In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

[kenjenmo]

I have been having issues with my trolling motor not working intermittently. I have replace the plug and the outlet and was still having problems. I noticed last night that there is an in-line fuse about a foot up on the red wire from the battery terminal. I snapped the case off the fuse(the fuse looks good) and made sure the wires were secure. The motor worked again. I moved the cable again, it stopped. I moved it again near the fuse and it started working again.

It seems the problem is with the fuse area. My question is, since this is just a straight 12 volt setup with black and red wires, do I really need the fuse? Can I just cut it off and put a terminal on the end and be done with it? Thanks in advance for the help.

-Ken

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

sure you can cut it out, and take the chance of burning up your trolling motor, all the wiring between the battery, and possibly the whole boat with you in it.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

Yes you can, the fuse is there for just in case to protect your TM from burning up. Your 12v batt. have lot of current that could all of a sudden rush to your TM and fry it. Sounded like your fuse holder is the type that have springs and glass type fuse. The holder is defective and not making good contact with the fuse all the time. Replace it with the same type of holder or get one that use the ATC type fuse.

http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/...58--**********.607110488--search_type.keyword

 

[PondTunes]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

The fuse is there to protect the battery from your device or a fault in the wiring to your device. If you take out the fuse and a short happens then the wiring between your trolling motor and battery will turn red hot, melt the insulation off of the wires and quite possibly set fire to your boat. Always use a fuse!

Those stupid snap type fuse holders are always going bad.. 9 times out of 10 its a little corrosion is making for a bad connection. The ones that twist together and have a spring keeping tension on them are even worse.

Pick up one of the ATC blade style fuses & fuse holders as Gonefishie suggested and solder it in place of the snap in style holder.. Be sure to replace it with a fuse of equal amperage!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

You are experiencing the main problem with fuses in a boat. Replace the blasted thing with an Auto reset circuit breaker and be done with it. They connect directly to the battery post and the wire to the troller. No more fuses to carry with you and no more intermittent operation.

 

[jtexas]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

I use an auto-reset circuit breaker from autozone...........

 

[kenjenmo]

Re: In-line fuse for 12-volt setup - Trolling Motor

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I went and purchased a 50amp fuse and will be installing it this evening. I don't want to risk ruining my boat and/or trolling motor. Hopefully this will be the end to my trolling motor woes.