After expensive repairs at shops, learned lessons the hard way!

[wiperhunter2]

Something simple yet missed by all those techs: gas cap not venting.
After picking up the motor and putting it on the transom, the motor still wouldn't start. But just as I was going to sell it cheap online, out of the blue, I decided to loosen the gas cap. The vent knob on top was loosened every time yet gas couldn't get to the carb. Sure enough, it started every time and ran at a slow idle!

I figure that in the hot sun, something was going on with the vent on the gas cap and a vacuum formed inside the tank. Once the cap was loosened or removed, no problem. 

Too bad, I ordered a 62# thrust Newport trolling motor for $300. Powerful but no longer needed.

Depending on what kind of fishing you are doing, an electric trolling motor is a great addition to any boat. If casting or vertical jigging it can hold you in one spot with the anchor lock function, at least my Minnkota has that function. When trolling, I use mine for steering with the auto pilot function and have my kicker gas motor for pushing the boat, that way you are not using all the power in your electric trolling motor battery. On a typical day out fishing for me, I'm out for 6 hrs at a time. Glad to hear you figured out the problem with you gas motor, gas tank not venting. All motors are great when they work properly but when problems arise, they sure can cause us to stress out.