Salwater trolling motor in fresh water

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I have been looking for a bow mount trolling motor for some time now and I came across a brand new saltwater bow mount (the white ones).

Is there anything I should be concerned about?

What is the difference from freshwater, other than the color and probably better seals?

Thanks fellas.

[Team_Dougherty]

There is no problem doing that. Using a freshwater motor in saltwater is not good.

A saltwater has more stainless steel and better seales to keep the electronics dry. I'm sure there is more.

[fishfordollars]

I have the MK Riptide 24v. on my Skeeter. It has never seen salt water. I was told the paint, seals, and all the connections had extra protection. I have never had the first problem with it and have run it hard for four years.

[Tin]

A lot of guys in RI have those white Minn Kotas and use there bass boats in the bay as well as freshwater. Most of them go through an outboard every 3 years though.

[aarogb]

My dad has got a Minn Kota Riptide on his boat.  From what I and him have experienced there should be no problem using a saltwater trolling motor in freshwater, its using a freshwater one in saltwater that you have got worry about. 

One thing I should point out is that the foot pedal has three different buttons that you have to press to move (at least on the Minn Kota Riptide), instead of the regular "see-saw" type foot pedals commonly used on freshwater trolling motors.  It might take some getting used to if you are already familiar with the freshwater trolling motor.

P.S.  You might be able to change out the stock foot pedal for a regular freshwater foot pedal.  I don't know for sure though.