A bit of boat maintenance ... Minn Kota

[NAGG]

Had some spare time yesterday afternoon so decided to look at a couple things to make sure they are in top shape for my next big trip .

My attention went to the Minn Kota ..... first thing have a look at the Andersson plugs & I noticed some brown staining - pulled them apart & there was some corrosion ( sure to fail at some stage) - so I raced off - bought some new Anderson plugs cut the old ones off ..... soldered , sprayed & sealed .

Better test it

Left , right ..... run - a bit of a vibration - then crash ...... look at the prop - no prop I spun it off .

The prop is fine - it's just the nut & washer is missing ...... bazaar ..... did someone try to pinch it when the boat was sitting in the driveway for a few weeks - dunno but it's a first for me.

Anyhow - ordered one of those "Hydro nuts" ......Hydro nut.jpg

apparently they reduce noise & vibration - so that should come in the next few days .

So , yeh ..... that could have been interesting had I not looked at these things - specially as I'm so reliant on my leccy .

It might be a timely reminder - go & check your connections & prop ....... had a bit of braid to remove off the shaft too

Chris

[Corry]

Hmmmm, good idea. My poor electric seems to get neglected a lot considering how much I rely on it.

Interested to hear more about these 'Hydro Nuts'. What's their claim to fame? Interested to hear how it goes when you use it.

[stevej]

The original nut is zinc isn’t it ?
will the new nut have some sacrifical properties ?

[NAGG]

Hmmmm, good idea. My poor electric seems to get neglected a lot considering how much I rely on it.

Interested to hear more about these 'Hydro Nuts'. What's their claim to fame? Interested to hear how it goes when you use it.

Quieter & less vibration ..... apparently (I doubt it)

I ordered one because it's easy to fit ( no tools) - meaning that its easier to take the prop off to clear line etc (also security ...... did someone try to pinch my prop ? .... makes it easy to take off & secure)

Then the price of the standard nut & washer ...... is a rip off .

Finally - they look good

Chris

[NAGG]

The original nut is zinc isn’t it ?
will the new nut have some sacrifical properties ?

Is the original nut zinc ?

Good point though .... but some just use a stainless steel nyloc & stainless washer

The two winged nut seems to be used on the freshwater motors

Chris

[stevej]

I can’t remember what the minnkota has as last two have been motorguides and they had a zinc anode type bolt thing

anyway just a point to consider

[NAGG]

I can’t remember what the minnkota has as last two have been motorguides and they had a zinc anode type bolt thing

anyway just a point to consider

Some certainly have what appears to be an anode - but others like mine just have a washer & nyloc nut

Chris

[NAGG]

Arrived & fitted ....... noice

Hydro nut fitted.jpg

[The Mad Cat]

While your at it Nagg check where the shaft enters the head unit. Apparently it is quite common (quote from a NQ minn kota dealer) for water to enter there and then gets into the motor down the inside of the shaft.
Simple fix with a bit of sika to seal it.

TMC

[NAGG]

While your at it Nagg check where the shaft enters the head unit. Apparently it is quite common (quote from a NQ minn kota dealer) for water to enter there and then gets into the motor down the inside of the shaft.
Simple fix with a bit of sika to seal it.

TMC

Thanks TMC

I believe there was a design change with the moulding of the bottom of the head unit which eliminates this ...... it certainly was a problem in the pre spot lock era though .
A bigger issue is the O ring seal on the motor going - it's why you should get your MK serviced every 2-3 years . ..... most people dont till they have an issue . I know I'll be getting mine done before the August NQ trip .

Chris