Trolling motor sunk

[ngentile]

I had a silly thing happen to me today. My Minnkota trolling motor popped off the mount and sunk to the bottom of this shallow lake. (don't ask how) NOW I didn't have a mask and/or snorkel to dive in and find it at the time but I do know generally where it's at. Question is this: Is it worth me trying to retreieve it? It was practically brand new so it kills me that this happend...

Or better yet - if a trolling motor is completely submerged for 24 hours will water leak down the shaft into the motor compartment. (this would obviously affect performance).

Thanks

Nick

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

What's the water temp?

 

[ngentile]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

Between 85 and 90 give or take.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

You can try and let air and heat of the day dry it out, but any electrics?...

You may want to think about how your NEXT motor is mounted and secured...

 

[ngentile]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

Does anyone know if these Minn Kota's are sealed at the shaft? bc if there's water down at the motor unit it's not worth it to me...

Thanks.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

?? My trolling motor [an old evinrude] runs submerged all day long,and sits out in the rain and snow. It still works fine....
I think they all must be designed to be weatherproof! I'd be diving or dragging to find it and haul it back aboard!

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

Since the water's so warm, I'd look at the "salvage" effort as something fun to do, without regard to whether the motor can be brought back to life. But it doesn't sound like that's your idea of fun. I don't know about the "survivability" of the motor. I suppose your time could be better spent rigging up a safety line for the replacement motor. If the loss site is anywhere near a swimming area, put the word out, drop a marker, and let the kids find it for you. Don't leave the marker (nav hazard) once you leave the area.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

It is not sealed at the top of the shaft, might be a different story at the motor itself but I doubt it.

Good luck either way dive in and get it.

Take the top off hang it upside down and blow out with air. When you feel it is dry enough plug in and see if you are lucky or have a parts motor.

This is a picture of my 36lbs which was giving me some problems, as you can see when they were drilling the bolt hole they hit a wire in the process.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

At this stage I would certainly retrieve it and remove the head. Tip it upside down and get out whatever water is in there. I suspect that the entry into the motor is sealed so the motor itself should be ok. Damaged or not, I would certainly retrieve the motor. Your insurance should cover at least part of the cost to replace or repair.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Trolling motor sunk

it is not sealed at the head of the motor.

but you can order a seal kit from www.crowleymarine.com

soon as you get it above the surface, disassemble the powerhead and dry everything out.

corrosion won't start in the absence of air, so it's not damaged, yet.

 

[fishrdan]

Mods will scold you for opening a 10 year old thread..... (should have started a new thread.)

Anywho, I would bake the electronics board and armature in an oven at 220* for 1-2 hours. The board would cost about $100 to replace so I wouldn't chance having moisture in it, even the wiring. Then baking will drive moisture out if the armature windings, (Don't bake any plastic housing parts.)

You're not supposed to re-use the motor gaskets and seals, one-time use items. If you're going to re-use them, put a light coat of sealant on them.

Look behind the brushes, remove that cardboard tube and re-use it to hold the brushes open, so you can get the armature/commutator back into the brushes.

Be sure to put the mag housing back on the right direction or the motor will run backwards.