MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

[MichaelJ07]

Howdy,

Wifey-pooh found a MK 65W trolling motor today at a garage sale. We have never used a trolling motor before and have a couple questions.

The wires coming from the motor have a "twist lock" male end. What size wire to we get to run from the battery (which she has discovered she has to buy) to the "twist plug" end (which I might just replace?)

For the short amount of time we will be using the motor, may we hook the wires to the battery with just simple alligator clips?

Thanks a bunch!
Michael

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

No to the alligator clips and #6 awg wire. Add large ring terminals to the end of the power leads and use the wing nuts on a deep cycle battery. You do realize you do not run this motor from the engine starting battery??????? You need a deep cycle battery. Starting batteries are not intended to be deeply discharged as will occur with a 65# thrust motor. Run this motor from the engine start battery and you better have a set of oars with you or know how to rope start the engine.

 

[MichaelJ07]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Ok, no on the clips and ok on the #6 AWG wire.

Yes, we understand the need for a deep cycle battery. I called some "boater" friends and they said the same as you on the battery style.

Yes, I am an "oar man." Never leave home without them. We only fish a few small lakes in the area for panfish and I can easily row to anywhere I need to. It's just the wife thinks a trolling motor would be "nice." I am beginning to think she equates it to a 75 HP Mercury inboard! However, she paid $35 for it and it's only been used three times by the previous owner (who, sadly, died shortly after purchasing it.) So, since she bought it, and since she is my wifey-pooh, and since she catches more fish than I do, I'll hook the thing up to keep peace in the boat (for lord knows I ain't allowed to talk while fishing!)

Your forum seems knowledgable and extremely user friendly. I appreciate your time on my behalf.

Michael
Adrian, MI

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Hey -- we aim to please! Glad we could help. Be thankful your wife likes to fish. Not many do. My wife beats me to the boat and finds fishing extremely relaxing and is a great walleye, crappie and pike angler.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

If that is a 65lb thrust motor it requires 24V. You would need 2 batteries wired in series for it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Absolutely! That sailed right by me. But if your wife bought it for $35 you need to have her to the negotiating on your next boat or car. Here is what the wiring looks like and what you need to charge those batteries. You could use a single 12V charger but you would need to charge each battery individually.

 

[MichaelJ07]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

If that is a 65lb thrust motor it requires 24V. You would need 2 batteries wired in series for it.

Now, that I don't know. Couldn't find much information on the motor online. Some writing on the top of the controls says "65mx with Maximizer System." "28lbs Thrust Variable Speed" There is a "battery condition" percentage graph and an "Extended Running Time" graph with the Y axis reading percentage and the X axis reading hours. A little asterisk notes "with fully charged 105a battery."

Any of this jargon ring any bells as to a 12v or 24v system?

I could always go back to where she bought it and ask them for any further information.

 

[MichaelJ07]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Saw this on eBay. This is what we have:

 

[MichaelJ07]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Meet the previous owners and several other Adrian residents that have owned this motor. They all said it's a 12v system.

Again, thanks for taking time to help us!
Michael

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

28# would be a 12V motor.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Yeah, telling us that its a 28lb thrust makes all the difference in the world.
Definately 12V.

 

[MichaelJ07]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

Thanks for all the help!

Wife tried her new motor today. She loved it! She is happy now that she doesn't have to row across the lake any longer. (Did I mention that I make her row the boat?)

Anyhoo, wonderful site here and great people onboard! Thanks again!

Michael & Happy Jacqui

 

[kmk_7110]

Re: MinnKota trolling motor wire size question

That is the best troller in the world. I have one, my buddies have one, and i see them on the water all the time. To bad i was a Dumb@ss once and screwed up adn bent the shaft. Didn't break just bent it and it still works like new.