Spring cleaning has different meanings to different people, but to anglers it’s all about getting ready for the new fishing season. Scores of anglers rely on small, portable watercraft for their fishing. For many their removable hand-operated trolling motors and 12-volt marine batteries are their only source of power, but those two items are often the most neglected when it comes to proper care. Here are a few tips from the small watercraft experts at the ProControll trolling motor accessories company to make sure your gear is ready and stays ready for optimal performance on the water throughout the season.
For trolling motors, having clean battery connectors on the power cord is essential. A solution of baking soda and water can be used for scrubbing mild corrosion away with a toothbrush.
Check the trolling motor propeller to make sure there’s no damage to the blades and no fishing line behind it. Fishing line behind the prop can damage seals that protect the motor’s internal parts from water.
It’s always a good idea to have a spare prop, prop nut and drive pins. Keep the items in the boat and always in the same spot so you know right where they are for quick and easy access.
Upon return from your outings, remove your trolling motor and store it upright. Upright is better than laying it down because it helps protect the shaft from storage accidents and takes up less space.
The vertical positioning is a challenge because all the trolling motor’s weight is at the bottom in the motor and its skeg underneath keeps it from being able to rest flat on the floor in a stable manner. Good news though is that ProControll has just introduced a secure, space-saving vertical storage stand called the EZStand specifically for this purpose.
The EZStand has a small footprint, approximately 12″ x 12″, meaning it can fit just about anywhere from a corner of a closet to a spot in the garage.
The stand features strong and durable nylon construction. It is designed so the trolling motor’s skeg fits into a slot to help secure the motor that is cradled solidly above in the stand’s v-shaped base. The positioning of the motor also protects the prop by keeping it off the ground. A stainless steel “fork” rises vertically from the base to support the trolling motor’s shaft.
The EZStand comes ready to use right out of the box. At its retail price of around $25, the innovative stand is a minimal investment to make for taking good care of a critical piece of your fishing equipment.
Of course to get the most out of any trolling motor, the battery providing the power to it must be kept in tip-top shape too.
First of all, don’t skimp when buying a battery. Make sure you buy a quality deep cycle marine battery because they are designed for repeated power draining and charging that goes along with trolling motor use. Also, buy the largest group-size battery your craft and budget can accommodate. Ideally, designate your trolling motor battery exclusively for trolling motor use; don’t share it to run accessories or double as a start battery.
Battery types vary, so follow charging instructions and care according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For best long-term results regardless of type, recharge batteries after use and keep them charged while in storage. Most batteries do slowly self-discharge when in storage, so make it a regular practice to charge again before each outing just to make sure it is fully charged.
When a battery begins to show signs of diminishing power on comparable days of use, it’s likely time to replace it. Don’t jeopardize a quality fishing trip by trying to get a few extra weeks worth out of a tiring battery
The folks at ProControll know that your time on the water is precious, so they encourage you to make the most of every outing by ensuring your trolling motor and battery are always in prime working order through proper care between fishing trips.
For more information on the new EZStand and other small watercraft trolling motor products and fishing tips by RM Industries, visit www.ProControll.com.
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