Saltwater Trolling motor

[27458]

probably a stupid question but before I drop money on a new trolling motor, does it really matter if a saltwater motor used on freshwater lakes? Corrosion wise, I can understand a freshwater not used on saltwater but thinking it shouldn't make a difference vice versa. Looking for a 80lb or better bow mount hand control. Seems they're quite limited unless in the satwater edition.

[satdoc1]

If you arent gonna go in the ocean why spend the extra for a saltwater version. Not necessary.

[27458]

Well, my point was that there's not a lot of offerings on the 80 lb or higher freshwaer hand control bow mounts to choose from. I certainly don't want to spend more money than I need but my 42 lb on 19 foot Fisher just won't cut it in the wind and drains the battery. I just can't handle those foot trolling motors and single pole fish.

[strmwalker]

Well, my point was that there's not a lot of offerings on the 80 lb or higher freshwaer hand control bow mounts to choose from. I certainly don't want to spend more money than I need but my 42 lb on 19 foot Fisher just won't cut it in the wind and drains the battery. I just can't handle those foot trolling motors and single pole fish.

you can used the saltwater version in fresh water with no problem , do y'all have brackish water in Mississippi ? if so and you fish it that saltwater motor is good to go , I seen a lot of people waste a lot of money on trolling motors fishing brackish water with a freshwater trolling motor !!!

[Cray]

What Strmwalker said,go for it. Not going to hurt a thing. Might check Bassboatcentral for a deal on good used one.

[jimp]

Compare the cost of one saltwater ready TM that will serve your purpose vs two or three freshwater TM's that won't serve your purpose. Pay for it now and enjoy or pay for it later and finally get to enjoy it.

[MidMsAngler]

Go for it. I fish for crappie outa the same boat I fish for redfish and speckled trout.

[Wind Knot]

I have a Riptide 55 SE hand control on my 16 ft. Jon and I use it primarily in freshwater. It has been a fantastic motor. Plenty of power and maneuverability The digital maximizer feature is a huge power saver to the point where I can fish all day on one battery. I'll need to charge it overnight for the next trip, but it's pretty remarkable that it runs as long as it does on a single charge. I don't know if they even make a 5 speed motor with more than 55 lbs. thrust. Either way, go with the maximizer and variable speed. You will need to run your depth finder on a separate battery, but you should probably do that anyway.

Here's my view on it-
- The life of the freshwater motor will be greatly compromised if it's used in saltwater.
- The saltwater motor can be used in any kind of water, so I'm assuming it is better insulated and non-ferrous parts are used.
- All ferrous metal will corrode eventually, even if it's used primarily in freshwater.

The SE motor has a compact mount and a quick disconnect is available. It uses a large poly plate on the mounting bracket and a poly puck on the boat. With the motor removed, all that remains is a 4"x6" puck. Everything else is out of the way- a huge benefit if you're duck hunting. The SM motor has a more robust mount and I don't know what the QD mount looks like on that one.

I'm rigging my boat as if it's going to be used in saltwater tomorrow. Aluminum and stainless parts are only painful to buy once. After that, you'll have something that is practically guaranteed to live longer in either environment. Plus, if you ever need to remove parts, it's nice to not have to deal with stuff being rusted together.

[deltaduk]

I just bought a 70lb riptide hand control from shut -up-and- fish for bout the same price as a maxxum. and I love it so far. might wanna check with him on the sponsor classified ads. I have a 16' F and F and it was rolling with it yesterday. Get the hot foot with it. you wont regret it