Question about Trolling Motor Plug and Receptacle

[lakefloater]

I have the Marinco 70A trolling motor receptacle installed on the top of my deck on my boat for my Minn Kota trolling motor. However, I am having an issue. I operate the boat in the Intercoastal and salt always seems to win... What I mean by that is this. Even though I plug the motor into the receptacle and it is a tight fit, water obviously sometimes sprays up on the deck, and proceed to seep down the plug and into the receptacle. When I bring the boat back in, I can see it is wet. While it is not a lot of water, (only a few drops or dampness) it is still there. I do my best to dry this out and leave the cap open to it can air out, but again, because it is salt water, there is a residue. This has caused me an issue where I have to replace the receptacle because it has caused a short and the trolling motor will not run. I always hose down my entire boat and trailer every time I come back.

My questions are:
1 - Can I spray a solution or normal water there with the cap off to remove the salt residue? Would I need to disconnect the batteries (24v) first?
2 - Does anyone have some kind of cover or something they use to address this issue?

I was thinking of bringing the receptacle above the deck and using something like an outside extension cord cover, but then need to think how I would plug up the deck. I mean I will still need one for the wire to go thru, but not as large. I would need some kind of rubber gasket to fill the hole but that would allow the wire to go thru. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts, please share.

 

[dingbat]

I have the Marinco 70A trolling motor receptacle installed on the top of my deck on my boat for my Minn Kota trolling motor. However, I am having an issue. I operate the boat in the Intercoastal and salt always seems to win... What I mean by that is this. Even though I plug the motor into the receptacle and it is a tight fit, water obviously sometimes sprays up on the deck, and proceed to seep down the plug and into the receptacle. When I bring the boat back in, I can see it is wet. While it is not a lot of water, (only a few drops or dampness) it is still there. I do my best to dry this out and leave the cap open to it can air out, but again, because it is salt water, there is a residue. This has caused me an issue where I have to replace the receptacle because it has caused a short and the trolling motor will not run. I always hose down my entire boat and trailer every time I come back.

My questions are:
1 - Can I spray a solution or normal water there with the cap off to remove the salt residue? Would I need to disconnect the batteries (24v) first?
2 - Does anyone have some kind of cover or something they use to address this issue?

I was thinking of bringing the receptacle above the deck and using something like an outside extension cord cover, but then need to think how I would plug up the deck. I mean I will still need one for the wire to go thru, but not as large. I would need some kind of rubber gasket to fill the hole but that would allow the wire to go thru. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts, please share.

The problem isn’t salt water.......the problem is (junk) connectors and or wiring not designed for saltwater use.

If you have SW compatiable components, you have a grounding issue

 

[lakefloater]

The problem isn’t salt water.......the problem is (junk) connectors and or wiring not designed for saltwater use.

If you have SW compatiable components, you have a grounding issue

I am not sure if they are rated for salt water or not. Doesn't say. Do you have a suggestion?

 

[dingbat]

I am not sure if they are rated for salt water or not. Doesn't say. Do you have a suggestion?

What model trolling motor?

From what I can tell, the "Riptide" Series is the only model "optimized" (power coat and sealed control PCB) for marine use.

The recommended plug for "marine use" is

https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/trolling-motor/plug-receptacle-mkr-26

There are lots of cable solutions that will stand up to the environment, but the Achilles heal of your unit is the control board isn't sealed. It's only a matter of time before the problem starts to manifest on the control board.

Doesn't take long once the control board is compromised

 

[lakefloater]

What model trolling motor?

From what I can tell, the "Riptide" Series is the only model "optimized" (power coat and sealed control PCB) for marine use.

The recommended plug for "marine use" is

https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/trolling-motor/plug-receptacle-mkr-26

There are lots of cable solutions that will stand up to the environment, but the Achilles heal of your unit is the control board isn't sealed. It's only a matter of time before the problem starts to manifest on the control board.

Doesn't take long once the control board is compromised

Yes, they did replace the control board already. How do I seal that?

 

[dingbat]

Yes, they did replace the control board already. How do I seal that?

Goggle - pcb conformal coating spray for your options

We send our PCB out to be dip coated. No real experience with spray on coatings. Got to be better than nothing.

Maybe replace with "Riptide" controller next time

 

[skuhleman]

Coat the new socket in dielectric grease and you'll be good to go. Clean and reapply occasionally and you should be fine. That will keep water and salt out of the connector

 

[TyeeMan]

By all means get the Minnkota plug. But I think your main problem is your receptacle is located on top of your deck. Your just asking to have that fill up with water, , kind of surprised nothing shorted out yet.

When you get your new Minnkota plug and socket, relocate it to vertical surface. Then the water will run over the plug and not into the socket.