Page 30 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2022

Tips for Regular Maintenance

Part 1: Trolling Motor

Where I live in the south, I am fortunate enough to be able not to drop and lose the little pin that keeps your prop
to use my boat all year round. We do have the occasional lined up! Been there and done that before! Clean spindle,
freezing weather. I still need to do some things to prepare check for any line or debris. In most cases, there is no need
for those idle times. Some of the things included here for to lubricate the spindle, but be sure to check your owner’s
the benefit of those who do have to store their boats in the manual. Once done, replace the prop. For me details, click
winter. Even if you don’t store your boat over the winter, on the image to see more details on the Minn Kota web-
these are good maintenance practices for all of us. No one site.
wants to be heading out for a day on the water and have it
derailed. Especially, if it is something we could had pre- Next, I like to lubricate any of the
vented with a little bit of time spent on maintenance. In contact points where the bracket and
this multipart series, we will share tips and reminders of trolling motor pivot on. Remember
things you can do or have done to keep your rig ready a little can go a long way. Have some
paper towels or rags handy to wipe off
Regardless of your situation, you want your boat in tip top the excess. Some places are easier to
shape the next time you want to use it. It is always best to access when the trolling motor is de-
refer to your owner’s manual for the boat and motor before ployed and others when it is stowed. I
you start the winterizing process. Time is always going to also like to raise and lower the trolling
be a factor and you may find it easier to take your boat to motor a few times after applying the
the dealer. If your area is like mine, that means your boat oil to make sure the oil is distributed
could be at the dealer for 4-6-8 weeks. From the items as evenly as possible. Again, I use a
identified here, you can decide which things you are able little oil on each of the contact points and slides on the
and or willing to address and which ones you will leave to bracket. I personally use 3-IN-ONE oil.
a dealer. We are going to go through tips for doing regular
maintenance and winterizing from the least intimidating
to things that can be more intimidating.

Trolling Motor

When you have a little down time, it is a great opportunity
to do a little maintenance on the trolling motor and brack-
et. Remove the prop to check for fishing line. Be careful
Finally, Check the pull cable for frays and replace if need-
ed. For those whose trolling motors have pistons, it is a
good time to check those for leaks and to make sure the
pins holding them in place are secure.

28 Lady Bass Anglers Association Maintenance Tips Part 1: Trolling Motor