Minnkota trolling motor question?

[Scott K]

I have a Minkota bow mount trolling motor, auto pilot 48 lb thrust, 24 volt. I dont use it much, it used to be a cordless, but brought it to minkota and had them transfer it to a corded system, I hated the cordless! And I had them put a longer shaft on it, do to I got a bigger boat. That was 2 years ago, paid good dollar to do this also, contiplated buying new then, didnt use it for the first part of last season, then when I did use it the motor just barely spun over with new batteries. Im assuming the motor is bad, I dont know. Its like 7 years old now, might have 10 total hours on it, but when I want to use one I want the option of having one, and the security, incase my main motor breaks down it gives me a sense of security!

My question is should I bring it back, maybe they goofed up something, or if not is it still worth fixing? Or should I just buy a new one? But since it gets very minimal use will the new one cause me lots of problems also?

Im sure after 2 years minkota isnt going to stand behind their repair, but it may be something simple? Possible brushes rusty and hanging up? Is it easy to take apart and inspect, I do have mechanical background! Or after tearing it down will I be just throwing away a big box of parts that I would never get back together?

Thanks for any help!

[sparcebag]

Did you run it after you got it back 2yrs. ago? If so I'd guess you might take it down.but the brushes are enclosed water tight,ya could check them also a power check make sure it is gettin the juice it needs.If that fails contact me I may help you.

[Jaybob]

Have you made sure both batteries are alive and well? I had the same symptoms last year and one of the batteries was toast.

[Scott K]

Yes both batteries are good! I also use them for my ice house. I have been an auto mechanic( tech) for 18 years, so I am a little handy when it comes to mechanical stuff! And no I never did try it after getting it back from them untill last year in augast! Like I said I dont use it often!If you have any recomendations on what I should do I am all ears!

[sparcebag]

I think I'd start by calling the shop that did the work,Explain you never used it till?? and see if they would check it out,they may have made a mistake somewhere. It does happen! Not me tho

[Down Deep]

I would take it back to the repair shop and see what the say. I'll bet you hear something like "We will check it out", then find out that something else has crashed. Then you'll know. Minnkota has a good reputation for fixing stuff they don't have to, but I'm sure they have thier limits. Don't take it apart because you probably don't know what you are looking at and if you remove the motor out of the case you might not get it back in. If the motor is toast list on the FM "Free Stuff" I'll bet someone will take it.