Fresh water trolling motor in salt water
Jan 3, 2020 08:43:16 #
I bought a new trolling motor (very expensive one) this year. It's a black freshwater one.
I plan on visiting coastal NC this summer and thinking of towing my boat and doing some marshland fishing in the New River area. Two weeks at most.
My question is, will that damage my trolling motor? It appears to be sealed, and no salt spray will occur. I always wash and flush after. (here comes the wise cracks about the lid down)
Has anyone used a fresh water trolling motor in saltwater?
I plan on visiting coastal NC this summer and thinking of towing my boat and doing some marshland fishing in the New River area. Two weeks at most.
My question is, will that damage my trolling motor? It appears to be sealed, and no salt spray will occur. I always wash and flush after. (here comes the wise cracks about the lid down)
Has anyone used a fresh water trolling motor in saltwater?
Jan 3, 2020 09:02:43 #
Yes you can use it in salt water. Make sure you wash it good with soap and water. I spray laa moving parts down with WD40
Jan 3, 2020 09:04:08 #
There are a lot of fishermen on or near the N.C. coast on this web site. You will get a lot more advice.
Jan 3, 2020 09:21:40 #
Thank you.
I couldn't see how salt could get inside anywhere.
The white saltwater version must be a marketing thing.
I couldn't see how salt could get inside anywhere.
The white saltwater version must be a marketing thing.
Jan 3, 2020 13:07:32 #
Sinner wrote:
Thank you.
I couldn't see how salt could get inside anywhere.
The white saltwater version must be a marketing thing.
I couldn't see how salt could get inside anywhere.
The white saltwater version must be a marketing thing.
Never heard of trolling motors for fresh water vs saltwater.
Jan 3, 2020 14:52:08 #
Cleemartin wrote:
Never heard of trolling motors for fresh water vs saltwater.
One is black, (fresh water)
One is white (salt water)
The salt water version is "sealed" against salt corrosion. Did I mention, at a much higher cost?
I some how think that is a marketing thing, but have no proof. The reason for this post.
I'm looking for people who routinely use the black version in salt environment, to see if it has caused any damage. Assuming proper care was taken.
Jan 3, 2020 14:54:33 #
Ron620DVS
Loc: Guntersville Alabama
Can a Freshwater Trolling Motor be used in Saltwater?
The answer to this is a yes or no, or somewhat it depends. The main disadvantage of using motors in salty water is that salt corrodes metal and shorten the lifespan of the motor. Salty water trolling motors have some enhancements, meant to suit their use in the high salt density water mass. These include stainless steel hardware, sealed electrical connections and an advanced painting process for improved corrosion protection. When using the freshwater motor in saltwater, ensure there is a service that is used to match the protective enhancement used in the salty water directly or indirectly.
https://bestinflatablesports.com/freshwater-trolling-motor-used-in-saltwater/
The answer to this is a yes or no, or somewhat it depends. The main disadvantage of using motors in salty water is that salt corrodes metal and shorten the lifespan of the motor. Salty water trolling motors have some enhancements, meant to suit their use in the high salt density water mass. These include stainless steel hardware, sealed electrical connections and an advanced painting process for improved corrosion protection. When using the freshwater motor in saltwater, ensure there is a service that is used to match the protective enhancement used in the salty water directly or indirectly.
https://bestinflatablesports.com/freshwater-trolling-motor-used-in-saltwater/
Jan 3, 2020 18:49:07 #
Thank you.
I've read other articles like this, and knew about the use of a zinc and fresh water bath after.
What I would like to hear from is someone who uses the fresh water model in salt, and the effect or result of any damage caused.
I've read other articles like this, and knew about the use of a zinc and fresh water bath after.
What I would like to hear from is someone who uses the fresh water model in salt, and the effect or result of any damage caused.
Jan 4, 2020 08:04:48 #
Raw Dawg Ron
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
Why yes, many used in saltwater before saltwater versions produced. Salt air seems to be the issue. Tuff on connections and switches. If going out in wee hours with fog just cover top end with plastic wrap to keep salt moisture out. Daytime would not worry too much just rinse off well.
Jan 4, 2020 10:21:30 #
I live in Currituck County, NC. Fished here for near 50 years. The only knowledge I have on saltwater gear pertaines to boats actually on sea going vessels large and small, the brackish waters of the sounds and rivers attached to them (Marshlands) havea salt content. The only thing I do is rinse well afterwzrds. As i do for my 4x4 truck after a beach trip and my 14ft x 56in width Owachata Jon boat. I go to the ar wash soap and rince all sand and salt spray out 3all frame work truck and trailer and top surfaces. Motor compartments outboard, trolling motor foot controller and truck. A clean sweep down fore and aft.. old Navy boatswain mate US Navy 1965, 1975. Old habits are hard to shake... Currituck County, NC Sportsman's Paradise. Look it up. Happy fishing freshwater saltwater and in between, deer, bear, duck, hunting, might see a gator or two also. Pretty good commercial there... need a guid? Know a few of those too.
Jan 4, 2020 12:37:05 #
Wow guys, that's what I'm looking for! Thanks.
And this trip IS for exploration of relocation. I will look up your references.
I haven't had any fresh gator in decades.
And this trip IS for exploration of relocation. I will look up your references.
I haven't had any fresh gator in decades.
Jan 4, 2020 15:21:13 #
I have been using a fresh water Motorguide troll motor in salt water for seventeen years with NO ill effects. When I first moved here many years ago I was told to not waste money on a salt water troll motor by an experienced locale. It turned out to be good advice. I wash it down with the rest of my boat and motor after wash trip, but don’t do anything else to it.
Jan 4, 2020 20:26:16 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
I purchased a new minn kota Ultrex 36 volt trolling motor in april 2019 & the instructions are clear not to use it in saltwater. Taking it out in a saltwater bay then washing it off with freshwater may be just fine for a few times. That motor cost me major bucks & I'm not going to chance it. I'd love to fish the Louisiana coastline & i probably will but i will find a used motor somewhere that'll get me around without endangering my Ultrex. That's just my opinion.
Jan 5, 2020 07:54:23 #
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