OK guys. It’s time to jump in your boat and go fishing. Before we head out for another season lets do a few things to be sure we enjoy the trip. We all know to do the maintenance on the motor, boat, and trailer. Do we think to anything for our electronics and trolling motor?

As a repair tech for Motorguide and Minn Kota I see a lot of problems people have that can easily be remedied with a little prep and maintenance. The first thing to do is drag those batteries out of their hole for maintenance. Pop the caps and check the water level. Make sure to add only distilled water. Next clean the posts thoroughly and apply a little Dielectric grease. You can pick up a tube at your local auto parts store. Some places call it tune up grease. You normally put it on your sparkplug boots. This will slow down corrosion and keep a good clean contact. Properly charge your batteries and have them load tested. Any auto parts can do this as well. Just because a voltmeter says it holds 12 volts doesn’t mean that they will hold an amp load. If your battery cannot hold a load at the cranking amp rate; the battery is dead and worthless to you on the water. Always, always replace batteries in pairs for 24 volt systems or all three for 36 volts. Replacing one bad battery will only drag that new battery down faster and leave you in the lurch when the other battery dies. These hints are good for your cranking system as well.

Now we need to clean all other connections on the trolling motor system. Clean the connections to the battery and coat them with a little grease. Check your circuit breaker. Make sure it is the right size for your application. Clean and coat it as well. Check the plug and see what it looks like. The same applies here. If your plug is loose you won’t get a good connection. This will cause your motor to chatter or buzz. Too much corrosion will cause a poor connection. It will buzz or cause too much resistance and burn up your plug, wires or motor. I spray a little Corrosion X in my receptacle every time I come off the water. It will make that plug last a lot longer.

The trolling motor itself needs a little attention too. Get a screwdriver. Usually a Phillips will do. Open the top cover on the motor. Inspect the inside for corrosion, rust and broken or loose wires. Take Corrosion X and spray inside a light coat. If your motor has not been used in a year or more; it needs new seals. You take a chance putting it in the water as the lower unit may leak. Contact your local service center for help.

I recommend that you open the top every few trips to spray inside.

Lets look at the connections on your depth finder, GPS or any other electronics you depend on. Look for any green stuff. Spray a little Corrosion X to clean these up. I tell people to rub a little grease on these connections as well. Check for broken or bent pins on the back of the electronics. Be very careful if you try to straighten them. The only people that repair these items are the factories that made them.

I hope these things will help everyone enjoy the little time on the water we have. Breakdowns and problems occur. With a little time and effort you can help to eliminate these things. It may even save you some money. I know we all want that. Hope to see you out on the water. Remember to boat safely. Watch out and be courteous to fellow boaters.

Craig Warley