12v/24v conversion

[bondsman2]

I was wondering what I have to do to make my boat electrical 24v for the trolling motor. I have two batts and one deep cycle trolling batt available. I dont have an onboard charger,but I do have a switch where I can cut power off to the boat, Use 1 batt or 2 batt.

The boat is an 89' astro 18f/s. Is it already 12v/24v?
please help

 

[rockyrude]

Re: 12v/24v conversion

I would not use the starting battery for the trolling motor, you might just need it in an emergency. Add an extra battery for the troller, to get 24v wire them in series + , - + , -.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 12v/24v conversion

Let's get the details straight first. Do you have a total of two or three batteries? It sounds like you have three but only one of them is a deep cycle. For 24 volt trolling motor use you need two identical batteries (deep cycles) wired in series. Now don't misunderstand here. You cannot use a 24 volt system if your troller is a 12 volt motor. 24 volts will fry it. So let's also get that straight. If you want to use two batteries to power your 12 VOLT motor, then they must be wired in PARALLEL which doubles the capacity (similar to one huge battery) but you still only get 12 volts. Here is the difference between the two:

So you need to be absolutely certain you have a 24 volt motor before wiring a 24 volt system. If you have a 12 volt motor, you MUST wire two batteries in parallel or else use just one battery. I suspect since you have just one deep cycle battery that your motor is actually a 12 volt motor -- not a 24.