Re: fording depth

[Dan Ervin <danervin-at-wi.rr.com>]

12V motors will still work underwater, but:

1) Current will leak across the water, costing you battery life. It 
shouldn't be noticable for short trips through a puddle. Taking up a 
hull-down position in the water for a longer period, you may lose some 
battery life.

2) Getting water inside the battery may be bad for the brushes and/or 
bearings. Muddy water can be even worse, as the particles may scratch or 
gum up the bearings. Also, the inside of the casing may rust. Cheaper 
motors may be painted on the outside, but the inside is bare metal.

So, you don't need to panic about puddles, but you may need to replace 
your motors a little sooner than you would otherwise.

paul needham wrote:

> Hi all
>
> Am I right in thinking the motors in my KCM,s [ or any electric motor 
> ] will work ok briefly underwater ie fording a puddle as long as I 
> keep the rest of the electrics excluding the drive battery above the 
> water line ?
>
> So say battery + motors below mudguards , rest of electrics above mud 
> guards , means fording depth is up to mud guards ?
>
> regards Paul , not wanting to have to rescue a heavy and wet tank form 
> a small lake Needham  
>