Losing Power on Minn Kota Riptide

[CTsalt12]

Having some trolling motor issues I wanted to see if anyone on here as troubleshooted before.  Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 55 lb thrust.  My trolling  motor has lost a lot of power.  It simply does not have nearly the speed, acceleration, or even turning speed that is used too.  The batteries are fully charged, full voltage and both passed a load test.  I replaced the butt connectors from the battery to the motor as well.  Despite heat shrink butt connectors I did see a little corrosion on the positive wire and the wires even looked a bit brown-ish or burnt?  I had some issues in the past with moisture in the hatch where  my batteries live that I have addressed now.

I took the prop off, no line or anything wrapped up in there.  But, I see corrosion on the exposed bearing.  And even more troubling I didn't see a seal, I could see the bearing exposed.  I called Minn Kota and they basically said it's got to be sent in, the lower unit and likely shaft should be replaced.

Anyone have thoughts as to what else to troubleshoot?

[RickK]

Did you contact Minn Kota? I know eventually they seem to freeze up inside - I have one like it.
You really ought to consider a 80 lb 60" 24V on the front of your boat.  I had a 55 on the back and in a stiff (7mph) breeze it would just sit there.

[CTsalt12]

Yep called Minn Kota this morning.  They said if I've troubleshooted battery and all electrical connections and prop, it is most likely lower unit needs some work, or needs to be replaced.  Closest service center is about 2 hours from me, and they likely need the boat with it.  And we are a week or two away from peak fishing season. 

My 55 lb. was pretty sufficient.  I could have used another foot shaft length.  I will probably step up the power if I have to replace the unit.  It is going to be tough to get used to fishing without a trolling motor after having is for 2 seasons now.  It's technically still functional but it won't hold me or move me upcurrent or in any type of fast current/high winds. Sigh. 

[CTsalt12]

Resolved this issue in case anyone Is curious.  I called a guy from a trolling motor shop in IL.  I was ready to ship it to them thinking it was an issue with lower unit.  He gave me some final things to check before I ship it.  I checked voltage between the two batteries.  26+V.  I took the housing off the trolling motor where it mounts to the boat deck and where the power leads connect to the motor and motor's computer.  Pulled the power leads where they connect, Checked the voltage there, 13V.  Inspected connections, had a bad connection.  Female connector was totally corroded.  Replaced, getting 26+.   Going to douse them all in dialectic grease and clean them all.  Can provide pics if anyone has q's down the road.

[RickK]

If I remember correctly the 55lb model is a 12V motor, not 24V.

[CTsalt12]

If I remember correctly the 55lb model is a 12V motor, not 24V.

You're correct, I was confused.  Believe I have a 70 Lb .thrust, 54 inch shaft which is where I was getting the 55 number from...

[RickK]

Yeah, I don't think that 55 would have lasted more than a short time (excuse the pun) with that much voltage on it.