Hey all,

 

Has anyone here purchased a used trolling motor from Amazon warehouse? Either in very good or acceptable condition? Have you had ok/good experiences? Or would you avoid doing so and just getting it new for whatever price, or Like New at worst?

Never bought a trolling motor.  Lot's of other stuff.  Depth finders, rods, reels, big screen TV's, computers.

 

Never had a problem.  Any time I'm hunting something costly, I go look at the warehouse.  If they have it, I'll buy it.

 

Look at the descriptions.  I find them accurate.  Don't be surprised if you don't read the description.

12 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

Never bought a trolling motor.  Lot's of other stuff.  Depth finders, rods, reels, big screen TV's, computers.

 

Never had a problem.  Any time I'm hunting something costly, I go look at the warehouse.  If they have it, I'll buy it.

 

Look at the descriptions.  I find them accurate.  Don't be surprised if you don't read the description.

Thanks,

 

Yea, I'm wondering if I should go for the "acceptable" - I have a feeling this means that it was either badly damaged and dented up during its prior shipment OR that someone actually used the thing then returned it shortly after. The description of the item shows multiple "cosmetic imperfections" so not sure. I think returns are free so I suppose I could always buy and return if it's in much worse condition.

 

EDIT: there was one for the lower price in acceptable condition last night and it's gone as of this AM, so looks like someone scooped it up fast. Same thing happened several days ago. So it seems like people are eagerly jumping on "acceptable" condition trolling motors. Guess I'll be on the lookout and do the same the next time another one pops up.

I bought a used rod from Amazon once.  I forgot the listed condition, but it was in perfect condition and still had the tags on it.  Probably never used.  My guess is someone bought it and returned it because they didn't want it.  

 

As for trolling motors, I'd buy a used one if it was one of the low end models from a good brand.  The higher end models with all of the fancy electronics would give me pause, as there's a lot more that could go wrong.  Like the motor might run, but it might have connectivity issues with the fish finder.  And I just wouldn't mess with an off-brand TM unless it was free.  A well built trolling motor can take a lot of abuse and keep on going.  A cheaply made one... who knows.  

4 minutes ago, Bankc said:

I bought a used rod from Amazon once.  I forgot the listed condition, but it was in perfect condition and still had the tags on it.  Probably never used.  My guess is someone bought it and returned it because they didn't want it.  

 

As for trolling motors, I'd buy a used one if it was one of the low end models from a good brand.  The higher end models with all of the fancy electronics would give me pause, as there's a lot more that could go wrong.  Like the motor might run, but it might have connectivity issues with the fish finder.  And I just wouldn't mess with an off-brand TM unless it was free.  A well built trolling motor can take a lot of abuse and keep on going.  A cheaply made one... who knows.  

 

Yea, I was looking at a 55lb thrust from Newport Vessels. Just the basic transom mount version. The condition said there were "cosmetic imperfections" all over it but that it was "acceptable" - I figure there's probably not a ton else that could have been wrong with it. The price was really great though, and it seems tough finding any deals on used electric trolling motors these days. 

If you have Prime just make sure that it says Free Returns. If it does not work for you then just return it. Even better. Get 3 of different condition or brand and pick one that you like or works for you. I never had any problems returning anything with Amazon and landed a ton of good deals looking for Warehouse offers. Just make sure that the seller is Amazon. Sometimes its just packaging that is not factory or the product has some minor shipping scuffs or damage. Probably most of the warehouse people that look at this stuff dont even know what they looking at so often you get brand new products that dont check off all the boxes for factory new(like damaged packaging) and they mark it down. With more heavy duty items who cares if a cowl is dented when you going to get the thing to work in the field right away.

5 minutes ago, cascade said:

If you have Prime just make sure that it says Free Returns. If it does not work for you then just return it. Even better. Get 3 of different condition or brand and pick one that you like or works for you. I never had any problems returning anything with Amazon and landed a ton of good deals looking for Warehouse offers. Just make sure that the seller is Amazon. Sometimes its just packaging that is not factory or the product has some minor shipping scuffs or damage. Probably most of the warehouse people that look at this stuff dont even know what they looking at so often you get brand new products that dont check off all the boxes for factory new(like damaged packaging) and they mark it down. With more heavy duty items who cares if a cowl is dented when you going to get the thing to work in the field right away.

 

Yeah, I was kinda thinking the same thing regarding condition and ultimately this being used and probably getting scratched & dented regardless. I saw another one pop-up and passed up on it over the weekend. Although, I'm looking for a deal on the shorter shaft kayak version of the trolling motor, which tends to run more expensive. I guess it doesn't really matter which one I get at the end of the day though.