trolling motor not working in freezing temps

[jwmiller33]

does anybody ever have any troubles with using a trolling motor in freezing water? i was out fishing on pool 2 on tuesday and it was above freezing and my trolling motor was fine... i went to launch the boat today, and it was about 22 degrees when i launched, and the trolling motor didn't work. the battery was fully charged and everything was connected how it normally is, so that wasnt the problem. i tried spinning the propeller and see if something was hung up and it would spin half way, then it wouldnt go any further. it was completely jammed up. i could spin it half way, forward or reverse, and then it would lock up. almost seemed like it was locked in gear.

anyways, when i got home i took the trolling motor inside and let it thaw out and now it is working fine.. is there anyway i can use my trolling motor in freezing temps? its a minn kota maxxum 55lb thrust, stern mount.

could it possibly be that one of the seals might have gotten broken from some fishing line? there is no fishing line on the shaft right now, but there was a couple times this summer when i got line caught in the trolling motor. i always got it out right away, but is it possible one of the seals busted and not is letting water into the motor and its freezing?

[jwmiller33]

i took off the propeller and there is no line like i said. i see there are two hex screws/bolts that i could take off and i assume get into the motor. if i do this would i be able to see if there was some issues with the seals? is it bad to take apart the motor on these things? i dont know much about trolling motors and how they are put together. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[Northlander]

I would guess your getting water in the housing. About all you can do then is have it checked and sealed better.

[BillyBoy23]

Do you have a warranty? That blows that it stopped working. If you do have that warranty I wouldn't mess with it to much just send it in so you don't void any agreement.