Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

[JoeW]

Well I took the plunge and bought a new trolling motor. It's a 24v Minn Kota PowerDrive 65# thrust and 54" shaft. Now I need to wire it. Here's what I'm thinking: <br />

• <br />
• I currently have two batteries on the boat, one starting and one starting/deep cycle combo. I just bought the combo at Costco about 2 weeks ago and it has only about 10 min. on it. So I think I'll buy another one of those for the 24v TM. (I've heard the batteries should be the same?) I don't have the bucks for the gel type batteries right now.<br /> <br />
• I'll run some 6 guage marine grade wire (about $1.98/ft at West Marine) from the bow to the stern where the batteries are stored. I can't remember where I read that 6 ga should be what I use. Does this sound right?<br /> <br />
• The two battires I have now are on an 1/2/both type switch. I'll remove the switch and wire the existing 12v system directly to this one starting battery. <br /> <br />
• Manual says I need to add a circuit breaker near the deep cycle batteries. Any ideas as to what size breaker? <br /> <br />
• I want to add a power recepticle for TM on the bow. Any opinions about what type to use? Local boat supply store had some generic ones for about $14.00 ea (recepticle & plug). I also see where Minn Kota sells there own. Opinions?<br /> <br />
• I read somewhere about a device that would automatically use all three batteries for starting, should the starting battery need help. It was on a link that someone on this forum posted a while back, but now I can't remember where I read it or who supplies it. Does anyone know about such a device? <br /> <br />
• I currently have an auto battery charger that I use to charge these batteries. It has an auto shutoff feature to prevent overcharging. Besides saving the pain in the rear to charge one battery at a time, is there another advantage to using an on-board charger? They're awfully expensive. <br /> <br />
• Am I forgetting anything? <br /> <br />

<br />Once again, thanks for your help. This forum has been great!<br />-Joe

 

[JoeW]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

No takers on these questions?

 

[JB]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

Hi, Joe.<br /><br />Go to FAQ and read the articles on connecting multiple batteries.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[DJ]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

joew94th,<br /><br />As JB mentioned, there is some very good information in the FAQ's regarding this subject.<br /><br />I'll try some of your other questions.<br /><br />1. Six guage is adequate.<br /><br />2. Circuit breaker, 40 amp would be OK.<br /><br />3. Yes, onboard (multiple outlet) chargers are very nice. Otherwise, yours will work with a little effort.<br /><br />4. The other item you mentioned is called a battery isolator. They are very expensive. You can do the same thing manually by installing a battery switch. In your case (two batteries) one that has multiple positions.

 

[kalan2000]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

Joe,<br /><br />The local hardware store should have stranded 6G wire for about $0.49 per foot. I just bought mine at Ace for that; color-coded and gasoline/oil resistant.<br /><br />You can use an in-line fuse in lieu of a circuit breaker near the battery connection. Sunny sells them.<br /><br />Let me kow if you want pics of the fuse...I'll email 'em to you.<br /><br />Al

 

[JoeW]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

Thanks DJ! Thant's what I was looking for!<br /><br />Al,<br />You-da-man! You just saved me $60.00. I didn't know they sold the oil & water resistant stuff.<br /><br />This forum rocks! (and I've been listening to my teenage kids too much). <br /><br />-Joe

 

[tprice]

Re: Wiring a 24v trolling motor.

Joe, try ebay for the onboard charger. I bought a guess 20 amp 2 bank charger for my trolling motor batteries for less than $100 NIB. Just be patient and you will come across a deal on one it took me about 3 months.<br /><br />The 6 gauge wire from WM is what I used, be sure and get enough. I thought 20' of each would work but I got 25 and was glad I did. (21'cc boat)<br /><br />I also put a 40 breaker from WM.<br /><br />I used the regular male/female plug in you are talking about and it works fine. Just be sure and get some of the waterproof connections, wire nuts or seal with liquid electrical tape.<br /><br />Trust me you will love the onboard charger!!!!!