Trolling Motor Storage Advice

[ShadMan (wis)]

Sometime ago on the message board I saw a post about storage of a Auto Pilot Trolling Motor. I believe it had something to say about inside storage above freezing? I would like some comfirmation about the need to do this. I have a MinnKota 824 Autopilot, I sure hate to ruin it over a bad decision by me! I believe the post said it had something to do with the biult in GyroCompass. Was hoping to get one last trip to the river but now looks like mother nature finally decided to come afterall!
Thanks for the info! ShadMan

[Terry/JNR]

Mine has been attached to my current boat for 5 years and is outside, covered, every winter in Superior, WI. No problems yet.

[wally tap]

The person to ask is REW (on this board usually) I believe prolonged freezing temps could affect the magnet in your compass head.

[Popia]

Shadman, I believe that it has been posted before on walleye central that you should store your trolling motor indoors if possible. The cold weather may affect the heavy duty magnets in the motor. If you have room indoors to store your trolling motor, do it. You won't have to worry about your trolling motor all winter if you store it inside.

[REW]

The best thing to do with this question is to read your particular users manual. If there is a temperature issue with storage, it should be clearly stated in the user manual.

Typical storage temperatures for electronics are
-50 degrees f.

Thus, as far as the electronics in the motor, in most instances, there should be no problem.

However, many manufacturers clearly state that there is a storage issue with the high powered magnets in their motors. It is possible for some motor magnets to be come cracked due to very low storage temperatures.

If you feel at all uncomfortable, simply store the motor indoors.

Per the previous post -- experience has shown that cold storage doesn't seem to cause probmes for this particular motor. You choose.

Enjoy the holidays.

REW