1985 Starfire 175 Trolling Motor Switch

[jwayte]

I have a 1985 Skeeter Starfire 175 with a front mounted trolling motor (Minncota at55). This is my first boat (I bought it used) and it seem s that the switch on the bow marked 12/24 for the trolling motor is broken. I have two batteries that I manually charge and must switch between using jumper cables when trolling. A. can anyone tell me what this switch is supposed to do and how it works and B. can anyone tell me the best way to fix it. I am really good with repairs but this one has me confused. The boat runs great (1983 Mercury Balck Max) although it seems i have the wrong sized prop on it. I can't get my RPMs up high enough and it is a little slow getting out of the hole. I am learning and boy it is fun. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 1985 Starfire 175 Trolling Motor Switch

Your trolling motor operates on 12V only. That switch probably went to a 12/24 trolling motor that used to be installed on the boat.

 

[jwayte]

Re: 1985 Starfire 175 Trolling Motor Switch

Thank you. I figured as much. I was just wondering if I can use this switch or so sort of similiar switch to switch between batteries as the charge on one battery is depleted and not have to manualy jump to the other batter. I assume that maybe a three way toggle might work but if I could use a similiar 12/24 switch that would be great. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jljue]

Re: 1985 Starfire 175 Trolling Motor Switch

Actually, I have run into the same issue on an uncle's Starfire 175 that you have come across--12V motor on a 12/24V system. From what I can tell, the 2-12V charge will actually put the batteries in parallel, allowing you to use both batteries without having to "switch" with your jumper wires. Both the 12V and the 12/24V switch settings seem to use only one of the batteries on the 12V feed. The uncle that owns the boat installed an onboard charger, on his boat, so I actually have to remember to set the switch to 12V or 12/24V to un-parallel the batteries so that the charger can charge the batteries individually. It doesn't seem to hurt either the batteries or the charger when I charge them on the 2-12V charge setting, but I figure that it's better to let the charger control how to charge the batteries. The 2-12V charge setting is for using an external charger to charge both batteries from the trolling motor plug. Now, it's more common to mount an onboard charger.

 

[Pageracing1]

Re: 1985 Starfire 175 Trolling Motor Switch

I too have a 1985 Starfire with a broken trolling motor switch. I have been trying to find a replacement as well. I just want a direct replacement 3 way switch like the factory one. I also need a new front courtesy light as well.

Here is what the front of my 85 starfire 115 looks like:

If you find one please let me know where you purchased it from.


Thanks