuit breaker in line with the
trolling motor positive leads within 180 cm (72 in.) of the
batteries.
• If extending the existing wire beyond the standard battery cable,
use 13 mm (6 gauge) battery cables.
Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number
6 gauge battery cable and terminals with 50 amp manual reset
breaker MM309922T
50 amp manual reset breaker MM5870

WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
10 eng
Battery Precautions
! WARNING
An operating or charging battery produces gas that can ignite and
explode, spraying out sulfuric acid, which can cause severe burns.
Ventilate the area around the battery and wear protective equipment
when handling or servicing batteries.
When charging batteries, an explosive gas mixture forms in each cell.
Part of this gas escapes through holes in the vent plugs and may
form an explosive atmosphere around the battery if ventilation is poor.
This explosive gas may remain in or around the battery for several
hours after it has been charged. Sparks or flames can ignite this gas
and cause an internal explosion, which may shatter the battery.
The following precautions should be observed to prevent an
explosion:
1. Do not smoke near batteries being charged or which have been
charged very recently.
2. Do not break live circuits at terminals of batteries, because a
spark usually occurs at the point where a live circuit is broken.
Always be careful when connecting or disconnecting cable
clamps on chargers. Poor connections are a common cause of
electrical arcs which cause explosions.
3. Do not reverse polarity of battery terminal to cable connections.
Wire and Cable Routing
• Route the trolling motor wires on the opposite side of the boat
from other boat wiring.
• Sensitive electronics, such as depth finders, should be connected
directly to the main engine battery. Single battery systems
require separate connection cables.

WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 11
Battery Connection
! CAUTION
Disconnecting or connecting the battery cables in the incorrect order
can cause injury from electrical shock or can damage the electrical
system. Always disconnect the negative (‑) battery cable first and
connect it last.
12-VOLT BATTERY CONNECTION
1. Install a 50 amp manual reset circuit breaker in line with the
trolling motor power cable positive (+) lead and the battery
positive (+) terminal. Connect the trolling motor positive lead to
the trolling motor battery positive (+) terminal.
2. Connect the black trolling motor power cable negative (–) lead to
the trolling motor battery negative (–) terminal.
3. Connect a common ground bond from the trolling motor battery
negative (–) terminal to the engine starting battery negative (–)
terminal.
a - Power cables to
trolling motor
b - 50 amp manual
reset circuit
breaker
c - Trolling motor
battery
d - Engine starting
battery
e - Power cables to
engine
f - Common ground
bond
Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number
50 amp manual reset breaker MM5870
RED
BLK
BLK
REDRED
a
b
c
e
f
d
45086

TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
12 eng
Transom Mount Installation
NOTE: The R3‑30 and R3‑40 fit transoms up to 7.62 cm (3 in.). The
R3‑45 and R3‑55 fit transoms up to 8.9 cm (3.5 in.).
1. Place the trolling motor on the transom of the boat.
IMPORTANT: Overtightening the transom clamp screws can weaken
or damage the mount bracket.
2. Tighten the transom clamp screws securely by hand.
a - Transom clamp screw
b - Mount bracket (R3‑45/55 model shown)
c - Mount bracket (R3‑30/40 model shown)
Stowing and Deploying the Trolling Motor
! WARNING
Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never start or
operate the motor out of water.
a
ba
c
45133

TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
eng 13
STOWING THE MOTOR
! CAUTION
Moving parts, such as hinges and pivot points, can cause serious
injury. Keep away from moving parts when stowing, deploying, or
tilting the motor.
1. To change the drive angle or tilt the trolling motor:
• R3‑30 and R3‑40 models ‑ push down on the tilt lock release
pin while simultaneously pulling on the trolling motor head/
column. Do not exert downward force on the tiller handle to
assist in tilting the trolling motor.
• R3‑45 and R3‑55 models ‑ push aft on the tilt lock release
lever while simultaneously pulling on the trolling motor head/
column. Do not exert downward force on the tiller handle to
assist in tilting the trolling motor.
a - Tilt lock release lever (R3‑45 and R3‑55 model shown)
b - Tilt lock release pin (R3‑30 and R3‑40 model shown)
ab
45208

TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
14 eng
2. When the desired tilt position is achieved, release the tilt lock
release pin/lever. Verify that the latch pin is securely engaged.
a - Tilt lock release lever (R3‑45 and R3‑55 model shown)
b - Latch pin
c - Tilt lock release pin (R3‑30 and R3‑40 model shown)
DEPLOYING THE MOTOR
! CAUTION
Moving parts, such as hinges and pivot points, can cause serious
injury. Keep away from moving parts when stowing, deploying, or
tilting the motor.
a
b
c
b45134

TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
eng 15
1. Firmly grasp the trolling motor head/column and press on the tilt
lock release pin/lever.
a - Tilt lock release lever (R3‑45
and R3‑55 models shown)
b - Latch pin
2. Adjust the angle of the motor to the desired position.
3. Release the tilt positioning pin/lever. Verify that the latch pin is
securely engaged.
Adjusting the Steering Tension
1. Turn the steering tension knob clockwise to increase steering
effort.
a
b
45077

TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
16 eng
2. Turn the steering tension knob counterclockwise to decrease
steering effort.
a - Steering tension knob (R3‑45 and R3‑55 model shown)
b - Friction strip
c - Steering tension knob (R3‑30 and R3‑40 model shown)
Adjusting the Motor Depth
Adjusting the depth of the motor improves trolling motor performance
in various water depths.
NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the steering tension knob
before adjusting the motor depth. High steering tension will prevent
the motor column from moving up and down freely.
c
a
b
45135
b