How to Store Your Trolling Motor

Now that you are done with your adventure, you need a place to store your trolling motor. Here are a few examples of great storage locations: 

• Garage
• Shed
• Attic
• Closet
• Basement

Never Store Your Motor In Salt Water!

Our motors are saltwater compatible, but they are not corrosion-proof. Trolling motors need to be washed with fresh water and dried after use in saltwater. Please see all of our Motor Care and Maintenance articles.

Storing a Motor On A Boat

Storing a motor on a boat is a less than ideal situation. Saltwater can eventually corrode the paint and start to eat away at the metal underneath. Freshwater can cause growth on your motor, which can also damage the paint and parts. Think about houses along the water. Every few years, the owner needs to repaint them due to the saltwater. For this reason, we strongly recommend storing your motor in a sheltered place out of the elements with regular cleaning.

If you have to store your motor on an inflatable dingy while it is on the water, you can do so by leaving the motor on the transom and tilting it into the stowed position. You can also store the motor underneath a seat while not in use. Either option will require something to cover the motor from ocean spray. You can keep the motor in a closet or on deck on a sailboat with something to protect it from the elements. 

Storing While Traveling

Remember, it is essential to remove the motor from the transom or mount it on your vessel to reduce any potential damage to the motor. Your car and trailer have springs to allow them to move up and down with the change in the road, whereas the trolling motor cannot. It would be best to remove the motor from its mounted position and place it in the back seat, trunk, or flat surface where it won’t move. 

Winter Storage 

Winter is coming, and it’s time to put the trolling motor away for next season. Please take some time to remove the propeller and clean any debris. Please give it a final wash with fresh water to remove any leftover saltwater or motor growth. Pay extra attention to where the propeller attaches to the motor. Find a place that is dry and protected from the elements to store it. 

Outdoor Storage During the Winter

We do not recommend outdoor storage of your trolling motor in freezing temperatures. If you experience freezing temperatures, it is best to store the motor inside. If you must keep it outside, store it in a weather-protected area like a shed, underneath a porch under a tarp, etc. 

Removing From Storage

After your trolling motor has been sitting in storage for a long time, you can do a few things to ensure it stays happy and is ready for use:

1. Check your propeller for debris. 
2. Check for corrosion on the motor cables, circuit breaker, or battery and remove if necessary. 
3. Check your propeller for chips or cracks.
4. Charge your battery. 
5. Use your motor!

You can email us at [e-mail] or call us at  866-721-0002 Monday to Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. If you have any additional questions about our motors, please see our Motors FAQ Page. For more in-depth articles, please visit our Motor Support Page.