Need Trolling motor wiring help

[frozenokie]

I have a Johnson foot controlled 12v trolling motor that is not strong enough in tough winds, so I am wanting to know if I can convert it to a 24v by adding another battery and necessary 12/24 switching without damaging anything.

I currently have the new battery hooked up in series. I connected the 24v source to the wiring and tried out the motor. It accepted the 24v fine, but I am worried about damaging compnents. Currently, there are four wires (2 Black, 2 Red) that were already in the boat. My plug-in from my motor is two wires.

I don't want to buy another motor, but I will if I can't convert this one.

Any help would be great and appreciated.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Trolling motor wiring help

Have you ever seen "anything" last very long after its normal operating voltage was doubled? 115 volt light bulbs don't last when operated on 230 volts. 6 volt motors don't last long when operated on 12 volts. Your 12 volt motor was wound and designed for 12 volt operation. It will not last running on 24 volts. Many moons ago I was sent to Germany. A friend had an electric shaver that using an adapter (a simple US AC plug to European plug) he plugged it into 230 volts and it was turned to toast in a heartbeat. Yes -- there have been trollers designed for 12 AND 24 volt operation. But the key word here is "designed". Your motor is not designed for that application and it can't be reasonably modified to do so.

 

[frozenokie]

Re: Need Trolling motor wiring help

Perfect

I appreciate the valuable info. I was finding out that most people don't know the facts about trolling motors and how they are manufactured. I remembered that I was on this forum for Mercury OB and fiberglass repair/restore issues and received and not only recieved the most knowledgable help, but also got te answers I needed quickly.

Well, looks like I'll be in the market for a 12/24.

THANKS A MIL, SILVERTIP

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Trolling motor wiring help

There is no need to look for a dual voltage (12/24 volt) motor. Just look for a 24 volt and run it on slow speed. If you have looked at literature for new motors over the last few years you will notice dual voltage motors are not even made any longer. There simply isn't an advantage. There are far more 24 volt motors around than there are dual voltage motors.