Found a guy who has a 48 lb motorguide foot controlled (5-7 years old) paired with a hummingbird wide 100. He claims both are in good working order he is asking $225.

The same motor new is $340. If I get this deal I still have money to buy a deep cycle battery.

The question is do trolling motors wear out? What should I look for when I go check it out. Would I be better off buying new? Does anyone have a H-bird Wide 100? Is it a good unit, I have no clue.

Here's the ad

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/317140661.html

thanks in advance

Logger

I have both units on my boat now.  It was a 99 boat that I picked up used.  Got a great deal on it.  The trolling motor runs fine, as does the humminbird.  

The humminbird is a low resolution, grayscale unit, but does good for me.  (will eventually replace, but not yet)

I know that motors do eventually burn up, so with that being said, without knowing what kind of use (or abuse) it's seen, maybe go with a new motor.

I

I know that motors do eventually burn up, so with that being said, without knowing what kind of use (or abuse) it's seen, maybe go with a new motor.

That's what I'm worried about. Is there anyway to tell if a motor has a lot of life left? Or any indicators that they are on their last leg?

Look for the usual wear and tear... If the prop seems wobbly when it spins or has been ran through a shredder it may have been abused. Also look at all of the screws and bolts to see if they appear ever to be removed for repairs. In my experience a motor that has been taken care of and not over used will last as long as you want it to. make sure he will let you hook it up to a battery and turn it on, run it through the speeds and feel for vibrations. Some vibrations could be a minor prop repair but most are things to stay away from.

Just my 2 cents worth

Harshman

Thanks I'll definately keep it in mind when I go. I guess my big concern is getting ripped off and then not having the money to get a motor at all. If it was someone on here I wouldn't hesitate, but this is just some random guy. I found a local guy who has a minn kota 40 with battery he "only used the motor 2 times" and he wants 300 bucks. I may just buy new for peace of mind even though it will be a lot more money.