YOUR BOAT'S TROLLING MOTOR
Starting with your boat's trolling motor propellar. Take the nut and washer loose and remove the prop carefully. Clean off any weeds and remove any fishing line. Check the shear pin and look for any damage to the prop and replace it if neccesary. Return the prop and do not over-tighten the nut.
TIGHTEN DOWN ALL SCREWS OR BOLTS THAT HOLD DOWN THE TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET! - A loose bracket can waller out those bolt holes and it can damage the fiberglass on your boat! Its also very noisy if loose, allerting the bass to your presence everytime it sqeaks and groans!
Then take off the plastic cover on the head of the trolling motor, its usually held on with four screws. Look for any visible signs of damage such as a broken plastic part (like seen on the direction indicator), damaged or frayed cables, or worse yet, bad wires or connections.
Examine any wires that look like they may have over heated and melted the plastic coating and make repairs or replace if needed.
* Be sure not to tighten the screws down to tight, when you return the trolling motor cover. The screws can strip the plastic cover real easy if over-tightened.
Examine the foot-controlled pedal. Look for loose nuts or screws and tighten. Also check out the cables, switches and connectors, and the heat shrink wrap that covers the cables. You may need to replace it or just wrap it in electrical tape and secure it down tight on both ends.
Thats it!
Do this "trolling motor maintenance" at least once every month, especially if you go out weekly and fish several times a week. It will help prevent unwanted breakdowns and it keeps you fishing!
* Always have spare parts in the boat for when needed!
Thanks and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery Owner of Reeds Guide Service
Birmingham, Al. (205) 663-1504
Website www.fishingalabama.com
"Alabama's Oldest, Professional Guide Service for Over 40 Years"