Rhodan Setup & Installation Guide: Get the Most from Your Trolling Motor
Installing a Rhodan trolling motor isn’t just about bolting it to the bow—it’s about setting up a system that will run flawlessly for years. This guide walks you through mounting, wiring, battery selection, and calibration, with tips from our install team.
Step 1: Choose the Right Mounting Location
- Bow‑mount placement: Centerline is critical for tracking. Measure from the keel to the motor centerline—keep it within 6 inches for straight runs.
- Shaft length: The motor head should sit 12–18 inches below the waterline when deployed. For rough water, go longer.
- Clearance: Ensure the motor can tilt up fully without hitting the gunwale or rails.
Step 2: Mount the Plate & Puck
Rhodan’s aluminum mounting plate is the foundation. Use stainless‑steel bolts (not included) and back them with large washers. If your bow is fiberglass, drill oversize holes, fill with epoxy, then drill pilot holes to prevent cracking.
The quick‑release puck lets you remove the motor in seconds. Snap it into the plate, tighten the locking lever, and give it a firm tug to confirm it’s secure.
Step 3: Wiring & Circuit Protection
- Wire gauge: 6 AWG for 24V runs up to 15 feet, 4 AWG for 36V/48V or longer runs.
- Circuit breaker: Install a 50‑amp marine breaker within 18 inches of the battery. Never use a fuse—breakers reset after a spike.
- Connectors: Use tinned marine terminals and heat‑shrink tubing. Dielectric grease on every connection.
Step 4: Battery Selection & Setup
Voltage determines thrust, but capacity determines runtime. For tournament anglers, we recommend lithium (LiFePO4) batteries—they’re lighter, last longer, and charge faster.
- 24V system: Two 12V batteries in series. Minimum 100 Ah each.
- 36V system: Three 12V batteries in series. Minimum 100 Ah each.
- 48V system: Four 12V batteries in series, or a single 48V lithium pack.
Keep batteries in a ventilated compartment, secured against movement, and away from fuel lines.
Step 5: Calibration & First‑Time Setup
- Power on the motor and remote. Pair them by pressing the pairing button on the motor head (see manual).
- Deploy the motor and run it at slow speed in open water. Use the remote’s calibration menu to set compass heading.
- Test GPS Anchor+ by pressing the anchor button. The motor should hold position within a 3‑foot circle.
- Adjust sensitivity settings via the Rhodan Connect app if you have Bluetooth‑enabled models.
Step 6: Accessories That Matter
Don’t overlook these:
- RAM stabilizer: Reduces head bounce in choppy water.
- Coiled data cable: Keeps the wiring tidy and prevents snags.
- Depth collar: Lets you fine‑tune shaft depth for different water conditions.
🎣 Expert Advice from Mack Jennings
I’ve installed hundreds of Rhodan motors, and the number‑one mistake I see is undersized wiring. Voltage drop kills performance and overheats connectors. Spend the extra $50 on heavier gauge wire—it’s cheaper than replacing a melted terminal block.
For saltwater installations, coat every bolt and terminal with Corrosion‑X or similar. Even Rhodan’s corrosion‑resistant hardware will thank you after a season in the Chesapeake.
If you’re unsure about the mounting location, trace the plate on cardboard and tape it to the bow. Live with it for a day, check sightlines, then drill. Once you drill, there’s no going back.
– Mack Jennings, BOE Marine
Need Help? We Install What We Sell
BOE Marine offers professional installation for every Rhodan motor we ship. Our technicians are factory‑trained and know the quirks of every boat model. Contact us for a quote, or bring your boat to our Stevensville, MD shop.
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BOE Marine installs at 4 locations: Annapolis MD, Fort Lauderdale FL, Stuart FL, and Lake Norman NC. Lifetime tech support included.
