Use of electric motor in salt water?

[purplepassion]

Was wondering if i needed to buy a "riptide" or other marine type electric motor, or if a regular one works in salt or tide water...thanks for any info.

[Thumper]

The Minn Kota Riptide is warranteed to operate in salt water. The Vantage and other Minn Kota variants are not. If you want your motor covered you best choose wisely.

One thing is clear to me. You will need warranty service. I have needed such service on 3 occasions for my Vantage 101. I would never, ever expose it to salt water.

[Salmonator]

In all instances of using a non-salt type that I've heard of, you shorten the life of the motor.

[cully]

If the kota is other than a riptide make sure you rinse it with fresh water when u get home. When I used mine in salt water , I'd run it in the utility sink in the garage using fresh water. I never had a problem with the 36 thrust but I soon bought a riptide because of the salt problem being a factor.

[Coastalfisherman]

The regular minn kota motors are not sealed completely and will all some water to get into the housing in front of the propeller. When the saltwater inside it dries it will cause major problems. Your warranty will not cover this, but if you do want to use it in the salt it is very important to rinse with fresh water as soon as possible.

[Half fast Toyn]

here is the fine print...

Entire Product
Johnson Outdoors, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that the purchaser’s entire Minn Kota® trolling motor is free from defects in materials and workmanship appearing within two (2) years after the date of purchase. Johnson Outdoors will, at its option, either repair or replace, free of charge, any parts, including any composite shaft, found to be defective during the term of this warranty. Such repair or replacement shall be the sole liability of Johnson Outdoors, Inc. and the sole remedy of the purchaser for breach of this warranty.

Terms Applicable to Both Warranties
These limited warranties do not apply to motors used commercially nor do they cover normal wear and tear, blemishes that do not affect the operation of the motor, or damage caused by accidents, abuse, alteration, modification, misuse or improper care or maintenance. The cost of normal maintenance or replacement of parts which are not defective are the responsibility of the purchaser.