Trolling motors are an excellent addition to your vessel for fishing, hunting, runabouts, and more. All our Newport trolling motors are designed to be used in either fresh or saltwater. However, regular maintenance is required in both environments for its longevity.

1. Salt Water Care

2. Fresh Water Care

Please click the titles above to go directly to the article that pertains to your use. 

1. Salt Water Care

Rinse With Fresh Water After Use

• After using your motor in salt water, we recommend rinsing it off with fresh water. Make sure you rinse every part below the control head with fresh water. Since the top head is not waterproof, a wet rag can be used to wipe it down. 
• If you cannot rinse your motor off or remove it from your vessel for storage, we recommend bringing a bucket of freshwater with you to flush your trolling motor. The best method is to unmount your motor and dunk the lower motor unit into the freshwater so that it can rinse the entire motor. You would then dry it off and store it outside of the water.

Clean Behind Propeller

• It is also important to rinse between the propeller and the lower motor unit as saltwater can get trapped here. For best results, remove the blade entirely to clean and check for built-up debris. This is an area where salt can get trapped and eventually cause corrosion if not cared for. 

Dry And Store

• After rinsing the motor, dry it off and store it in a dry area with protection from the elements.
• If you cannot store your motor off your vessel or remove it from its mounting position, the best you can do is cover your motor and place it away from the water. Simply tilting the motor out of the water and covering the top head will offer some protection. If at all possible, rinse the lower unit with water. Please see our How to Store Your Trolling Motor article for more information on this topic. 
• Storing your motor in fresh or saltwater could void your two-year limited warranty. 

1. Fresh Water Care

Rinse With Fresh Water After Use

• Freshwater has little to no damage to the metal and plastic on this motor, but other growth can eventually harm it. After each use, you should quickly rinse off any plant matter or growth accumulated on your motor and dry it.
• If you cannot rinse your motor off or remove it from your vessel for storage, we recommend bringing a bucket of fresh water with you to flush your trolling motor. The best method is to unmount your motor and dunk the lower motor unit into the freshwater so that it can rinse the entire motor. You would then dry it off and store it outside of the water. 

Clean Behind Propeller

• Generously soak the area between the propeller and the lower motor unit. This area is prone to a build-up of debris. For best results, remove the propeller, clean all debris and wash it down.

Dry and Store

• Make sure your motor has been dried before storage. Moisture could cause mold growth. It’s best to store your motor in a building with protection from the elements.
• If you cannot store your motor off your vessel or remove it from its mounting position, the best you can do is cover your motor and place it away from the water. Simply tilting the motor out of the water and covering the top head will offer some protection. If at all possible, rinse the lower unit with water. Please see our How to Store Your Trolling Motor article for more information on this topic. 
• Storing your motor in fresh or saltwater could void your two-year limited warranty.

If you have any additional questions about our motors, please see our Motors FAQ Page. For more in-depth articles, please visit our Resource Guides page. If you can’t find the information you need, give us a call (866) 721-0002 Monday to Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or reach out to us via email SUPPORT@NEWPORTVESSELS.COM.