Would It Be More Trouble Than It’s Worth?

[985crabs]

Let’s say a Motorguide Xi5 GPS 105#, 36v Freshwater trolling motor fell of a truck and landed in my driveway. It has a dent in the motor casing, but seems to be fine otherwise.

Can I use a freshwater trolling motor in brackish water?
Is 105# too much for a 19’ boat?
I have a 24v system now with AGM batteries that are 5 years old. Can I add 1 battery or do I need 3 new ones?
I have a 2-bank battery charger, I guess I’d have to get a 3-bank model.
Would 3 batteries be too much weight in the bow?

I have a hand-operated TM now. This new thing is wireless and can hook up to GPS to spot lock and all that so it’s kind of sexy. Is it sexy enough to subject myself to the tortures of installing it or would it be more trouble than it’s worth?

My other option is to put it on Craigslist on see if some sap wants to buy it.

[Juan]

That's a good trolling motor but as you know, not intended for saltwater (but I've seen them mounted on saltwater boats) so I guess if you wash it off, it should be okay until it starts to corrode. I'm guessing the dent in the housing isn't bad enough to interfere with the armature turning. You could just add a third battery but I've always heard that it's best that all the batteries be the same age because the amperage can vary and yes, you'd need to add another charger but there are options.
All that said. I'd go the Craigslist route. It's not made for saltwater, 3 batteries weigh a lot (unless you get an expensive lithium 36 volt battery) and 105 pounds of thrust will throw your azz out of the boat.
Sell it and use the cash for a 24 volt saltwater motor... there's a bass fisherman out there somewhere who wants it.

btw: How does a trolling motor fall off and land in your driveway?

[985crabs]

My #1 fishing buddy works for an aftermarket marine parts distributor. Good friend to have.

They used to offer Minn Kota and Motorguide. They’ve recently solidified their relationship with Minn Kota and dropped Motorguide. They had this one sitting on the shelf (returned) and couldn’t do anything with it. The warehouse manager told my buddy to get it out of his way. So, last night he showed up in my driveway with this beast.

[Juan]

May 16, 2020 19:02:10 GMT -6 985crabs said:

My #1 fishing buddy works for an aftermarket marine parts distributor. Good friend to have.

That's for sure! Did he drop off the remote with it? If you decide to sell it put it on BassBoat Central www.bbcboards.net/forum.php Depending on condition I would think you could sell it for $1200 - $1500.

[985crabs]

Oh yes, all stuff is included. Thanks for the tip on that bass site. I think you’re right, I don’t think I could love this thing. Too many complications.

Could go up for sale. Have to see what my buddy wants to do.

[mosquito13]

If you have a interstate battery warehouse near , they sell good used for half price. With the warrenty they get a lot of "new" returned batteries that test out good. Your least powerfull battery will pull any other batteries to its level. Don't know the science behind that but a easy google. Never can have too much trolling motor. At half throttle you are getting near the 80lbs thrust of your 24 volter and drawing less off % off the increased battery bank.

[985crabs]

I’ll have to look into that. Might change the proposition a little.