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  1. 12-19-2017, 04:41 PM #1
    jbrew73
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    Trolling Motor Testing

    Is there a way to check the "power" of trolling motor? My MK Maxxum 70 just doesn't seem as strong as it used to be.
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  2. Jonestrollingmotor
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    #2 12-19-2017, 07:48 PM
    You have to check it under a load on high. Use an ampmeter. If the amp draw is correct, then thrust is correct -- assuming the prop/shear pin is in good shape.
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  3. jbrew73
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    #3 12-19-2017, 08:28 PM
    Ok I can do that next the next time I go. Any idea what amp draw I need to look for? would it be in the manual?
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  4. Bradrodfish
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    #4 12-20-2017, 05:56 AM
    It is rated for 42 amps at full speed. If it is lower then your good. If it is higher than this then you have a problem. Not saying it is a troll motor problem but you could have a connections problem or battery problem.
    High resistance connections will read with a meter, but when a load is added the voltage drops and the motor may run slow or not at all.
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  5. fishnfireman
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    #5 12-20-2017, 01:06 PM
    Replaced a trolling motor with a new one of the same thrust. Was amazed how much stronger the new one is..
    What causes the old one to lose power ? Can it be helped ? want to keep it as a back up..
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  6. Bradrodfish
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    #6 12-20-2017, 01:34 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by fishnfireman View Post
    Replaced a trolling motor with a new one of the same thrust. Was amazed how much stronger the new one is..
    What causes the old one to lose power ? Can it be helped ? want to keep it as a back up..
    Not a motor expert, but my theory is after a number of years of use the magnets may be getting weak causing the motor to slow under load. I don't have any grounds to back that up, because I have not run into that issue in the shop. It's just a theory I have. Maybe an electrical engineer may be able to answer. Try replacing the housing.
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  7. Jonestrollingmotor
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    #7 12-20-2017, 02:16 PM
    Age of wiring, connections, etc. Magnets usually don't just "weaken" however we all know that some things electrical can act on magnets to demagnetize them.
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  8. jbrew73
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    #8 01-21-2018, 06:11 PM
    So I finally got a chance to test my trolling motor with 2 new batteries. I measured 31.4 amps on full speed.
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  9. billnorman1
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    #9 01-22-2018, 06:44 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by jbrew73 View Post
    So I finally got a chance to test my trolling motor with 2 new batteries. I measured 31.4 amps on full speed.
    Held in immobile position in the water with the factory propeller?
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  10. Jonestrollingmotor
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    #10 01-22-2018, 07:23 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by jbrew73 View Post
    So I finally got a chance to test my trolling motor with 2 new batteries. I measured 31.4 amps on full speed.
    If this was under a load, it is weak. Could be either armature or magnet /motor housing.
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  11. jbrew73
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    #11 01-22-2018, 08:43 AM
    It was it was not immobile. I was in the water trolling at full speed with the factory prop.
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