Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

[apexfishman]

Hi,<br /><br />I have a MotorGuide 44# transom mount trolling motor on a 14' Jon Boat.<br /><br />In the manual for the motor it "recommends" a 50amp manual resetting circuit breaker between the motor and the battery.<br /><br />Is this thing necessary, because I can't track one down around here?<br /><br />Would love to be able to get out before having to order one from somewhere online.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />MW

 

[JB]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

It's about as necessary as insurance, Apex.<br /><br />As long as you don't need it it seems like an unnecessary expense, but if you do need it and don't have it you will need a good PFD.<br /><br />It would be real dumb not to do as the manufacturer recommends.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[apexfishman]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

Thanks JB,<br /><br />What I don't understand is why a manufacturer would recommend something to add on instead of just building it into their product.<br /><br />It forces the customer to go out and buy another product before they can use their motor. Why not at least list what equipment you'll need on the outside of the box so you know what you'll need to get up and running right away.<br /><br />Just venting <br /><br />MW

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

They don't build it into the product because the breaker or fuse should be as close to the battery as you can get it. I think they don't list that stuff on the box because it should be generally known that if you add an electrical device, all wiring and protection should be installed properly. It does seem like it wouldn't be a big deal to include a seperate breaker that you install, and bump the price accordingly. I would prefer that to running around to twelve different places to gather all the stuff needed.

 

[John Nutter]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

I'll try to post a few photos of motors that the owner thought they did not need the protection of a breaker(fuse) on,not a pretty site!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

apexfisherman<br /><br />The breaker is not to protect the motor, it is to protect you in case the wire short out to something metel like a aluminum hull. Better to pop the breaker or blow a fews than to watch the wire melt and start a electrical fire onboard.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

Blueseas Systems has breakers in large amperage. You can get them either surface or panel mounted. They cost a little bit but they are really nice units. I use them when I'm redoing electrical systems. Very handy. As I recall they come in amperage ratings from 20 to 75 in increments of 5. They are black, about two inches square.<br /><br />Actually I have one right here still in the package, its a 35 amp version. Its their part number 7110, just to to their web site and take a look. You can use them as a swtich as well as being a breaker. Very handy. Oh, you can buy these things all over the place. West Marine sells them for sure, Probably Boater's World, Boat US, Consumer Marine, all of them. I think I paid around $30 for the last couple of them I've bought.<br /><br />Here's what they look like:<br />

<br /><br />Thom

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

apexfishman -- Most boat or marine sales have them mine for a 50 amp that resetable cost $7.95.<br />Just ask them for help finding them. The place where I got mine had only a few on the sales shelf but had a lot of different ampreages at the parts counter.

 

[apexfishman]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

Thanks everyone for the info...I ordered a 50amp breaker today, and now that we're in a cold spell, I don't feel so anxious to get out on the water <br /><br />Now I can wait until this thing comes in and install it as recommended. I guess a little peace of mind always helps the fishing.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />MW

 

[ndemge]

Re: Is 50amp circuit breaker necessary?

apex... glad to see you going with the breaker. help keep those accident statistics as low as possible