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Boating is challenging and inherently dangerous. Follow safe boating practices. Be physically fit enough to meet the challenges,
prepared for any weather conditions that might be anticipated, and follow the safety basics. Protect all personal items in a
waterproof bag. Secure all accessories to the boat. The FastCat is large and stable for a boat. Keep weight (such as batteries, mo-
tors and gear) close to the center as possible to minimize tippiness.
SAFETY
Motor Safety and Reboarding
Danger:
Spinning propellers and carbon monoxide produced by gas engines can cause serious injury or death.
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Do not approach a running motor from the water.
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If you or your passenger falls overboard,
do not attempt to reboard in the motor mount area.
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Turn engine off at a safe distance when approaching a swimmer in the water.
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Install propeller guard on gas motors
If the motor is equipped with an engine safety cutoff (kill) switch, the driver must attach the cable to themselves, either around
the thigh or wrist, or to clothing (preferably a life jacket). In addition:
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Test regularly to ensure that the engine stops when the kill cord is pulled from the switch.
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Make sure that the kill cord is in good condition.
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Always attach the kill cord securely to the driver, ideally before the engine is started, but certainly before the boat is put in
gear.
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Stop the engine before transferring the kill cord to another driver.
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Wireless kill switches are available and each passenger can wear one.
Safety Training
Completion of an approved boating safety course is recommended for all operators of powered boats, and is required for junior
operators in many jurisdictions.
Battery Features and Safety for Trolling Motors
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Positive (+) red wire connects to positive (+) battery terminal. Black wire to negative terminal (-).
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To determine a battery’s charge life, divide the amp hour rating by the motor amperage. For example, a battery rated at 60
Ah connected to a 30 amp motor will last approximately two hours at full speed. Note: this number will vary depending on
conditions.
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Running the battery all the way down will shorten its life. Not more than 85% discharge is recommended. Multiply the above
by 0.85 to get best run time.
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Charge battery after each use. Lead acid batteries like to be kept charged.
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Exposure to excessive heat will shorten battery life.
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Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and starting power are not a consideration for trolling.
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12v automobile, lawn tractor and motorcycle batteries can be used but are not designed for deep discharge and will wear out
more quickly.
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A battery box like the Minn Kota Power Center is recommended, especially around aluminum paddle shafts which could
cause an electrical short. It has a built-in circuit breaker. It will keep bare skin and clothes protected if any acid leaks from the
battery.
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A circuit breaker or fuse is required by the Coast Guard. Check the trolling motor manual for the size circuit interrupter need-
ed. Circuit interrupters are intended to protect against reverse polarity, shorts, and will protect the motor from overheating if
the propeller gets bound up with weeds, anchor line or fishing line.
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In the event the motor wires are placed on the wrong terminals, reversing the polarity, the wires heat up and can melt the
insulation and cut through the boat.
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A 12v battery charger will be needed. Chargers are widely available and prices range widely. Inexpensive chargers are usually
sufficient.
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Choose gel cell over wet cell. Gel will be less likely to leak acid if the case seal is broken.
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Lithium or AGM batteries can be a good choice even if they are more expensive. They are generally lighter, discharge evenly
for longer run times, and charge evenly for a longer life.
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For some operators, two small batteries are better than one large, heavy one. A small backup battery can be helpful too.
More technical and safety information is available from battery and motor manufacturer’s, boating organizations and publications.
