We took the Z8 out today and after about an hour of fishing, I lifted the Minn Kota, strapped everything down, and moved spots. After we got to the second spot, I dropped the Minn Kota down to find that the pedal had no resistance. I look down, and the top housing is cracked all the way through.

I have no idea what I did to break it. Anyone have a guess or ever experienced this? Thanks for any help you can provide!

Well, I found the replacement parts through Minn Kota's website.  Surprisingly, they are reasonably priced.  I still have no idea what caused it or if it's a common thing but at least the replacement parts are on their way!  

That's crazy. I've had 5 Maxxums on 4 different boats and never had one break like that. 

That's crazy. I've had 5 Maxxums on 4 different boats and never had one break like that. 

 

Yeah, I am stumped on this one.  

I believe it broke because it says Minn Kota on it haha sorry I had to do it. I wonder if the screws that hold the head on maybe got slightly over tightened at the factory and started a small crack. Over time from the torque of steereing and the pounding they can take while running it slowly started to split but went unnoticed until failure? No idea if that's what happened, but it's a theory.