What is the difference between?

Question

A salt water electric outboard and a fresh water electric outboard and what is needed to be done if a fresh water electric outboard is used in the salt prior to and after a trip out.
Looking at the baby classic minn kota 28 for my 3 meter hobie sport.(KAYAK)

I still have not got the answer im after, and to those of you who have no idea dont answer! they all have pound thrust ratings so i doubt that the main difference is that salt water ones are more powerful.

Answer 1

just a good clean

Answer 2

Should be not problem using the motor in either fresh or salt water, but as others have already stated, a good cleaning and rinse after use in salt water is required. Also check the owners manual as to any servicing, greasing and oiling they recommend. You may want to do this more often with salt water use.

There is a product called Salt X that is very good. Spray it on prior to use, then again after your final fresh water rinse and let dry. Helps to remove salt and forms a protective barrier on metal surfaces. Good to use on reels or any equipment exposed to salt water. For about $12.00 you can get a bottle of concentrate that will make 55 gal.

Additional info, check out the Minn Kota web site. The motor you are looking at is recommended for fresh water use. A comparison between fresh and salt water motors shows 2 improvements that the salt water models have, and those are related to corrosion protection. The salt water motors have a sacrificial anode made of zinc that will corrode protecting the other metal components from electrolysis and damage. The other difference is improved anti corrosion coatings on critical components for use in salt water. You are correct that the thrust ratings do not come into play.

Again if you want to use a fresh water motor in salt water, it can be done, but requires extra care and maint. just as everyone has already stated. Even a good motor built for salt water will turn into a pile of scrap metal if not properly cared for.

Answer 3

Don't know if it would be different with the exception, that saltwater is corrosive as h _ _ l, and I'd give it a thorough cleanin' after each use in the salt. That be the only concerns, I would think I'd have ;)...

NOTE: Gathering from your Additional Details, I'm so sorry I didn't have the correct answer that you were wantin' and it looks like other Answers ppl fell short of your needs as well... Maybe try the neighborhood street corner next time!? NOWwwww, on a more positive side, Answers people and there be a lot of them, I'm sure will be able ta' set you straight on the, "answer that your after" ;( !

Answer 4

Well the main reason is that a fresh water motor is generally not as powerful as a salt water motor because not as much power is needed in fresh water as it is in say a rough sea swell also salt water motors are bigger in size as well as propeller size and generally coated in a salt resistant paint.What i would say is just give it a good clean with concentrated detergent if you have been in saltwater.

Answer 5

THE SALT WATER TROLLING MOTOR HAS ANODES ON IT SO THE SALT WATER ATTACKS THAT INSTEAD OF THE MOTOR HOUSING YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BOLT SOME ON TO HELP IT LAST LONGER BUT YOU HAVE TO FLUSH IT FULLY AFTER A SALT WATER USE CHECK OUT MINN KOTAS WEB SITE

Answer 6

the only thing i would do is if you use in salt water make sure you wash it off after you get home.but you can use them in salt water or fresh water.no difference.