Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

[Schoe]

I have never used a trolling motor before so my question is simple. What size battery, and type would be best for a Minn-Kota Genesis 74 lb. thrust motor? The motor and footswitch are new. I have looked at lead-acid and gel types and size types, and wiring, and chargers, and etc. At this point I looking to you all for aid. Help!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

Thats a 24V motor so you need two of the biggest 12 Volt "deep cycle" batteries that will fit in the space you have for them. Starting batteries are not to be used for trolling motors. Wire the batteries in series (+ on battery #1 to - on battery #2. + on battery #2 to the plug and - on battery #1 to the plug.) Go to MinnKota's web site for wiring diagrams and circuit breaker recommendations (probably 40 or 50A). You should probably use 6 gauge wire. You should also install an on-board charger (24V capability). You cannot possibly keep those batteries charged from the engine so don't even think about it.

 

[edmuhl]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

can you have two in parallel in series with two oyhers in parallel

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

Absolutely but my gosh, the weight of five batteries (one start and four trolling) seems like overkill. Just buy two of the largest reserve capacity deep cycles you have room for.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

You need a 50 amp breaker for that motor. You don't need 4 batteries. I use 2 Delco Voyager batteries with my 70 lb thrust and can troll for 10 hours and still have plenty of power left. Of course thats not trolling full speed.

 

[whofan]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

I have a 50AP 12 volt. I bought an AC DELCO voyager group 27 battery in 2000. I still use it today in 2007. Best battery you can buy in my opinion. I thought mine would have to be replaced for the last two years but no.

I bought the minnkota twist lock plug and receptical for my boat. I also bought 6 guage wire and replaced the existing 10 guage wire in the boat. Then added a 50 amp manual reset breaker from my local NAPA parts store.
For saftey sake do not use the auto resetting breaker.
An onboard charger is a good move to make battery maintence easier

 

[Sparky69]

Re: Trolling motor hook-up (electrical)

Hey whofan do you know the part number for that breaker from Napa?

I have a 50AP 12 volt. I bought an AC DELCO voyager group 27 battery in 2000. I still use it today in 2007. Best battery you can buy in my opinion. I thought mine would have to be replaced for the last two years but no.

I bought the minnkota twist lock plug and receptical for my boat. I also bought 6 guage wire and replaced the existing 10 guage wire in the boat. Then added a 50 amp manual reset breaker from my local NAPA parts store.
For saftey sake do not use the auto resetting breaker.
An onboard charger is a good move to make battery maintence easier