So, I had my new boat out this morning. Everything on her is great. The only issue is on the trolling motor. This is my first trolling motor and I have one question. The arrow on the top that gives you the direction you are headed spins freely so i have no idea what direction the trolling motor is pointed. Is there a fix for that? Is that common?

If it is a motor guide then there is a little L shaped piece of metal that hold the arrow gear to the other gears. It can get bent and cause that problem. Take the screws out of the cover and check it out.

No, it is not common, the directional arrow is connected to the motor shaft with a gear/s.

Are you sure the arrow is disconnected or is the motor just easy to turn?

What motor?

That shaft is rotating loosely in that hole. thats the problem. if that would stop it would work fine. Do you think i could just put a small dab of glue on the outside to hold it to the wall of the hole or is there something else I can do?

I wouldn't glue it, I would wrap some teflon tape or electrical tape on the shaft gears then press it into the hole. be sure to get it lined up right first.

So the fine splines that go into the arrow are stripped.

Just put a 3/4 " square piece of electrical tape over the end of the shaft, stick the shaft into the arrow socket and press firmly.

Align the arrow with the motor when you replace the top cap.