I just bought a Minn Kota Endura 30 lb thrust motor for my new (to me) Capri 14.2. Now I just realized that this is a "freshwater" motor and the salt water motor (the "Riptide") cost more than twice as much. Although I will be trailering my boat to lakes 85% of the time, I will occasionally use it in the ocean. Should I be concerned?
Fresh water motor in saltwater?
- Thread starter Budman57
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- saltwater motor
I would be somewhat concerned. Salt water motor is made with stainless steel parts. The fresh water motor is made with galvanized or plated steel parts. Although you may get away with using it in salt water for a while. The salt water will cause any parts where the galvanizing or plating has worn off to rust and void your warranty.
I doubt there would be a problem if you electrically (with a clamp and wire) connect to your Kota mount and a marine salt water zinc, that you hang in the salt water. The Kota appears to be sealed???
Jim...
I used a freshwater trolling motor on my daysailer while I had it. I only bought two of them. The first one died a horrible death when I capsized the daysailer in the surf. The second one is still going strong three years later. Basically, getting saltwater in the head of the unit is a death sentence. Avoid this and rinse the lower unit with fresh water when you get ashore. I haven't used my motor for the last two years but I just tried it and it still runs strong in both directions. It needs a little lubrication on the transom bolts, tho.
I've used my Trusty Minn-Kota 40-lb'er in salt and fresh for YEARS and the only adverse effect was the paint peeled off on the motor part (actually the aluminum casing corroded on the surface, taking the paint with it.) A light sanding and fresh coat of paint and it's still "good to go"! If you're really concerned, rinse it with fresh water after you've used it in salt.
Trolling motors are THE BOMB for tender dinghies!
druid
Trolling motors are THE BOMB for tender dinghies!
druid
Thanks for your feedback. I understand that I am putting my warranty at risk. But for the rare occasions I expect to be in salt water and the positive experiences of WayneH and druid, it just doesn't seem worth the extra cost to have a "salt water" rated motor. I'll be diligent about rinsing everything off after use and take my chances.
BU, If you will always flush the motor after going out into salt water, this will eliminate a lot of issues which is the key.. Suggest rinsing off the trailer as well. Use to be a small boat sailboat dealer for many years dealing with salt and fresh waters all the time.
Our first trolling motor committed suicide; jumped off the back of the dinghy in 25 feet of water. I had no idea anything was bothering it. The second one, as pointed out by Druid, peeled like my redhead brother-in-law after a day at the beach. But the controls also corroded after a few years and died. Picture this. I had two passengers. One was a little heavy and terrified of the water. The wind picked up, the rain was pouring down. The water was black an we were halfway to the dock, another 200 feet to go. Then . . . it died. I tried for a minute to revive it but nuthin! So, me and the big girl had to swap places so I could row. THAT was a maneuver. I started rowing but I had to carefully place thing because her ample "girls" were in the way. I got them to the dock, rowed back to get her husband and said "Hand me a screwdriver, the sockets and the side cutters." SO i decapitated the shaft and hardwired the motor to the battery clamps. Clip-n-go! Next day, they called his daughter for a rescue . . . and drove home! Oh, did I mention the rain and wind was really the remains of a hurricane making landfall down east! Wild ride!
If anybody does need a saltwater motor, consider WaterSnake. Works well and much less than Riptide
If anybody does need a saltwater motor, consider WaterSnake. Works well and much less than Riptide
Dscribner - sounds like a memorable adventure. I wish I had heard about the Watersnake before I committed to the Minn Kota. I would have had a salt water rated motor for just a little more than the price I paid for the fresh water one I got. I am learning a lot about owning a boat.