average trolling motor life?

bmshepherd · Post by **bmshepherd** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:05 am

My 5 year old motorguide 71lb. thrust, 24v trolling motor will only last half of a day with no wind. I have new ac delco batteries and mechanics tell me everything is fine with wiring and connections. Is it true that they get old and draw more amps to run them? Only getting 3 to 4 hours of T/M use on new Batteries is horrible, I remember going multiple days w/o needing to charge. Do I really have to buy a new $800 trolling motor every 5 years. What about all the older boats I see that still have the original T/M. Does anyone have any advice?

ash · Post by **ash** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:31 am

HMMMM I dont know, something is not correct in this system - In terms of wiring have you checked for resistance are you getting 24v + at the TM? If it is the TM that would mean the brushes or magnets are breaking off - I would be up in arms if that is the deal.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 9:22 am

Call Nick, the Trolling Motor Dr., at 800 944-9446
He can answer you question.

sniper · Post by **sniper** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:06 pm

Minn Kota..........................!!!!!

Gene Buchholz · Post by **Gene Buchholz** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 7:15 am

I don't think the problem would be in the motor. You say you have brand new batteries have you had a load test put on them? Have you checked your plug?
If you live around Oakley bring it by the Hook Line & Sinker I will put a load test on the batteries and I can check the wiring.
I am an authorized warranty center for Minn Kota and Motorguide.

basslayer · Post by **basslayer** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 4:36 pm

1 - check your charger with a meter to make sure its pushing the right power. It could be over charging or under charging, either way it will ruin your batterys(I ruined two sets before i realized I had a bad charger).
2 - after you test your plug with a meter remove it from the boat and visualy inspect it. My last boat tested fine at the plug but when I opened it up there was water inside the plug and it was melted inside.
3 - If the butt connectors that go on your battery terminals have shrink tubing on the ends peel it back and check for corrosion.
4 - Or just take it to Gene at the hook, this might save your sanitiy as elictrical problems can be a house of horrors sometimes.

Good luck

bmshepherd · Post by **bmshepherd** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:59 am

Thank you all for your info. I will check into the wiring some more. I've been wanting to fish the delta so maybe a trip to hook line and sinker is in order.