Wiring a trolling motor...?

[defender08]

I guess it was hard wired, so it doesnt have alligator clips. How are you supposed to wire it? Do you run a cable from the main battery to the front? Or do you need to buy a new battery? I would really prefer to just run it from the main battery in the back to the motor. I can't really afford to buy a new battery.

And if it is possible to do that where do you get a wire and how do you do it?


How do most people wire their trolling motors?


Thanks a lot.

Also I just bought a new gps/fishfinder how do I install the sonar?

thanks again!

 

[JB]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

You have given us too little information about your boat and your planned usage to give you anything but guesses, defender.


In the box with your GPS/SONAR are installation instructions.

 

[defender08]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

What more do you need to know?

It is a 15.5ft flats boat. The battery is in the back, I am planning to but the trolling motor on the port bow side of my boat.

Also any input on the Eagle 250/s? I have read very good reviews on it and its cheap!

The Trolling motor is a minn-kota model 35, if that helps.

 

[JB]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

That helps a lot, defender.

You need to run #6 or larger marine wire from the battery to the bow area and install a socket for the troller to plug in to. Put a 20 amp fuse in the hot (+) wire at the battery end. The wire, socket, plug and fuse should be available at any Marine store or dealer.

Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

You need to do some checking before you connect to the starting battery.
1) Is the starting battery a "Dual Purpose" (marine starting/Deep Cycle). If not, that battery will be ruined by deeply discharging it as would happen with a trolling motor.
2) You must realize that trolling motors draw a lot of current and if you are running it for a long period the battery may be discharged to the point where you can't start the engine.
3) Therefore you are better off using a deep cycle battery. An auto resetting circuit breaker is a far better protection device than a fuse and you don't have to carry spares. You can connect the motor directly to the battery or use a trolling motor receptacle and plug which are available at most department or sporting goods stores that sell boating and fishing equipment. Start with WalMart. If you want a cheap connection, attach alligator clips to the wires and connect to the battery. Not my idea of a good system but it is cheap.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

Do not hook to your cranking/starting battery.
You are asking for trouble.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

a cranking batt will not last long in a deepcycle application. walmart has a marine deepcycle for about $40, not bad for the $$. Make it last longer by recharging it soon as you get home, and top it off every 2 or 3 weeks if you don't use it. And check the water often. Neglected, it won't last long.

most people I know (me included) run the accessories off the cranking battery, and have a dedicated deepcycle for the trolling motor. It uses so much power that the outboard alternator doesn't have any chance of keeping up with it. I use a 30-amp auto-resetting circuit breaker from autozone for my 36lb trolling motor. 20 might or might not be enough. Put it on the positive wire near the battery. It'll save your *** if you get some fishing line or hydrilla wrapped around the prop.

highly recommend the socket/plug. your battery location will depend on weight & balance and available space. a battery in the bow will take a pounding, might not last as long as one in the back.

fishfinder uses very little electricity. run separate wires to the cranking batt for it, 14 maybe 16ga would be fine. put an inline fuse holder on the positive wire near the battery. I think most take a 1-amp fuse but check your owners manual to be sure. route the transducer cable away from other wires to avoid electrical noise on your graph.

experts say to use marine-grade tinned stranded copper wiring, but I've used automotive with no ill effects (freshwater only). get yourself a good crimping tool and use butt connectors.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Wiring a trolling motor...?

Do not hook to your cranking/starting battery.
You are asking for trouble.

I've been doing this for years without a problem. I monitor battery voltage on my depth finder and when it gets down to what I think is kinda low I hang it up and go home.

I do have a deep cycle battery though. A single battery powers my boats electronics. It's wonderful.