Yes, running a trolling motor out of water can damage it and can be potentially dangerous. This is because the propeller will not have enough water to displace and can spin too fast causing friction and heat, shorting out the motor itself, or even causing a fire.
Additionally, the electric components, such as the battery and wiring, will not be cooled by the water, which could also lead to an issue. In either case, it is best to avoid running a trolling motor out of water, as this can cause irreparable damage.
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How long will a 12v battery run a trolling motor?
The length of time a 12V battery will run a trolling motor will depend on a variety of factors including the type of trolling motor being used, the capacity of the battery, the number of batteries in the system, the application of the trolling motor in terms of its load, and the environment in which it is used.
Generally speaking, a 12V trolling motor may run for between 4 and 7 hours under average conditions when a typical deep cycle marine battery is used. The actual time may at times be reduced due to factors such as when the motor is run under heavy load, when it is used in environment with warmer temperatures, when the battery is near its end of life, when it is running with a partial charge, or when it is run with a modified voltage system other than 12 volts.
How far does a trolling motor need to be in water?
A trolling motor needs to be deployed deep enough into the water that its propeller is submerged below the surface at least 6-8 inches so that it can generate sufficient thrust to propel a watercraft at a reasonable speed.
It is important to note that the deeper the trolling motor is submerged, the more thrust it can generate. Poorly submerged trolling motors run the risk of overheating and damaging the motor due to insufficient water flow to keep it cool.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the trolling motor is submerged at least 2-3 feet in order to avoid obstacles such as rocks, stumps and land obstructions.
How fast will a 40 lb thrust trolling motor go?
The exact speed a 40 lb thrust trolling motor will reach depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your vessel, the type of water you are travelling through (rivers, lakes, or the ocean), and whether you are propelling the vessel forward from a standing or moving start.
If your vessel is small, such as a 10-14 foot craft, a 40 lb thrust trolling motor should be able to propel it up to about 5-7 mph in calm conditions. If the vessel is larger, around 17-20 feet, it can reach speeds of around 6-10 mph in similar conditions.
In choppy waters or strong currents, however, the speed can slow down significantly. Keep in mind that these speed measurements are estimated and vary depending on the boats profile, total weight, and how the motor is being used.
How far behind the boat should I troll?
The exact distance behind the boat that you should troll will depend on the circumstances of your specific fishing trip. Generally speaking, trolling should be done close enough to the boat so that your lures are able to consistently move through the water and remain in the strike zone.
However, the distance should not be so close that your lures are consistently running along the boat’s hull or into the boat’s wake. Ideally, the lures should travel just far enough away from the boat so that there is still enough water resistance for them to move properly.
Also, it is important to remember that the size and speed of the boat can affect the distance from the boat that you should troll. Generally speaking, a boat with a slower speed will require a shorter distance behind the boat, whereas a boat with a faster speed will require a longer distance behind the boat for trolling.
Additionally, the type of lures you are using can also have an effect on the distance behind the boat that you should troll. Heavier trolling lures typically need to be farther behind the boat to perform correctly, while lighter trolling lures can be trolled closer to the boat.
Ultimately, it is best to experiment with different distances behind the boat to determine which distance yields the best results.
Where should a trolling motor be placed?
The correct placement of a trolling motor is determined by a few factors. First, it should be placed at the center of the boat for optimal balance. This is because the motor may cause the boat to tilt when in use, and the weight in the center will help to keep the boat level.
Second, the motor should be placed close to the transom so the propeller can reach the water. Lastly, the trolling motor should be securely attached to the boat to ensure it does not come loose while in use.
Special bolts and installation kits are available to ensure that the trolling motor is firmly affixed.
How deep should the Minn Kota be?
The depth that a Minn Kota should be submerged to when in use should depend on a number of factors, including the size of the boat, the size of the trolling motor, and the type of environment it will be used in.
When determining the correct depth, it is important to take into consideration any potential hazards or waterspouts or changes in the water’s depth. If a shallow body of water is being navigated, then the Minn Kota should be kept no deeper than four or five feet below the surface.
In deeper waters, the optimal depth for trolling is nine to ten feet. For best results and safety, it is important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and local regulations prior to determining the correct depth for the Minn Kota.
How deep should trolling motor propeller be?
The depth of the trolling motor propeller should depend on the conditions you will be fishing in and the size of your boat. Generally, a trolling motor propeller should be about six to eight inches below the surface of the water.
This may vary depending on the size of the boat and the type of water you are fishing in. If you are fishing in shallow, weedy water, the propeller should be just skimming the surface or slightly below the surface to prevent weeds from tangling up the prop.
If you are fishing in deeper water, it may be necessary to set the motor deeper, however, you will still want to avoid going too deep or too shallow. Too deep and the prop will lose power and too shallow and the prop will cavitate and become noisy.
How long does a trolling motor usually last?
The longevity of a trolling motor largely depends on several factors, such as the frequency of use, the environment of operation (freshwater, saltwater, etc. ), and the quality of care it receives. Generally speaking, a well-maintained trolling motor can last anywhere from 10 – 20 years, as long as it receives regular service and maintenance.
Taking good care of a trolling motor includes thoroughly cleaning the motor after each use and making sure to replace any worn-out parts with genuine replacement parts. For trolling motors that are frequently used in saltwater, it is especially important to clean regularly, as salt can build up on the motor and corrode the components.
Many trolling motor manufacturers recommend using their own cleaning and lubrication products to ensure that the motor stays in good working condition and extends the life of the motor. Also, always make sure to remove the battery and store it in a dry, ventilated area when the motor is not being used.
Taking all of these actions can help a trolling motor last upwards of 15 years or more.
What causes a motor to burn out?
A motor burning out typically happens because of an overload of current running through the motor, resulting in the winding of the motor’s coils getting too hot and eventually burning out. Further causes may include poor ventilation caused by a lack of cleanup/maintenance of the motor, as well as improper wiring, too low voltage, and exposure to moisture.
This can all cause problems in the electrical connections, leading to increased friction and heat, short circuits, and eventually a burned out motor. Motors can also burn out from faulty electrical components or from age related issues such as weakened or corroded connections or worn out bearings.
With all of the above in mind, it is important to take proper care and maintenance of motors to ensure that they are in proper working order and to prevent burnout.
Do electric trolling motors wear out?
Yes, electric trolling motors do wear out over time. The motor’s components can be affected by wear, tear, and regular use, and eventually they can fail. Factors like the number of hours used, the conditions in which they are used, and the maintenance provided can affect the lifespan as well.
Taking care of a trolling motor can help it last longer, but eventually it will need to be replaced. Regular servicing and maintenance can prolong its life and help ensure it is functioning correctly.
It’s a good idea to check for abnormalities like noise in the motor, corrosion and fraying wiring, a loose propeller, or a loose connection. Such problems can indicate wear and tear, which can be the result of heavy use or from improper maintenance.
How do you know if a motor is burnt?
One of the most common ways to identify whether a motor is burnt is to inspect it for signs of heat damage and blackened or discolored wiring. If a motor has been in use for a long period of time, it may become brittle or show signs of corrosion.
Additionally, you can listen for strange noises coming from the motor, such as humming, buzzing, or grinding. This is usually an indication that something is wrong with the internal components of the motor.
Lastly, you can test the voltage readings of the motor to determine its status. If it is producing an abnormally high voltage, this may be a sign that the motor is burnt.
What is the most common cause of motor failure?
The most common cause of motor failure is overheating. A motor works by the electric current in its windings producing a magnetic field which causes the rotor to turn. However, this process also generates heat, which needs to be dispersed in order for the motor to continue running.
Overheating occurs when the motor is unable to dissipate this heat adequately and the internal temperature rises above a certain threshold. This can be caused by an inadequate cooling system, excessive load, a blockage in the air flow, or an electrical overload.
Inadequate bearing lubrication is also another common cause of overheating, which can lead to premature failure of the motor. In addition, motors can also fail due to mechanical damage, corrosion, improper maintenance, electrical faults, and undersized parts.
Can you fix a burnt out engine?
The extent of engine damage will determine whether it can be fixed or not. If your engine has completely burnt out and all of the components have been destroyed, there may not be much you can do to fix it.
In some cases, depending on how severe the damage is, you may be able to replace certain parts with new ones. If the damage isn’t too extensive, you may be able to have the existing parts repaired or even rebuilt.
To fully assess the situation, you would need to contact an expert mechanic for a professional assessment of the engine and any potential repairs or replacements that might be necessary. If the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the value of the car, it may not be worth attempting to fix the engine.
