1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Mercury Manuals
  4. Outboard Motor
  5. MotorGuide VariMAX
  6. Manual

Mercury MotorGuide VariMAX Manual

Motorguide varimax
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Thank You
Thank you for choosing MotorGuide
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.
We designed VariMAX with a BluVis™ Function Display to show
precise speed setting and battery voltage so you are always in
control. The VariMAX Digital Advantage lets you dial in the exact
speed for your boat to match the fishing conditions of the day while
providing significantly longer run times on your battery charge.
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
®
VariMAX™. With VariMAX,
i

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Mercury MotorGuide VariMAX

Summary of Contents for Mercury MotorGuide VariMAX

  • Page 1 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. We designed VariMAX with a BluVis™ Function Display to show precise speed setting and battery voltage so you are always in control.
  • Page 2 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...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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...
  • Page 4 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...

  • Page 5: Warranty Information

    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.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7 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"...

  • Page 8: General Information

    GENERAL INFORMATION 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. 45651 Serial number Model identification number...

  • Page 9: Boater's Responsibilities

    GENERAL INFORMATION 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.

  • Page 10: Passenger Safety Message

    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.
  • Page 11 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.

  • Page 12: Product Overview And Assembly

    PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY Component Identification TRANSOM MOUNT Top housing BluVis function display Cam lock Extendable speed control handle Serial number Battery cables Tilt lock release lever Clamp bracket Column Lower unit Propeller Steering tension collar -Depth adjustment collar 45654...

  • Page 13: Attaching The Handle

    PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY VARIMAX BOW MOUNT Top housing BluVis function display Cam lock Extendable speed control handle Serial number Battery cables Gator 20.8 breakaway Decket Gator Flex 360 Column Propeller Lower unit -Steering tension collar Depth adjustment collar 45746 Attaching the Handle NOTE: For proper installation, assemble the trolling motor on a flat, level surface.
  • Page 14 PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY 2. Align the handle to the top housing using the flat groove on the extension handle. The handle extension spring should face up. 45687 Top housing Handle extension spring Cam lock Handle 3. Press the handle extension spring in while inserting the handle into the top housing.
  • Page 15 PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY 4. Rotate the cam lock clockwise 180°. Move the cam lock flush against the top housing. 180° 39062 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.

  • Page 16: Extending And Retracting The Handle

    PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY Extending and Retracting the Handle 1. Firmly grasp the handle, then rotate and loosen the cam lock counterclockwise 180°. 180° 45695 2. Extend or retract the handle to the desired length. 38656 Extending handle 38662 Retracting handle...

  • Page 17: Installing The Propeller

    PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY 3. To secure the handle, hold the handle steady while rotating and tightening the cam lock clockwise 180°. Verify that the handle, cam lock, and top housing are in alignment. 45684 Cam lock and top housing in alignment Installing the Propeller WARNING Performing service or maintenance without first disconnecting the...
  • Page 18 PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND ASSEMBLY 3. Install the propeller nut. Tighten securely. Propeller pin Propeller Propeller nut Propeller wrench 45696 4. Use a MotorGuide propeller wrench or pliers to tighten the propeller nut another ¼ turn. Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number MotorGuide prop wrench kit MGA050B6...

  • Page 19: Wiring And Battery Information

    WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION 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.

  • Page 20: Bluvis Battery Voltage Indicator

    WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION • Use 13 mm (6 gauge) battery cables if extending the existing wire beyond the standard battery cable. Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number Trolling motor power plug 8M4000953 Trolling motor sp (receptacle) 8M4000954 50 amp alligator clips 8M4000287 6 gauge battery cable and terminals with 50 amp manual reset MM309922T...

  • Page 21: Single, Parallel, And Series Circuit Battery Connection

    WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION Single, Parallel, and Series Circuit 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.
  • Page 22 WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION NOTE: Vessels with multiple batteries, must have a common ground bonding circuit. Not establishing a common ground between the vessel batteries, may cause severe corrosion, electrolysis, or an electrical shock. 44291 Power cables to trolling motor 50 amp manual reset circuit breaker Trolling motor battery Engine starting battery...
  • Page 23 WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION 5. Connect a jumper cable (common ground bond) from the trolling motor battery negative (–) terminal to the engine battery negative (–) terminal. NOTE: Vessels with multiple batteries, must have a common ground bonding circuit. Not establishing a common ground between the vessel batteries, may cause severe corrosion, electrolysis, or an electrical shock.
  • Page 24 WIRING AND BATTERY INFORMATION 4. Connect a jumper cable (common ground bond) from the trolling motor battery "d" negative (–) terminal to the engine battery negative (–) terminal. NOTE: Vessels with multiple batteries, must have a common ground bonding circuit. Not establishing a common ground between the vessel batteries, may cause severe corrosion, electrolysis, or an electrical shock.

  • Page 25: Mount Installation

    MOUNT INSTALLATION Transom Mount Installation NOTE: The transom mount will fit transoms up to 8.25 cm (3.25 in.) thick. IMPORTANT: Overtightening the transom clamp screws can weaken or damage the mount bracket. 1. Place the transom mount onto the transom of the boat. 45673 2.

  • Page 26: Gator 20.8 Breakaway Installation

    MOUNT INSTALLATION 2. Place the pontoon mount base on the surface of the boat deck. Use the mount base as a template to mark the location of the mount holes. 37927 Pontoon mount holes IMPORTANT: Using a larger drill bit, countersink the holes on fiberglass boats to prevent the gel‑coat from cracking.
  • Page 27 MOUNT INSTALLATION 1. Select an appropriate area on the deck of the boat to install the mount. Ensure that the forward mounting screws will not penetrate the hull. 38094 Mount on deck 2. Place the bow mount base on the surface of the boat deck. Use the mount base as a template to mark the locations of the front mounting holes in the plastic decket and the rear mounting holes on the mount base.

  • Page 28: Gator Flex 360

    MOUNT INSTALLATION 5. Insert the rubber mounting isolators into the mounting holes. Position the isolators in line with the mount base with the wider side toward the outside of the mount base bracket. 39076 6. Place the mount base on the isolators and align the holes. Install the two longer screws into the front mounting holes and the two shorter screws into the rear mounting holes.
  • Page 29 MOUNT INSTALLATION 1. Select an appropriate area on the deck of the boat to install the mount. Ensure that the forward mounting screws will not penetrate the hull. 39074 Mount on deck 2. Place the bow mount base on the surface of the boat deck. Use the mount base as a template to mark the locations of the front mounting holes in the plastic decket and the rear mounting holes on the mount base.
  • Page 30 MOUNT INSTALLATION IMPORTANT: If necessary, shim the rubber washers with 25 mm (1 in.) stainless steel washers to create a level mounting surface. 5. The mount base should fasten securely and evenly with the latch pins in the latch. The base should release with a light, easy pull on the rope handle.

  • Page 31: Operation

    OPERATION Installing the Motor into the Bow Mount 1. Turn the bracket door knob counterclockwise to loosen and open the bracket door. 2. Place the motor column into the bracket and close the door. 3. Turn the bracket door knob clockwise to tighten the motor column in the bracket.
  • Page 32 OPERATION TRANSOM MOUNT IMPORTANT: Ensure the mount is stowed while using the main engine or trailering the boat. Ensure the steering tension collar is tightened securely. 1. Firmly grasp the column and push the tilt lever towards the column. Column Tilt lever 45664 IMPORTANT: Do not use the handle to stow or tilt the motor.

  • Page 33: Deploying The Trolling Motor

    OPERATION 5. Adjust the steering friction by turning the steering tension collar knob. Steering tension collar Depth collar Column Tilt lever Lock pin 45665 Deploying the Trolling Motor WARNING Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never start or operate the motor out of water.
  • Page 34 OPERATION 1. Firmly grasp the column and engage the tilt lever. Column Tilt lever 45674 2. Adjust the angle of the motor to the desired position while simultaneously holding the tilt lever. 3. Release the tilt lever. Verify that the lock pin is securely engaged. 4.

  • Page 35: Adjusting The Steering Tension

    OPERATION Adjusting the Steering Tension Adjust the steering tension collar to increase or decrease the effort to turn the motor freely. 1. To increase steering tension or to fasten the column in a fixed position, tighten the friction knob clockwise. 2.

  • Page 36: Speed Control

    OPERATION 1. Firmly grasp the column with one hand while holding the depth collar. 2. Pinch the depth collar until the motor column slides freely. 3. Raise or lower to the desired depth. 45671 Column Depth collar Speed Control NOTE: Speed control is operable regardless of handle position.

  • Page 37: Direction Control

    OPERATION Rotate the handle clockwise to increase speed in both forward and reverse directions. The BluVis function display indicates speed setting. 100% 44855 Rotate the handle clockwise BluVis function display with speed settings Direction Control The push‑forward, pull‑reverse direction control lets you increase the speed by turning the handle clockwise, whether in forward or reverse.
  • Page 38 OPERATION TRANSOM MOUNT APPLICATION To move the boat forward, pull the handle. To move the boat in reverse, push the handle. The BluVis function display indicates the motor direction. 39222 Reverse 39101 Forward TRANSOM MOUNT—BACKTROLLING APPLICATION To use the transom mount for backtrolling, reverse the top housing position and toggle the direction control switch.
  • Page 39 OPERATION To backtroll, push the handle. To reverse backtroll, pull the handle. The BluVis function display indicates the motor direction. 39223 Backtroll 39102 Backtroll reverse...
  • Page 40 OPERATION BOW MOUNT APPLICATION To move the boat forward, push the handle. To move the boat in reverse, pull the handle. The BluVis function display indicates the motor direction. 39224 39103 Reverse Forward...

  • Page 41: Maintenance And Storage

    MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE Trolling Motor Care To keep your trolling motor in the best operating condition and retain its dependability, your trolling motor must receive periodic inspections and maintenance. Keep it maintained properly to ensure the safety of you and your passengers. WARNING Neglecting to inspect, maintain, or repair your trolling motor can result in product damage or serious injury or death.

  • Page 42: Storage Preparation

    MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ANNUALLY • Periodically lubricate all the pivot points with a nonaerosol, nonsolvent based lubricant. IMPORTANT: Never use an aerosol lubricant to grease or oil any part of the unit. Many aerosol lubricants contain harmful propellants that can cause damage to various parts of the trolling motor.

  • Page 43: Propeller Replacement

    MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE Propeller Replacement 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.
  • Page 44 MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE Recommended MotorGuide Accessory Description Part Number MotorGuide prop wrench kit MGA050B6 INSTALLING THE PROPELLER 1. Rotate the motor shaft to insert the propeller pin horizontally. 2. Install the propeller onto the motor shaft by engaging the propeller onto the propeller pin.

  • Page 45: Custom Applications

    CUSTOM APPLICATIONS Repositioning the Top Housing VariMAX transom mount motors are configured at the factory for use on the transom. The VariMAX motor head can be reversed (eight head positions are available) to fit any application including bow, backtroller, or sideways pulling applications. The BluVis lights can also be reversed to keep the intuitive push‑pull feel and control consistent.

  • Page 46: Setting The Direction Control Switch

    CUSTOM APPLICATIONS 4. Rotate the top housing to the desired position and push the top housing back down to engage the height pin. 38638 Top housing Eight position settings 5. Tighten the top housing retaining bolt with an Allen wrench. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
  • Page 47 CUSTOM APPLICATIONS IMPORTANT: Do not fully remove the top housing retaining bolt or the retaining nut may fall out. Slowly raise the top housing off of the shaft ensuring that the motor control wires do not disconnect. If the wires are disconnected, refer to Motor Control Wiring.
  • Page 48 CUSTOM APPLICATIONS NOTE: If necessary, use a flathead screwdriver to slide the direction control switch. 39225 Transom mount application (default) 39064 Bow, pontoon mount, or backtrolling application 6. Install the top housing onto the motor column.
  • Page 49 CUSTOM APPLICATIONS 7. Rotate the top housing to the desired position and push the top housing back down to engage the height pin. 38638 Top housing Eight position settings 8. Retighten the top housing retaining bolt with an Allen wrench. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque.

  • Page 50: Motor Control Wiring

    CUSTOM APPLICATIONS Motor Control Wiring 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.

  • Page 51: Owner Service Assistance

    OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE Troubleshooting NOTE: For service information, contact any certified MotorGuide service center. For a full listing of MotorGuide service centers, go to www.motorguide.com or contact any Mercury service office. Symptom Possible Cause Resolution Check 12 volt battery charge.

  • Page 52: Service Assistance

    Model and serial number of your trolling motor • Proof of purchase or registration verification • Nature of problem Mercury Marine Service Offices For assistance, call, fax, or write. Please include your daytime telephone number with mail and fax correspondence.
  • Page 53 Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean Telephone (954) 744‑3500 Mercury Marine 11650 Interchange Circle North Miramar, FL 33025 (954) 744‑3535 U.S.A. Brunswick Asia Pacific Group Telephone (65) 65466160 T/A Mercury Marine Singapore Pte Ltd 29 Loyang Way (65) 65467789 Singapore, 508944...

Table of Contents