Electric Motor in Salt

General Boats and Motors
1

I am assuming that there are freshwater electric motors (usually painted black) and saltwater electric motors (white). If not, can
you use any electric motor in saltwater, and with proper rinsing after use keep them in good running order?

2

I don’t believe it’s recommended by the manufacturer.
Saltwater might void your warranty.
People have done it with no problem, doesn’t mean you wont.

3

Yes, it can be done. I do it all the time.

Yes, it does either void, or shorten, your warranty on new ones. With Minn-Kota, it shortens it by about half (I forget the specifics). I don’t really care, because I can almost buy three Minn Kota freshwater motors for the price they charge for the saltwater version with the same features.

If you have the pockets, and need the extra peace of mind about it, then you really can’t go wrong with the saltwater Minn Kotas, they are well made and durable.

I don’t have deep pockets, and my peace of mind comes from the Lord, not my toys, so I bought the freshwater (EnduraMax 55), and I’ve been quite happy with mine. I’ve used mine in saltwater for about a year and a half now, and the only problem I have is that the mounting bracket worm-screws get a little oxidized. Some WD40 helps with that.

I also dump the boat into a freshwater lake after EVERY trip, wash off the trailer (cheap steel) and clean the foot of the trolling motor for a few minutes with it on high/reverse. I hose the upper portion off and the mounting bracket when I get home.

… The Cross of Christ is the anvil upon which the hammer of evil wore itself out.

4

Have used a freshwater Minkotta in the salt for years with out any problems, but washing in fresh water after each trip is a must and wipe down with a rag soaked in wd40 and keep unpluged when not in use

5

Super! I don’t have deep pockets either and have spent a lot of money already on the
boat. I already have a trolling motor and battery and wanted to put it on my Scout.
I figure it would be easier to fish by myself with the assistance of a trolling motor.

Thanks again.

WS Tarpon 120
WS Tarpon 100
Heritage Ultralite 9.5
Ghennoe & 6hp Suzuki
Scout 153 & Yamaha 60

6

Pretty much all the above is right.
I am still using a 55# motor-guide trolling motor after at least 10 years. The paint is gone off of the nose of the motor, but everything else is fine. The key is to rinse with fresh water and keep the moving parts lubricated.

218WA Sailfish
200 Verado
The "Penn"sion Plan

7

put a anode on the prop (replace the prop nut)

8
quote:
Originally posted by JMH

put a anode on the prop (replace the prop nut)

This is true.

The prop nut might not be all that easy to find but Chris V might sell it at his store. For $5-10 it’s cheap sacrificial insurance. It’s made of zinc and will help redirect any stray electrical current (induced current?) in the water.

Mine still looks brand new.

… The Cross of Christ is the anvil upon which the hammer of evil wore itself out.