12 volt trolling motor

[jlsmith]

I have a 12 volts trolling motor and want to connect it to 2 12volt batteries for longer run time. Do i just connect pos to pos and neg to neg and then connect the trolling motor to the pos and neg of one battery. My electronics are connected as well will this be ok and when i charge them do i just hook to pos and neg on one battery to charge them both.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 12 volt trolling motor

Yes to all your questions. But there is one issue you need to know about. Your batteries are connected in "parallel". As such, the weaker battery of the two will draw down the stronger until the two equalize (equal state of charge). If both batteries are the same brand, same type, same age, same capacity and same condition then this is not generally a problem. If they are different in one or more of these areas then you may have an equalization issue. The simple fix is to simply install a switch in the positive line between the two batteries to disconnect them when not in use. Leave the switch ON when charging and both will charge normally. when charged, turn the switch off to prevent equalization.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 12 volt trolling motor

I agree with ST's post. While you can parallel the batteries, it's not the best thing to do, for the reasons ST mentioned.

Before I installed a battery switch on my jon boat for the trolling motor batteries I had it wired like...

- both battery's negative posts and trolling motor's negative wire, all wired together, all the time
- the trolling motor positive wire to the first battery's + terminal
- when the first battery is depleted, remove the trolling motor + wire from that battery and connect it to the second battery

It's a bit more cumbersome moving the wires around than having a switch, but it works.

 

[wire2]

Re: 12 volt trolling motor

......
- when the first battery is depleted, remove the trolling motor + wire from that battery and connect it to the second battery

It's a bit more cumbersome moving the wires around than having a switch, but it works.

Or add a 30 amp SPDT tiggle switch, wire the TM + wire to common, battery A and B + to the other 2 terminals. When the TM slows on battery A, flip the switch to B.

This would be in addition to a SPST switch to join the 2 battery + posts for charging.

 

[RonR]

Re: 12 volt trolling motor

when I first purchased my 24 volt minkota motor, I also purchased two large heavy duty batteries. I paid $170.00 for each one. matching batteries one lasted only 18 months
They only came with a one year warrenty.
I have had my unmatched batteries attached to each other (parralel connected to each other for almost one year. I really don't care if one works more than the other!
I can go out for 7 hours troll most of the time, do it again the next day withour charging them up.
When I do charge them I do it separately as I only have a 12 charger!
RR