Does it hurt a trolling motor if you run out of the water?

Overheating: When a trolling motor is running, it generates heat. If it's not submerged in water, the heat cannot be effectively dissipated, causing the motor to overheat. Overheating can damage the motor's internal components, such as the windings and bearings.

Insufficient Cooling: Trolling motors are designed to be cooled by the water they're immersed in. Running the motor out of the water deprives it of this cooling, leading to excessive heat buildup.

Increased Wear and Tear: Running a trolling motor out of the water puts additional stress on its components, causing premature wear and tear. The motor's bearings, seals, and propellers are particularly vulnerable to damage in this situation.

Electrical Damage: Some trolling motors have electrical components that are not designed to be exposed to air. Running the motor out of the water can cause these components to short-circuit or malfunction.

Fire Risk: In severe cases, a trolling motor that overheats due to running out of the water can pose a fire risk.

Therefore, it's important to always ensure that the trolling motor is fully submerged in water before operating it. If you need to lift the motor out of the water for any reason, turn it off first to prevent potential damage.