Watersnake Venom SXW 34/26 User manual

VENOM SXW 34/26 (55222)
VENOM SXW 34/30 (55227)
VENOM SXW 44/36 (55228)
VENOM SXW 54/26 (55223)
VENOM SXW 54/36 (55525)
VENOM SXW 54/42 (55229)
VENOM SXW-ET 54/42 (55230)
VENOM SXW 65/42 (55219)
Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
VENOM SX
TRANSOM MOUNT ELECTRIC MOTOR
OWNERS MANUAL

WELCOME TO WATERSNAKE
Congratulations and welcome to a world of silent motoring.
Powerful yet silent, the Watersnake electric motors are built to suit all angling
conditions. High quality materials, superior design and precision engineering
make these motors longwearing and reliable.
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual completely before starting installation and using the
electric motor.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this Watersnake Motor Manual is correct at time of printing.
For the most up to date information, check for the latest version on our website at
https://www.watersnake.com.au/pages/watersnake-user-manuals
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
Trolling motors are high-current devices that require an ideal power supply.
Follow these steps to avoid problems:
12V DEEP CYCLE
OR 12V LIFEPO4
BATTERIES ONLY
MORE INFO ON PAGE 7
EXTENDING THE
BATTERY CABLES?
IMPORTANT INFO ON PAGE 9
BATTERY CAN BE
CHARGED WHILE USING THE
MOTOR ONLY IF VOLTAGE
INPUT TO THE MOTOR IS
EQUAL OR LESS THAN 14.5V
MORE INFO ON PAGE 9
USE AN
INLINE FUSE OR
CIRCUIT BREAKER
(NOT INCLUDED)
MORE INFO ON PAGE 8
2
5
1
34
SUGGESTED BATTERY SIZE:
MOTOR SIZE BATTERY SIZE
18LB - 24LB 40AH OR LARGER
34LB 60AH OR LARGER
44LB 80AH OR LARGER
54LB - 65LB 100AH OR LARGER

KNOW YOUR BOAT 4
FEATURES OF YOUR MOTOR 5
INSTALLATION
PRE INSTALLATION CHECKLIST 6
BATTERY AND POWER 7
Best practices and battery type 7
Inline fuse or circuit breaker 8
Extending battery leads 9
Battery charging 9
Connecting your motor to the battery 10
ATTACHING THE PROPELLER 11
ATTACHING THE MOTOR TO YOUR BOAT 12
USING THE MOTOR
PRE USE CHECKLIST 12
DEPLOYING YOUR MOTOR 13
ADJUSTING THE ANGLE OF YOUR MOTOR 14
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT 14
STEERING 15
HEAD UNIT AND SPEED CONTROL 16
STOWING YOUR MOTOR 17
RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN USING YOUR MOTOR 18
AFTER EVERY USE 18
MOTOR MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 19
TROUBLESHOOTING 20
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 21
MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS 22
MOTOR SCHEMATICS AND PARTS LISTS 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
KNOW YOUR BOAT
Keel
Bow
Port
Stern
Starboard Gunwale
Bow Stern
Hull
Gunwale
Port Starboard
Inboard
Outboard
Stern / Transom

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Heavy Duty Alloy Bracket
Multi adjustable
depth collar
Steering counter
force adjustment
screw.
Note: Alloy
Bracket On 34lb
Models Is Different
See Page 15.
Control Box
Venom 44lb, 54lb and
65LB Motors come with
a 3 bladed propeller.
(94mm pitch)
Venom 34lb Motors
come with a 2 bladed
propeller.
(70mm pitch)
FEATURES OF YOUR MOTOR
PROPELLERS
Digital voltage meter
Extendable control handle featuring
5 forward and 3 reverse speeds.
Quick Tilt
Device
Composite shaft
Motor Assembly Unit
Mounting Bolts
Weedless Propeller
PLEASE NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Diagram
of motor is for reference only and may be different from your actual motor.

6Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
PRE INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
1. Familiarise yourself with the user manual and the various parts of your
Watersnake motor.
2. Select desired mounting location on boat. Ensure there is access to
properly fit the bracket in the location selected.
3. 12V deep cycle or 12V LiFePO4 battery
(your Watersnake motor IS NOT designed for use with car / truck /
motorcycle type batteries) – for more information about appropriate
batteries for your Watersnake motor, refer to page 7.
4. Check battery cable length in relation to location of your 12v deep cycle
or 12V LiFePO4 battery. If extension to battery cable is required, refer to
table on page 9 .
NOTE – if extending battery cable, ensure that the circuit breaker remains
in place on the positive wire.
PLEASE NOTE:
TERNARY LITHIUM BATTERIES MUST NOT BE USED WITH THIS
WATERSNAKE MOTOR. Refer to information on page 8.
THE BELOW INFORMATION IS FOR THE USA ONLY.
INSTALLATION

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BATTERY AND POWER
BATTERY TYPE
USE A  VOLT DEEP CYCLE OR A V LIFEPO BATTERY
12V DEEP CYCLE BATTERY
Deep-cycle batteries deliver sustained power with low current draw over
extended periods. They can be drained to low levels without developing a
“memory” and can be fully recharged hundreds of times over their working lives.
Do not use a standard car, truck or marine batteries (called a cranking battery).
They are designed to provide a pulse of “cranking power” over a short period,
can develop a “memory” preventing complete recharge and can produce current
surges that may damage sensitive electronic components on your Watersnake.
LITHIUM BATTERIES
BEST PRACTICES
INSTALLING AND CONNECTING YOUR VENOM MOTOR
1. Your Watersnake motor is designed to be powered by a 12v deep cycle or
LifePO4 battery that should output no more than 14.5v. If the voltage input
to your Watersnake motor exceeds 14.5v it may damage the sensitive
electronics and void your warranty. A dedicated battery system is preferable.
Do not connect other items like fish finders or lighting to the trolling motor
batteries.
If you are unsure about the voltage output of your batteries, contact your
battery supplier or consult a marine auto electrician.
2. This Watersnake motor is compatible with a battery system that is being
charged by an alternator or solar system, so long as the voltage input to the
Watersnake motor does not exceed 14.5v whilst the battery is being
charged. Check this using the digital voltage meter on the head of the motor.
See page 16 for more information.
3. Route the wiring from the batteries to the trolling motor on an alternate route
or path to other wiring on the boat. If possible, it is preferable the wire is fitted
to the opposite side of the boat to other wiring.
4. If you have to extend the wiring to connect the motor please review the
extending battery leads section of the manual (page 9) so you fully
understand this process.
5. This Venom trolling motor requires a circuit breaker or inline fuse to
protect the motor. See page 8 for more information.
CAUTION: Please read the following information before you
connect your electric motor to your baeries.
TERNARY LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING
Ternary Lithium batteries must not be used with this Watersnake motor as
their voltage output is too high.

8Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
INLINE FUSE OR CIRCUIT
BREAKER
An inline fuse or circuit breaker is required when connecting your Watersnake
Venom motor to the battery. This is a connection that joins the motor battery
cable to the battery and shuts the motor off in the event of overload or short
circuit.
BATTERY AND POWER CONTINUED
RECOMMENDED FUSE / CIRCUIT BREAKER
Motor Model/Thrust
34LB
44LB
54LB
65LB
Circuit Breaker
40A Fuse / Circuit Breaker
50A Fuse / Circuit Breaker
50A Fuse / Circuit Breaker
50A Fuse / Circuit Breaker
SEE PAGE 
For the optional Watersnake 50Amp Circuit Breaker accessory.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
EXAMPLE
12V DEEP CYCLE OR LIFEPO4 BATTERY
12V LIFEPO4 LITHIUM BATTERY
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) are the safest lithium battery type. We
recommend doing your research on a LiFePO4 battery before purchasing to
make sure you are purchasing from a reputable company and the battery has a
maximum voltage output under 14.5V. There are many cheap lithium batteries
on the market that can be harmful to your Watersnake motor.

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EXTENDING BATTERY LEADS
The longer your battery cable needs to be, the thicker it needs to be to avoid
damaging voltage drop. The supplied cable has the correct wire gauge
(thickness) for its length. But if you need to extend the length by more than
30%, you will need to replace the existing cable completely with a new longer
thicker cable. This means the entire cable will be the correct wire gauge for
the new length. See below to find the correct wire gauge for your motor thrust
and required cable length. Only use twin-sheathed tinned cable.
Note that above table is intended as a guide only. Your local electrical supplier will
be able to advise in greater detail based on your particular set up and requirements.
Motor Model/Thrust
34LB
44LB
54LB
65LB
Max AMP Draw
34A
44A
54A
50A
Wire Extension Length / Wire Gauge For Entire Cable
1 Metre ( 8AWG ) 1-3 Metres ( 6AWG ) 3-5 Metres ( 6AWG )
1 Metre ( 6AWG ) 1-3 Metres ( 6AWG ) 3-5 Metres ( 4AWG )
1 Metre ( 6AWG ) 1-3 Metres ( 6AWG ) 3-5 Metres ( 4AWG )
1 Metre ( 6AWG ) 1-3 Metres ( 6AWG ) 3-5 Metres ( 4AWG )
BATTERY CHARGING
Charging a battery while it is powering the motor will increase the voltage
delivered to the motor. This motor can be powered by a charging battery (e.g.
charging with an alternator or solar panels) as long as the voltage it receives
does not exceed 14.5 volts. Exceeding 14.5 volts will potentially damage
electrical components in the motor and is not covered by warranty.
When you are off the water and are charging your battery at home for long
periods of time via a 240v or 110v AC charger we recommend you disconnect
the motor from the battery.
AVOID USING STOREBOUGHT BATTERY
BOXES WITH BUILTIN CIRCUITRY
Battery Boxes use low quality electrical components that cannot handle the
high current loads that trolling motors draw. We recommend connecting your
Watersnake motor directly to a deep cycle or LiFePO4 batteries using the
provided battery leads.
BATTERY BOX WITH
BUILT IN CIRCUITRY.
DO NOT USE!
SIMPLE BATTERY
BOX WITH NO
CONNECTIONS
OK TO USE!

10 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
All Watersnake wiring connections should conform to best marine standards.
Soldered, sealed and heat-shrink protected. If you doubt your ability to
produce quality waterproof connections or lack the equipment, consult a
marine technician or auto electrician.
• Your Watersnake comes factory-fitted with a standard length of twin flex
wiring with ring terminals to attach to the battery.
• Before connecting the motor’s cables to the battery terminals, ensure all
switches are in the OFF position and stand clear of the propeller.
• Connect the red cable to the positive (+) terminal and the black cable to the
negative (-) terminal, making sure the terminals are clean before doing so. A
clean connection will minimise power wastage and give you maximum power
from the battery.
• The voltage input must be 14.5V or lower. Voltage input above 14.5V will
damage the motor and void the warranty.
• If you intend to charge your battery via an alternator or solar panel, it is
important that the battery voltage output does not exceed 14.5v. If you are
unsure of the voltage your battery will output, consult a marine technician
or auto electrician.
CONNECTING YOUR MOTOR TO
THE BATTERY
OR LIFEPO4 12V BATTERY

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ATTACHING THE PROPELLER
1. Place shear pin in shaft as shown.
2. Align the propeller against the shear pin on the shaft
(there is a groove on the back of the propeller which the shear
pin needs to slot into) and then tighten the propeller nut securely
with the provided tool.
1
2
WARNING: Before doing anything with the propeller, ensure
the cables from the electric motor to the battery are disconnected.
Propeller nut
Propeller
Shear pin slot
Tool to tighten the
propeller nut.
Propeller shaft
Shear pin
BACK OF THE
PROPELLER

12 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
TIGHTEN BOTH
BOLTS SECURELY.
ATTACHING THE MOTOR TO
YOUR BOAT
Attach the motor to the stern of the boat and tighten both mounting bolts
securely while taking care not to over-tighten.
USING THE MOTOR
PREUSE CHECKLIST  CHECK BEFORE EACH USE
BATTERY CHARGING
Please refer to battery charging section on page 9.
• Ensure that your Watersnake motor is securely attached to your boat
• Fully charged 12v deep cycle or 12V LiFePO4 battery (your Watersnake
motor is not designed to be used with a car / truck / motorcycle type or
ternary lithium battery)
• Check battery cable for any signs of damage or exposed wiring
• Check terminals for any signs of corrosion or debris
• Check fuse assembly / circuit breaker – clean if any signs of corrosion or
debris. Replace fuse if necessary. ( If your motor is equiped with one. )
PLEASE NOTE: Please ensure this Watersnake motor is not your only
means of propulsion. Please follow the marine safety guide lines set by
your state or country of use.
Watersnake Distribution Pty Ltd accepts no liability for personal injury or property
damage caused while mounting this motor.
PLEASE NOTE:

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DEPLOYING YOUR MOTOR
To deploy your Watersnake Venom motor from its stowed position you need to
loosen the depth collar and slide it up the shaft to the desired location and
re-tighten. Hold the motor head or shaft with one hand and depress the quick
tilt button or lever at the top of the mounting bracket with your other hand.
Then carefully rotate the motor into its deplyed position and set the desired
depth with the depth collar.
STOWED POSITION
DEPLOYED POSITION
2. DEPRESS THE QUICK TILT BUTTON
OR LEVER TO ROTATE THE MOTOR
CAREFULLY INTO ITS DEPLOYED
POSITION.
1. SLIDE DEPTH COLLAR UP THE
SHAFT TO THE DESIRED DEPTH
POSITION.
Watersnake Distribution Pty Ltd
accepts no liability for personal injury
or property damage caused while
deploying or stowing this motor.
PLEASE NOTE:
CAUTION: Please keep you fingers and hands away from all
hinge points and the propeller at all times.

14 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
DEPRESS THE QUICK TILT
BUTTON OR LEVER TO ADJUST
THE TILT OF THE BRACKET
ADJUST THE ANGLE OF
THE MOTOR
To adjust the angle of the motor after attachment, hold the motor head or
shaft with one hand and depress the quick tilt button or lever at the top of the
mounting bracket with your other hand. Press and hold the positioning pin
until the desired angle has been reached, next release the pin and ensure the
mechanism locks securely.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
Hold the motor shaft with one hand, loosen the depth collar adjustment screw
and set the motor to the desired depth, then retighten the adjusting screw on
the depth collar securely.
Depth Collar
Adjustment

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STEERING
To adjust steering counter-force, simply loosen or tighten the counterforce
bolt. The ideal setting is one where the counterforce bolt is just tight enough
so that the boat will steer in the direction you are aiming without need for
continual correction.
Depth Collar Adjustment
Push Button
Quick Tilt Push Lever
Quick Tilt
Depth Collar
Adjustment
Steering Counter
Force Adjustment
PLEASE NOTE:
The Alloy bracket of the 34lb Venom model is slightly different to the other
models. The location of the steering counter force adjustment screw are in
different locations as shown in the drawings below. The 34lb model bracket
has a push button quick tilt while the other models have a push lever quick tilt.
LB VENOM
MOTOR BRACKET
OTHER VENOM
MOTOR BRACKETS
Steering Counter
Force Adjustment

16 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
HEAD UNIT & SPEED CONTROL
The tiller control is telescopic and can be extended. Simply pull the grip
out away from the head unit to set your desired length. Rotate the handle
clockwise for forward speed and anti-clockwise for reverse. There are five
forward and three reverse speeds.
SPEED CONTROL
DIGITAL VOLTAGE METER
EXTENDABLE HANDLE
The Digital Voltage Meter on the motor head shows how much voltage the
battery is delivering to the motor. In normal operation, the voltage should
be between 12 volts and 14.5 volts, depending on your battery type. LiFoPO4
batteries will deliver a constant voltage as their charge is depleted.
Deep Cycle batteries will slowly deliver less voltage as their charge is
depleted - a reading of less than 12 volts indicates that your deep cycle
battery is severely discharged and should not be used until it is recharged.
Voltage of less than 12v will inhibit the performance of your motor.
If the voltage on the digital voltage meter displays above 14.5 volts the
motor should be disconnected from the battery.
WARNING

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STOWING YOUR MOTOR
To stow your Watersnake Venom motor from its deployed position you need to
hold the motor head or shaft with one hand and depress the quick tilt button or
lever at the top of the mounting bracket with your other hand. Then carefully
rotate the motor into its stowed position and slide the depth collar flush to
the alloy bracket and tighten it. Once the motor is in the stowed position
disconnect the battery from the motor for transport.
STOWED POSITION
DEPLOYED POSITION
1. DEPRESS THE QUICK TILT BUTTON
OR LEVER TO ROTATE THE MOTOR
CAREFULLY INTO ITS STOWED
POSITION.
2. SLIDE DEPTH COLLAR
TO BE FLUSH WITH THE
MOUNTING BRACKET.
3. ONCE SECURE DISCONNECT
THE BATTERY FOR SAFE
TRANSPORT.
CAUTION: Please keep you fingers and hands away from all
hinge points and the propeller at all times.

18 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
RECOMMENDATIONS
WHEN USING YOUR WATERSNAKE MOTOR
IN THE WATER
Upon connecting your battery to your motor, and before setting off in your
boat, make sure that your trolling motor is mounted correctly and stowed
securely. Of course once you engage your Watersnake motor for use make
sure that it is in the right place, not too low or too high. Once you are in deep
water, you should make sure that you gradually increase the speed of your
trolling motor, do not accelerate it up to full speed right away. For example,
if you have a 5 speed trolling motor, don’t click through all of the other
speeds really fast to get to 5, slowly go up to 1 speed, 2 speed, and so on. It is
recommended not to run your trolling motor out of water for long periods of
time.
AFTER EVERY USE
• Disconnect motor from battery.
• Recharge battery as soon as possible.
• DO NOT PRESSURE WASH, EVEN AFTER FRESHWATER USE.
• Wipe your motor down with a wet rag. Concentrate on areas where salt, dirt
and weed fragments are likely to lodge – propeller, motor housing, composite
shaft, depth collar and exposed parts of the mount assembly.
• Wipe these areas with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water and allow to dry.
• Apply a light coating of a non-staining silicone, petroleum-based or lanolin
spray to protect and lubricate exposed parts. Wipe over with a soft, dry cloth.
• Store your Watersnake motor DISCONNECTED from its battery.
• If boat is stored outdoors, remove Watersnake and store securely indoors in
a cool, dry place.
• If Watersnake is permanently mounted to the boat outdoors, consider
protecting it from harsh sunlight and the elements with a tarpaulin or other
cover.

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MAINTENANCE PERIODICALLY DURING THE SEASON
• Disconnect motor from battery. Inspect battery terminals and cables for
signs of corrosion. Remove buildup with a small wire brush and treat with
anti-corrosion spray.
• Apply a silicone, lanolin or carnauba wax coating to the composite shaft to
ensure free running through the mount assembly.
END OF SEASON, LONGTERM STORAGE
• Disconnect motor from battery.
• Inspect battery terminals and cables for signs of corrosion.
Remove buildup with a wire brush and treat with anti-corrosion spray.
• Remove motor from boat and store in a cool, dry place away from
temperature extremes.
MAINTENANCE

20 Watersnake Venom SX Motor Manual ( Ver.2)
TROUBLESHOOTING
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
A significant number of issues can be caused by a disruption of power supplied
to your Watersnake motor. Careful inspection of your 12v deep cycle battery,
wiring and fuse / circuit breaker set up should be completed before assuming
that there is a fault with your motor.
NO POWER / REDUCED POWER
• Check that battery connection has not been reversed (reversed polarity)
• Check that your 12v deep cycle or LiFePO4 battery is fully charged (+ 12v)
• Check terminals / connections are secure and not loose
• Check terminals / connections / fuse or circuit breaker for any signs of
• damage, corrosion or build up of debris
• If the battery cable has been extended but not replaced, you may be
experiencing damaging voltage drop. Check this table to see if you have the
correct gauge wire for the length of cable extension.
(refer to table on page 9 of manual)
• With the Battery disconnected remove propeller and check for any build up
of fishing line / weed or any other debris.
• With the Battery disconnected check that propeller pin (shear pin) is in place.
• Armature or magnet cracked or dislodged – grinding noise will come from
motor (Contact the Watersnake distributor in your region.)
NOISE OR VIBRATION COMING FROM MOTOR
With the Battery disconnected check that propeller is securely tightened and
shear pin is in place remove propeller and check for any build up of fishing
line / weed or any other debris. Rotate the propeller 180º and then recheck for
vibration.
• Check that your 12v deep cycle or LiFePO4 battery is fully charged (+ 12v)
STILL HAVING MOTOR ISSUES?
More information like wiring diagrams,
spare parts and motor repair videos can
be found on our Watersnake motor
support webpage:
https://www.watersnake.com.au/pages/electric-motor-servicing
For more help you can also contact the Watersnake distributor for your region.
( Please see the back cover. )
Scan the QR
code to go to
the Watersnake
support page.