MotorGuide R5 Series User manual

Operation
Maintenance
Installation
Warranty
Manual
© 2017 Mercury Marine R5-70/R5-80/R5-105
8M0121078 1116 eng

eng

EU Compliance Statement
Attwood Corporation hereby declares that the MotorGuide R5 trolling motor is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the
99/5/EC R&TTE directive.
CE Declaration
Manufacturer: Attwood Corporation
Address: 1016 N. Monroe
Lowell, MI 49331 USA
Telephone: 616‑897‑9241
Authorized Representative: Brunswick Marine
Parc Industriel de Petit‑Rechain
B‑4800
Verviers, Belgium
Telephone: [phone]
Product: MotorGuide R5 Series
Model: includes all 12, 24, and 36 volt DC models
Council Directive 2004/108/EC ‑ Electromagnetic Compatibility
•EN 55012:2008; A1:2010 ‑ Vehicles, boats and internal combustion engines.
Council Directive 98/96/EC ‑ Maritime Equipment Directive
•EN 60945:2002+C1:2008 ‑ Maritime navigation and radiocommunication
equipment and systems (Motor systems)
• CISPR16 ‑ Conducted and Radiated Emissions
• EN61000‑4‑2:2008 ESD
• EN61000‑4‑3:2006 Radiated Immunity
• EN61000‑4‑4:2004 EFT
• EN61000‑4‑5:2005 Surges
• EN61000‑4‑6:2008 Conducted Susceptibility
• EN61000‑4‑8:2001 Magnetic Field Immunity
• EN6100‑4‑11:2004 Voltage Dips and Interrupts
Council Directive 2006/42/EC ‑ Machinery
•EN ISO 12100 ‑ Safety of machinery ‑ General principles for design, risk
assessment and reduction
An official copy of the Declaration of Conformity can be found at http://
www.motorguide.com/support/certifications.
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.
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. 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.
Copyright and Trademark Information
© MERCURY MARINE. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
Alpha, Axius, Bravo One, Bravo Two, Bravo Three, Circle M with Waves Logo,
K‑planes, Mariner, MerCathode, MerCruiser, Mercury, Mercury with Waves Logo,
Mercury Marine, Mercury Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers, Mercury Racing,
MotorGuide, OptiMax, Quicksilver, SeaCore, Skyhook, SmartCraft, Sport‑Jet,
Verado, VesselView, Zero Effort, Zeus, #1 On the Water and We're Driven to win are
registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation. Pro XS is a trademark of Brunswick
Corporation. Mercury Product Protection is a registered service mark of Brunswick
Corporation.
ii eng

Warranty Information
MotorGuide Limited Two Year Warranty...................................................................... 1
General Information
Boater's Responsibilities.............................................................................................. 3
Protecting People in the Water.................................................................................... 3
Passenger Safety Message......................................................................................... 3
Safe Boating Suggestions............................................................................................ 3
Product Overview
R5‑70/R5‑80/R5‑105 MotorGuide Trolling Motor......................................................... 5
Specifications............................................................................................................... 6
Wiring and Battery Information
Wiring and Battery Information.....................................................................................7
Recommended Practice and Procedures.................................................................... 7
Battery Recommendations........................................................................................... 7
Battery Precautions...................................................................................................... 8
Wire and Cable Routing............................................................................................... 8
Battery Connection.......................................................................................................9
Wire Color Code Abbreviations.................................................................................. 13
Trolling Motor Installation and Operation
Transom Mount Installation........................................................................................ 14
Stowing and Deploying the Trolling Motor................................................................. 14
Adjusting the Steering Tension.................................................................................. 16
Adjusting the Trolling Motor Depth............................................................................. 17
Speed Control—Hand‑Operated Models................................................................... 17
Battery Indicator Light................................................................................................ 18
eng iii

Maintenance
Trolling Motor Care.................................................................................................... 19
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule...................................................................... 19
Lubricating the Pivot Points........................................................................................20
Battery Inspection...................................................................................................... 20
Corrosion Control Anode (Saltwater Models)............................................................. 20
Propeller Replacement...............................................................................................21
MotorGuide Accessories Inquiries............................................................................. 23
Troubleshooting
Trolling Motor Performance........................................................................................24
Owner Service Assistance
Mercury Marine Service Offices................................................................................. 25
iv eng

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 center. 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 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.
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 X3 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. MotorGuide Composite Shaft Limited Lifetime Warranty. MotorGuide composite
shafts are warranted to the original retail purchaser to be free of defects in
material or workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser. MotorGuide
will provide a new composite shaft at no cost for any composite shaft which
contains a defect in material or workmanship. The installation costs are the sole
responsibility of the purchaser.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
eng 1

6. 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.
7. 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.
8. We reserve the right to improve the design of any trolling motor without
assuming any obligation to modify any trolling motor previously manufactured.
9. 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."
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 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.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
2 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.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
eng 3

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.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
4 eng

R5‑70/R5‑80/R5‑105 MotorGuide Trolling Motor
Saltwater model shown (freshwater
model similar)
a - Extendable speed control tiller
handle
b - Top housing
c - Composite column
d - Depth adjustment collar
e - Steering tension adjustment knob
f - Clamp bracket
g - Propeller
h - Lower unit
i - Transom clamp screws
j - Battery cables
k - Tilt lock release lever
l - Serial number
62774
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
i
j
k
l
g
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
eng 5

Specifications
Model Control Freshwater/
Saltwater Volts
Speeds
Forward/
Reverse
Peak
Thrust
Shaft
Length
R5‑70
FW
Digital
Extendable
hand/
twist‑tiller
Freshwater 24 V Variable 31.8 kgf
(70 lbf)
106.7 cm
(42 in.)
R5‑80
FW
Digital
Extendable
hand/
twist‑tiller
Freshwater 24 V Variable 36.3 kgf
(80 lbf)
106.7 cm
(42 in.)
R5‑105
FW
Digital
Extendable
hand/
twist‑tiller
Freshwater 36 V Variable 47.6 kgf
(105 lbf)
106.7 cm
(42 in.)
R5‑80
SW
Digital
Extendable
hand/
twist‑tiller
Saltwater 24 V Variable 36.3 kgf
(80 lbf)
106.7 cm
(42 in.)
R5‑105
SW
Digital
Extendable
hand/
twist‑tiller
Saltwater 36 V Variable 47.6 kgf
(105 lbf)
127.0 cm
(50 in.)
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
6 eng

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.
Recommended Practice and Procedures
IMPORTANT: Unplug the trolling motor after each use and when charging the
battery.
• Do not use the main engine battery to power the trolling motor. Use a dedicated
trolling motor battery or battery bank.
• Ensure that the batteries are enclosed and secured within a battery box to
prevent accidental shorting of the battery terminals.
• Route the trolling motor wires on the opposite side of the boat from other boat
wiring.
• Connect boat accessories directly to the main engine battery.
• Do not charge the trolling motor batteries while the trolling motor is in the
deployed (down) position.
Battery Recommendations
• Use 12‑volt, deep cycle marine batteries. The number of batteries required
varies according to the model of your trolling motor. Refer to Battery
Connection.
• As a general rule, deep cycle batteries with a higher amp‑hour rating or reserve
capacity rating will provide longer run times and better performance.
• Install a manual reset circuit breaker in line with the trolling motor positive leads
within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the batteries. These can be purchased from your local
MotorGuide retailer or from www.motorguide.com.
• Do not extend the included 10‑gauge battery cables more than 1.8 m (6 ft) for a
total of 3 m (10 ft). If longer battery cables are required, MotorGuide offers
accessory 8 mm² (8‑gauge) battery cables.
• Use nylock nuts to secure the battery cables to their terminals. Using wing nuts
to secure the battery cables can cause loose connections.
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 7

• Do not power any depth sounders or fish finders from the trolling motor battery.
Connecting electronic equipment to the trolling motor batteries can cause
electrical interference. Any depth sounders or fish finders must be powered
from the engine starting or accessory battery.
Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description
8‑gauge battery cable and terminals with 50‑amp manual reset circuit breaker
50‑amp manual reset circuit breaker
60‑amp manual reset circuit breaker
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. Keep flames away and do not smoke near batteries being charged or which
have been charged recently.
2. Do not disconnect the battery cables while the trolling motor is operating,
because a spark usually occurs at the point where a live circuit is broken.
Always use care to prevent reverse polarization when connecting or
disconnecting cable clamps on chargers. Poor connections are a common
cause of electrical arcs, which cause explosions.
3. Do not reverse the 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
8 eng

Battery Connection
! WARNING
Before working around electrical system components, disconnect the battery
cables from the battery to prevent injury or damage to the electrical system due to
an accidental short circuit.
! 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.
NOTICE
Failure to operate the trolling motor within the recommended voltage specifications
can cause product damage. Do not exceed the maximum supply voltage.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the decal on the head of the trolling motor to determine the
voltage requirements of your trolling motor.
12-VOLT BATTERY CONNECTION
1. Starting with the negative (–) lead, disconnect the battery cables from the
engine starting or accessory battery.
2. Install a 50‑amp (good) or 60‑amp (best) manual reset circuit breaker in line
with the trolling motor power cable positive (+) lead and the trolling motor
battery positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the positive (+) trolling motor lead to the positive (+) trolling motor
battery terminal.
4. Connect the negative (–) trolling motor lead to the negative (–) trolling motor
battery terminal.
5. Connect a common ground bond from the trolling motor battery negative (–)
terminal to the engine starting battery negative (–) terminal.
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 9

6. Starting with the positive (+) lead, reconnect the battery cables to the engine
starting or accessory battery.
a - Power cables to
trolling motor
b - Manual reset circuit
breaker
c - Trolling motor battery
d - Engine starting or
accessory battery
e - Power cables to
engine
f - Common ground
bond
24-VOLT BATTERY CONNECTION
1. Starting with the negative (–) lead, disconnect the battery cables from the
engine starting or accessory battery.
2. Install a 50‑amp (good) or 60‑amp (best) manual reset circuit breaker in line
with the trolling motor power cable positive (+) lead and the trolling motor
battery B positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the positive (+) trolling motor lead to the positive (+) terminal on trolling
motor battery B.
4. Connect a jumper wire (reference gray) between the negative (–) terminal on
battery B to the positive (+) terminal on battery A.
IMPORTANT: The jumper wire should be the same wire gauge as the negative (–)
and positive (+) power cables.
5. Connect the trolling motor negative (–) lead to the negative (–) terminal on
battery A.
RED
BLACK
REDRED
a
b
c
e
f
d
45086
BLACK
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
10 eng

6. Starting with the positive (+) lead, reconnect the battery cables to the engine
starting or accessory battery.
24-volt battery connection
a - Power cables to trolling motor
b - Manual reset circuit breaker
c - Jumper wire (not supplied)
d - Negative (–) battery terminal
36-VOLT BATTERY CONNECTION
1. Starting with the negative (–) lead, disconnect the battery cables from the
engine starting or accessory battery.
2. Install a 50‑amp (good) or 60‑amp (best) manual reset circuit breaker in line
with the trolling motor power cable positive (+) lead and the trolling motor
battery C positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the positive (+) trolling motor lead to the positive (+) terminal on trolling
motor battery C.
4. Connect a jumper wire (reference gray) between the negative (–) terminal on
battery C to the positive (+) terminal on battery B.
IMPORTANT: The jumper wire should be the same wire gauge as the negative (–)
and positive (+) power cables.
5. Connect a jumper wire (reference gray) between the negative (–) terminal on
battery B to the positive (+) terminal on battery A.
RED
BLACK
a
b
c
d
37824
GRAY
c
Battery A
Battery B
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 11

6. Connect the trolling motor negative (–) lead to the negative (–) terminal on
battery A.
7. Starting with the positive (+) lead, reconnect the battery cables to the engine
starting or accessory battery.
36-volt battery connection
a - Power cables to trolling motor
b - Manual reset circuit breaker
c - Jumper wire (not supplied)
d - Negative (–) battery terminal
RED
BLK
37825
GRY
c
Battery B
Battery C
Battery A
GRY
c
a
b
c
d
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
12 eng

Wire Color Code Abbreviations
Wire Color Abbreviations
BLK Black BLU Blue
BRN Brown GRY Gray
GRN Green ORN or ORG Orange
PNK Pink PPL or PUR Purple
RED Red TAN Tan
WHT White YEL Yellow
LT or LIT Light DK or DRK Dark
WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION
eng 13

Transom Mount Installation
NOTE: The R5 trolling motor will fit transoms up to 7.62 cm (3 in.) thick.
1. Place the trolling motor on the transom of the boat.
2. Tighten the transom clamp screws securely by hand. Do not overtighten the
transom clamp screws.
IMPORTANT: Overtightening the transom clamp screws can weaken or damage the
mount bracket.
a - Transom clamp screws
b - Mount bracket
Stowing and Deploying the Trolling Motor
! WARNING
Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never start or operate the
motor out of water.
aa
b
62321
TROLLING MOTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
14 eng