Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

[Homerr]

I just got my new Minn Kota 55PD <br /><br />It recommends to run a MANUAL 50 amp breaker?<br /><br />I can see the need to kill the motor if something goes awry, but couldn't a person just run an auto breaker and a manual kill switch (or just pull the darn trolling motor plug from the socket) ?<br /><br />My boat already has a 50 amp auto-breaker and a 3-pin receptacle in the front.<br />I like the idea of a manual breaker (sorta), but when I looked for one... OUCH! I only seen one model, and it's almost $40 ! What gives?<br />The auto breaker is only about $5.<br /><br />Why isn't the auto-breaker recommended? Is it because of a safety issue? <br />Both the manual and auto breaker do the same thing.... Break the circuit.<br /><br />???<br /><br />H.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

The reason for NO auto reseting CB is SAFETY. Motor kicks auto breaker at maximum thrust. Somebody looks over the back sees a couple weeds on the prop. Unraps them almost completly. breaker cools and closes to full speed again. Goodby fingers, tendons and muscles. NO joke it has happned. USE ONLY THE MANUAL RESET. I get my fuses at NAPA. 40 amp protects motor and trips only with a wrap up. I do carry spares.$ was cheap.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

I figured as much Cyclops...<br /><br />$40 is a small price to pay to avoid missing fingers !<br /><br />OWWWIEE!!!<br /><br />Something else curious.... Why doesn't the trolling motor manufacturers install a breaker right at or near the motor controls? It would be fairly easy, and simple to get to....<br /><br /><br />Thanks for the reply... <br /><br /><br />H.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

You don't want fuses on a trolling motor. They don't handle momentary current spikes very well and pop when you don't need it. While the manual breaker is the best solution, the auto resets are just fine. The "weeds wrapped up in the prop causing personal injury" scenario is akin to someone using a rotary lawn mower for a hedge trimmer. You can only protect yourself to a reasonable point. Anything more than reasonable and you might as well live in a bubble.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

I can definitely see the need to kill the circuit... I just don't see why it costs almost $40 for the darn breaker... It's the "I'm a marine part" that jacks the price up. <br /><br />IBoats has one for less, but they are out of stock <br /><br />I tend to agree with the fuse scenario... not so much as them popping under load as the corrosion potential. They can get the 'green gremlins' real fast if they aren't sealed in something.<br /><br />Thanks again for the help...<br /><br />H.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

SAFETY. Do NOT use a auto-reset breaker. The motor starts without any warning and tears fingers off. Don't risk what has happened to others. NAPA sold me a 40 amp fuse and holder, works fine, I carry spares. I have a 40# motor. $ cheap.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

A auto resetting CB is to only be used were the restart will create No safety hazard to anyone or property. If it sounds legal, that is because it is. From equipment manufacturers to people who jury rig and go to court. They are used in cars for AC and seat power. Not exactly tear your hand off jobs. Don't use it. Use a 50 or 60 amp fuse and holder.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

Homerr - A circuit breaker is put near the battery to protect the wiring beyond the breaker. If the breaker was at the motor, a short between the battery and the breaker would smoke the wiring. 6 gauge wiring carries lots of current.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

My last two new boats were delivered from the factory with auto reset breakers. I just checked MinnKota and MotorGuide sites to see what they say. MinnKota doesn't even make reference to a breaker in their manual or in their wiring diagrams. In fact most transom mount hand controlled motors are fitted with alligator clips so you can't even use a breaker. I haven't checked my MinnKota to see if it operates in the stowed position but my previous motor had a tilt switch that disabled the motor in the stowed position. I guess my feeling is unless you dive overboard to clear the motor of weeds and didn't turn it off before hand, you do run the risk of getting nipped. Suit yourself Homerr as to how much physical protection you think you need. I happen to feel you are an intelligent person and know that when working with powered equipment, its best to turn it off and/or pull the plug first.

 

[whofan]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

To forget is human so a manual reset is essential. I just bought a new Minnkota they say to use only a manual reset breaker. They also say to use a mininum 8ga wire so I had to rewire my set up. My boat came with 10ga wire (lund).

 

[Homerr]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

Thanks for all the feedback guys....<br /><br />After doing some math, I too had to re-wire using 6 gauge wire. I had too much voltage drop with the 8 gauge I had in there.<br /><br />I put in 6 gauge, and my loss is less than a volt now.<br /><br />My new problem is finding a quick-connect plug that will handle 6 gauge wire.<br /><br />Any suggestions that doesn't cost an arm and leg?<br />I found one by Connect Pro, but if I understand it correctly, you have to buy the plug, receptacle, and then a 6 gauge adapter.<br /><br />Does anyone make a simple plug/receptacle that will work with 6 gauge wire?<br /><br />I'm looking at a standard 3-phase (3-prong) connector, however I don't know if it will accept the 6 gauge wire.<br /><br />H.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

www.mcmaster.com sells industrial battery connectors of all sizes. NO minimun $ amount. 50 amp size #7043K21 ----2 are needed. avail in AWG 12-10 & #6--------$5 ea.---- these are same ones on small fork trucks.-----ph# 703-329-3200

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

www.mcmaster.com-------then do a search for--battery connectors. Can't miss them . NO minimum$$. Those are the connectors used in small fork trucks, great stuff and a great company.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Trolling motor breaker... Manual or Auto type?

Thanks Cyclops...<br /><br /><br />H.