Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

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R. Duzac
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Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by R. Duzac »

I have an older Minnkota Maxxum 101 with very new batteries. Over time it seems like I'm just not getting the same pull from the motor as I once did.

Do they get old, or need parts replaced over time?

Thanks,
Rene
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R. Duzac
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by R. Duzac »

Sorry, I did find similar question on BBC with a few responses.
Sounds like I need to measure the amperage when motor is running on high.

Thanks,
Rene
Rich hamilton
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by Rich hamilton »

Great question! I have wondered the same thing with my ten year old minnie 101. Seems like the minimum would be to rebuild it and a new brush kit to get some new life into an older motor in my case. I am sure the trolling motor guru's will have a better answer for you. RR
Last edited by Rich hamilton on Fri Sep 29, 2017 3:03 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Stratos278
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by Stratos278 »

Pull your prop off and make sure that the shaft isn't wrapped with old fishing line (braid especially), dead grass or weeds. That stuff will definitely drag it down performance-wise.
Jim C.
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R. Duzac
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by R. Duzac »

I should have added to my post that I'm a stickler for not going out until everything is properly taken care of.
I've been stuck on the water so many times as a kid in my dads boat that I learned the hard way.

Good Batteries
Good Charge
Clean terminal
Jumper cables
Full tank of gas
Cleaned and lubed everything
ETC. :-)

Even my fishing gear is already set up before I hit the water.
Yes, like many of us I have a problem!
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hydro
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by hydro »

Could also be a connection issue with the wiring to blame . A bad connection will have a voltage drop occurring across it . Using a Multi Meter set to DC volts read the battery voltage at the trolling motor pedal . Verify the supply at the pedal voltage matches your battery voltage . Put the trolling motor on the highest speed and monitor the battery voltage while hitting the switch on the foot pedal keeping everything clear of the spinning prop . If the voltage drops more than a small amount when running with new charged batteries you most likely have found the culprit in the wiring .
gabuelhaj
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by gabuelhaj »

If the wiring is on a circuit breaker, check that for impedance/resistance when doing your other diagnostics.

Good luck!
Glenn Abuelhaj
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by WRB »

It's a electric motor with brushes and armature, both wear out.
Tom
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CBoat
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Re: Do Trolling Motors degrade overtime

Post by CBoat »

water leaking into motor causing corrosion inside. My 8 year old motorguide was like that.
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