My previous design is already 4 years old, but it has performed well all this time. However, there were a few areas that could be improved, and I’ve done just that. The result can be seen here.

The main changes are:

A more compact design.

• Easier assembly—no more tiny screws and nuts.
• You can now easily tilt the Minn Kota again.
• The number of teeth on the gears has been increased from 32 to 48, allowing for more precise steering. I need this precision to ensure that the autopilot functions I'm working on operate accurately.

I control the installation via a wireless cockpit, which explains the extra space in the servo housing, but I’ve created an opening if you just want to place the servo and handle the control yourself.

Note!!! This design is specifically made for a Minn Kota Endura Max with a shaft diameter of 28.5 mm, and I have no idea if it will work with other motors. Due to the precision with which the gear teeth mesh, it is highly unlikely. So think carefully before proceeding with printing!

All parts were printed on a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, which has a precision of 0.05 mm, so keep that in mind.

The filament I use is Bambu PETG HF. Printing the largest part, the servo housing, took about 3.5 hours. This is also the only part where I used support, but it depends a bit on how you orient the part for printing.

Do not use support for the opening where the screws need to go. Thanks to the precision of my Bambu Lab printer, I didn’t need to scale the parts—the screws fit perfectly.

If you’re not confident in printing the parts yourself, I can supply the printed parts for around Euro 30,- (2025) (excluding postage and bolts). Feel free to contact me at bbt-steering@ennogwat.nl if you’re interested and I'll provide the latest price and details. I will always include the 32 AND 48 tooth gears just in case.

I’m currently waiting for a roll of PA6-GF filament to print the gears, as I expect this material to be more suitable. However, the gears from my previous design, which was printed with PETG, lasted 4 years, but I’m not on the water with my belly boat every day. Addition: I tried printing with PA6-GF (Glass fiber) filament, which was quite challenging (adhesion issues). Eventually, I managed to print the gears, but due to slight warping, they didn’t fit together perfectly. That said, the filament itself is excellent and extremely durable. As mentioned earlier, PETG is more than sufficient and very easy to print. If the gears wear out over time, I just print new ones :).

The 3D CAD files will not be made available, so any requests regarding this will not be answered. The design was created with Fusion 360.

I hope this new design is helpful for you as well, but once again, it is specifically designed for a Minn Kota Endura Max.

My You Tube channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@theoonandroid8637 Release of this thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVve-s_K_-U

Added: What I forgot to mention is that the half gear that rotates the shaft rests on part of a plane thrust bearing. This is being replaced by a 2mm PTFE flat gasket washer, which I cut so it can be easily fitted onto the shaft. This works like a charm!

Added a short YT video after some user complained about gear fitting issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKCvhjb5pI

Changed 2025-05-15 Removed the 6mm Half Gear en Halve gear counter parts. Replaced with 5mm versions due to the fact that by tightening the 6mm version the gear could crack.

Changed 2024-12-07 Wingnut diameter 6mm

Added 2024-11-14 32 teeth gears

Added 2024-10-27 Servo Case without Electronics compartment.

Added 2024-11-30 I got a lot of questions about purchasing the complete solution (BBT Cockpit, Steering- and Speed controller). This project is not core business and to small to go commercial (with all the hassle around it). When I find the time I will make a DIY blog to control the steering using a wired connection.