New Minn Kota: Need Help With Wiring and Installation

[KVH]

OK, I finally broke down and replaced my 12/24 volt system with a straight 24 volt, 70 lb thrust bow mount unit.

My old set up was two blacks and two reds from two batteries, with all wires terminating at the female end of a 4 pronged bow console plug.

I'd like to leave that plug alone if I can.

My Minn Kota instructions say that my batteries must now be wired in series, so that will mean that two of my wires will be unused. Instead, one black and one red will carry the current, jumped by a jumper wire.

OK, now, the male end of my 4 pronged plug is stamped (-) at one terminal, (12) at one terminal, and (24) at another terminal, and nothing is maked on the fourth.

I assume I can keep this four pronged plug and just connect the black and red from my new foot control to the (-) and to the (24) prongs of the plug.

I know there's been so many wiring posts but I couldn't find anything right on point. So, I'm really hoping you folks (hey Silvertip) can help with some advice.

Thank you.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Minn Kota: Need Help With Wiring and Installation

Step 1: DO NOT remove one pair of wires. Leave them in the boat but tape them off for use by the next owner if necessary.
Step 2: You properly understand the 24 volt series connection.
Step 3: At the receptacle you only need to identify which two terminals have 24 volts and ground. Hint: Look at the back of it to see which pair of wires is HOT.
Step 4: Wire the mating troller plug to match the two terminals in step 3.
Step 5: Go fishing.

 

[KVH]

Re: New Minn Kota: Need Help With Wiring and Installation

Silvertip, I "need" to get out to the lake. More questions of course.

Should I mount the front bow mount bracket in a fashion that allows me to put it in the "down" position while trailored? I can't quite get comfortable with the way it looks if I do that. It's too far forward. I'd think I should just skip that luxury, if it's even that.

Next, for aesthetics, do most people mount it parallel to the bow curve?

Finally (I think), should I mount it as close as possible to the point of the bow?

Thanks in advance for all the help you've been.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Minn Kota: Need Help With Wiring and Installation

Read the directions that come with the motor. Why would you even consider mounting the motor so when it is stowed it points down the middle of the boat thus taking up "people space". Trollers do not need to be mounted at the exact center of the bow but it helps. Mount the motor so that when it is stowed if follows the side of the boat. Don't understand what you mean about the trailering issue. You do not trailer the boat with the motor down. You tow with it stowed.