T-H Marine FCS1DP Trolling Motor Foot Switch
T-H Marine FCS1DP Trolling Motor Foot Switch — Product description
Free your hands for casting. The T-H Marine foot switch lets you operate a manually-controlled trolling motor with your foot, leaving both hands free for fishing instead of holding down a hand button.
The T-H Marine FCS-1-DP foot control switch (MPN FCS-1-DP) is a marine-grade momentary foot switch for use with manually-operated trolling motors. You install it on the bow deck or trolling motor mount, route the switch wire to the trolling motor's manual control input, and step on the switch to activate the motor. Releasing your foot deactivates the motor. The result is hands-free trolling motor operation - both hands stay free for casting, hook-setting, and fish-fighting.
Why this matters. Manually-operated trolling motors require constant operator input to maintain thrust. With a hand-button switch, you have to hold the button while the motor runs, which means one hand is committed to the switch and only one hand is free for actual fishing. The foot switch frees both hands by transferring the activation duty to your foot. You step on the switch when you need thrust, release when you don't, and your hands stay on the rod the whole time.
Construction and durability. The switch body is molded marine-grade plastic with a non-skid foot surface. The internal contacts are corrosion-resistant for saltwater compatibility. The wire is marine-grade insulated copper with sealed terminations to prevent water intrusion. Field reports indicate the switch lasts multiple seasons of regular use without contact wear, and the non-skid foot surface keeps a wet boot from sliding off mid-cast.
Installation is straightforward. Position the switch on the bow deck or trolling motor mount where your foot naturally rests during operation. Run the wire from the switch to the trolling motor's manual control input. Secure both with the included hardware. Plan 15 to 30 minutes for the install. No drilling is required if you use the included surface-mount adhesive backing, or you can drill mount holes for a more permanent installation.
Compatibility. The switch works with any manually-operated trolling motor that accepts a remote momentary switch input. Most basic entry-level manually-operated trolling motors support this kind of upgrade. For variable-speed digital motors with proprietary controls (digital variable-speed trolling motors), the foot switch typically doesn't integrate cleanly because those motors use digital signals rather than simple momentary contacts.
Why pay for a marine-grade switch. Two reasons. First, the marine environment is hard on electrical switches - non-marine switches develop contact corrosion within a season of saltwater exposure and start failing under load. The T-H Marine switch is built for the marine environment. Second, the non-skid foot surface and marine-grade construction won't fail at the wrong moment, which matters when you've got a fish on and need both hands free. The small premium over generic foot switches buys reliability that you'll be glad to have on the water.
One practical install note. Position the switch where your foot naturally rests when you're standing at the bow casting. Most anglers find that slightly behind their casting foot is the sweet spot - it's close enough to reach quickly but out of the way of normal foot positioning. If you fish from a seated position, position the switch on the deck where your foot rests in the seated stance. The exact placement is personal preference, but get it close enough that you can engage it without looking down.
A practical note on wire run length. The T-H Marine switch ships with a standard-length lead that suits most install positions on a small to mid-sized bow. If you need a longer run (some larger boats want the switch position farther from the trolling motor than the lead reaches), you can extend the wire with marine-grade splice connections and butyl sealant at the splice points. Don't use indoor electrical wire nuts - they corrode in the marine environment and develop high-resistance connections that cause switch failures. Use proper marine splice technique with heat-shrink butt connectors and the install will last as long as the switch itself.
Key Features
- Momentary foot control switch for manually-operated trolling motors
- Frees both hands for casting, hook-setting, and fish-fighting
- Marine-grade molded plastic body with non-skid foot surface
- Corrosion-resistant internal contacts for saltwater compatibility
- Marine-grade insulated copper wire with sealed terminations
- Surface-mount adhesive backing or drill-mount install options
- 15 to 30 minute install with included hardware
- Compatible with most entry-level manually-operated trolling motors
- Lasts multiple seasons of regular use without contact wear
- Non-skid foot surface holds wet boots in place mid-operation
- Inexpensive upgrade for hands-free trolling motor operation
- Works with basic manually-operated entry-level motors from major brands
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized T-H Marine reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Genuine T-H Marine FCS-1-DP foot control switch (MPN FCS-1-DP, UPC 719249FCS-1-DP8). T-H Marine standard warranty. Ships from NVN Marine with order-by-3-PM same-day shipping on this $27.49 switch.
Technical specifications
| Title | T-H Marine FCS-1-DP Foot Control Switch for Manually-Operated Trolling Motors |
|---|---|
| Brand | T-H Marine |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FCS-1-DP |
| UPC | 719249FCS-1-DP8 |
| Switch Type | Momentary foot switch (closed when pressed, open when released) |
| Body Material | Marine-grade molded plastic with non-skid foot surface |
| Contact Material | Corrosion-resistant for saltwater compatibility |
| Wire | Marine-grade insulated copper with sealed terminations |
| Install Type | Surface-mount adhesive backing or drill-mount options |
| Install Time | 15 to 30 minutes with included hardware |
| Compatibility | Manually-operated trolling motors with remote momentary switch input |
| Voltage Range | 12V to 24V DC typical trolling motor applications |
| Saltwater Use | Yes, marine-grade construction throughout |
| Warranty | T-H Marine standard warranty |
Frequently asked questions
What does the switch do?
It's a momentary foot switch that activates your manually-operated trolling motor when you step on it and deactivates when you release. The benefit is that both hands stay free for casting and fish-fighting instead of holding a hand-button to run the motor.
Will it work with my digital trolling motors?
No. Digital variable-speed trolling motors (digital variable-speed trolling motors) use proprietary digital control signals, not simple momentary switch contacts. The T-H Marine foot switch is for basic manually-operated trolling motors. Check your motor's manual to confirm it accepts a remote momentary switch input before ordering.
What motors does it work with?
Most entry-level manually-operated trolling motors - basic entry-level trolling motors from major brands. Any trolling motor that has a remote momentary switch input or manual on-off contact will work.
How does it install?
Mount the switch on the bow deck or trolling motor mount where your foot naturally rests. Route the wire from the switch to the trolling motor's manual control input. Secure with included hardware. Plan 15 to 30 minutes. You can use surface-mount adhesive backing (no drilling) or drill for a permanent install.
Will it work in saltwater?
Yes. Marine-grade construction, corrosion-resistant contacts, sealed wire terminations. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater days as standard maintenance.
Where should I mount it?
Slightly behind your casting foot position is the sweet spot - close enough to engage quickly but out of the way of normal foot positioning. If you fish seated, mount it where your foot rests in the seated stance. The exact spot is personal preference.
Will my boot slip off the switch when wet?
Not with a properly-grippy fishing boot. The switch has a non-skid molded foot surface that grips most fishing footwear. Smooth leather-sole boots may slip occasionally, but rubber-sole or composite-sole boots grip reliably.
How long does the switch last?
Multiple seasons of regular use is typical. The internal contacts are designed for the cycle count of normal foot-switch operation. After several years of heavy use, the contacts may eventually develop wear that requires replacement, but that's well past the cost-recovery point for the switch.
Does it draw any current when not pressed?
No. It's a momentary switch - electrically open (no current flow) when not pressed, closed (current flows to the trolling motor) when pressed. Releasing your foot opens the circuit and stops the motor.
Can I use it for other accessories besides a trolling motor?
Yes, for any 12V to 24V DC device that accepts momentary switch activation. Some anglers use a foot switch for accessory pumps, livewell aerators, or auxiliary lights. The switch is generic enough to work in those applications.
What's the warranty?
T-H Marine standard warranty applies.
Why pay this much for a simple switch?
Marine-grade construction matters more than the simplicity suggests. Generic non-marine foot switches develop contact corrosion within a season of saltwater use and start failing under load. The T-H Marine marine-grade switch resists corrosion and lasts multiple seasons. The small premium buys reliability.
