Upgrading trolling motor

[Jerkalip]

I have a 12V 55# thrust TM and upgrading either to a 80# 24v motor or maybe a 101# 36V TM motor. I know I will need to change the female plug on the bow but will I have to change the wiring also? Would the 24 or 36 require heavier wiring than the 12v system provides? I don't know what size wiring is on it right now. I believe this came equipped at the original sale. This is a 20' aluminum boat, so I do need to upgrade. Thanks for any info.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Upgrading trolling motor

A shadetree way of judging the proper gauge to use would be to look at the size wire the factory used on the trolling motor itself. If your plug has wire a size or two larger than what is going into the trolling motor then your safe.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Upgrading trolling motor

Here are diagrams for the 24 and 36 volt systems. The size wire you need is determined by the maximum current draw for the motor you eventually end up with. For MinnKota 24 volt motors (MotorGuide would be similar) maximum current draw is 56 amps. For 101# 36 volt motors the maximum current draw is 46 amps. For a 36V system the existing plug can be used since it powered a 55# motor which drew about 50 amps max. For a 24 system that plug might get warm and heat is wasted energy so check the wire size. The batteries should have #6 wire connections or even larger depending on where in the boat the batteries are located.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Upgrading trolling motor

Here are diagrams for the 24 and 36 volt systems. The size wire you need is determined by the maximum current draw for the motor you eventually end up with. For MinnKota 24 volt motors (MotorGuide would be similar) maximum current draw is 56 amps. For 101# 36 volt motors the maximum current draw is 46 amps. For a 36V system the existing plug can be used since it powered a 55# motor which drew about 50 amps max. For a 24 system that plug might get warm and heat is wasted energy so check the wire size. The batteries should have #6 wire connections or even larger depending on where in the boat the batteries are located.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Upgrading trolling motor

Jordan shoes???????? You can't play basketball with Jordan's, you need Evinrudes, Johnsons, Merc, Suzy's, or Yammies. Without them you certainly end up with motoritis (the inability to motigate).

 

[drewpster]

Re: Upgrading trolling motor

huh?