Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

[exnavyman123]

I just had a quick question, do electric trolling motors need to be in water to safely operate?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

It won't hurt them at all to test them out of water.
JBJ

 

[exnavyman123]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

ok thanks, another question, do you think a 28 lb thrust trolling motor is too small to move a 14 foot aluminum sea nymph?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

You may not be happy with the performance but yes it will move the boat....... it will really struggle on a light breeze.

 

[exnavyman123]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

what size thrust do you suggest for it, also what are the longest lasting batteries?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

Depending on the design of the motor stow and deploy mechanism, the motor may not operate in the stowed position. The motor does depend on water for cooling so don't let it run for long periods of time out of the water. The longest lasting batteries are batteries that have the highest AHr (amp hour) rating. Doesn't matter who makes them or what they look like. Just compare the labels on the top of the battery. You cannot have too large a battery (capacity) -- just too small.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Do electric trolling motors need to be in water to operate?

I just had a quick question, do electric trolling motors need to be in water to safely operate?

They will operate safely, however, they may overheat if you operate them for a long period of time they may over heat.

As far as the best battery, for battery life, get the biggest Optima Blue Top you can afford and it will last forever (in terms of years) and give you the best running time. Charge it with a charger with an AGM setting. However, they (the batteries) are very pricey. (As a disclaimer, I should say that I work for Johnson Controls, the manufacturer of that battery and I got a great employee discount on mine.)

Added edit... As far as running hours, Silvertip is right. Ampere hours is the only thing that matters for running time. However, the ampere hours will deteriorate as the battery ages. You will want a deep cycle battery regardless, otherwise you will quickly damage the battery. As far as how many charge-discharge cycles the battery will tolerate, that is where the biggest difference in battery construction shows up. Also some batteries (like an AGM type) will tolerate being bounced around in the boat, etc. much better than others.

TerryMSU