Outdoorsmen are getting soft in their old age. Where we used to rely on a paddle or a set of oars to propel our juniper skiffs through the numerous creeks and rivers of eastern North Carolina, we now depend on a modern gas-powered outboard motor to reach distant sites where we fish and hunt, then drop the electric motor off the stern or bow to sneak in on wild game or fish.

There aren’t many self-respecting fishermen today who would be caught on the water without that electric-trolling motor on the boat. They’re nearly as important as the gas motors that made getting to relatively hard to access areas easier.

The clunky old electric motors from years ago were primitive at best when compared to the wide array of electric motors that the outdoorsmen have access to today. It’s no secret that we live in the age of electric marvels with all our smart phones and computers. Electric boat motors have made progress too. Whereas the gas motors can be made that pretty well stand up to the harsh environments they operate in, electrical boating motors still seem to have their share of problems.

There are several well-known manufacturers of these so-called trolling motors and most of the ones in use today do well under harsh conditions. Unfortunately, sooner or later, the dampness and salt water take their toll and these electric motors need repair. If they aren’t properly maintained and serviced, the problems become even more of a headache.

There are two brands of these trolling motors that are popular in our coastal North Carolina area — The Motor Guide and the one that is usually seen about 75 percent of the time, the Minn Kota Motor.

Not only have these motors become more reliable over time, they’ve become much more complicated in how they work. Some basic trolling motors are still around, but the vast majority of the most frequently seen motors contain computers, remote controls, GPS units and sonars. I’ve often heard it said that today’s modern fishermen have more electronic gadgetry on board than a World War II destroyer or submarine. The basic motors were steered with a tiller and the speed and direction was controlled by twisting the steering handle. Electric batteries have become more reliable and powerful.

With all this new-fangled gadgetry on board, it’s only natural that these motors break down or need servicing, This has been a logistics problem here in eastern North Carolina until just recently. The nearest authorized (Minn Kota) service center was at the well-known Coastal Service Center in Goldsboro. They serviced trolling motors and most makes of fishing reels. The old familiar “Brownie” who passed away recently is no more, but this center is still there, although recent visitors report that the new operators of the Goldsboro store just don’t appear to have the old-time knowledge that Brownie seemed to have.

Several calls to boating sales and service centers in the Washington area found that no one in our area works on these electric motors. The Goldsboro store was the closest center that anyone knew about and this was maybe 75 miles away from us.

I was surprised to find that a sign outside the 70 East Gun Shop and Pawn Store now sported an official Minn Kota Service Center sign. When I went in and inquired where this service center was, I was directed to the rear of the store where I found the new proprietor of the service center working busily on Minn Kota motors. Tommy Jenkins introduced himself and listened to what I needed to be done on my older Minn Kota motor. His knowledge of these newer power drive and remotely controlled motors are a little complicated and he seemed to know what he was talking about. I left the motor with him for a week and I was delighted when he called to say that the motor was ready to be picked up. He’d serviced the motor and replaced the power drive system and the motherboard.

Much to my amazement, the repair costs were nominal and the motor operated as if it were brand new. In the water, it worked as it was supposed to and, for now, I’m delighted to have my good old Minn Kota trolling motor back in use.

Outdoorsmen who need their electric trolling motors serviced will find the location of East 70 Pawn at 3317 U.S. 70 East in New Bern, a lot closer than the older store located in Goldsboro. You can email Thomas Jenkins at minnkota@east70pawn.com or call him at (252) 633-1129 to set up an appointment to have him take a look at your trolling motors. After my first experience with Jenkins’ service at his shop, I was impressed that he knows what he’s doing and will render his services at a reasonable fee.