can't figure out breaker

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russelln114

Seaman
Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
64
Hey guys. I just bought a 55lb thrust 12v minn kota. I looked at several different thrusts at the store and they all said to use 6 gauge and a 60amp breaker. I wan't to install an inline breaker. Can someone please tell me if using 60 is correct. Length of wire is not an issue for me because the wire that is attached to my motor is long enough to reach my battery. Also do i have to buy the one from minn kota? Does anyone know where i could get one that is resetable and won't cost an arm and a leg? Thanks for the help.
 
stylesabu

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: can't figure out breaker

60 amp seems like over kill but if that what maufactor state you beeter have it or you could void your warranty
 
NelsonQ

NelsonQ

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Re: can't figure out breaker

russelln114 said:
Hey guys. I just bought a 55lb thrust 12v minn kota. I looked at several different thrusts at the store and they all said to use 6 gauge and a 60amp breaker. I wan't to install an inline breaker. Can someone please tell me if using 60 is correct. Length of wire is not an issue for me because the wire that is attached to my motor is long enough to reach my battery. Also do i have to buy the one from minn kota? Does anyone know where i could get one that is resetable and won't cost an arm and a leg? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

Ask and you shall receive....right here on iboats.

http://www.iboats.com/Minn-Kota-Mkr...8553193--**********.074689999--view_id.373283

From Minn-kota too so you know its the right piece of gear to work with your application. Cheap insurance.
 
stylesabu

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: can't figure out breaker

yes it will work, if price gets close to iboat price then buy form Iboat. At6 this price its 1/2. but if it starts to climb get it here and have a warranty
 
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fishrdan

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Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: can't figure out breaker

Is this a bow mount or transom mount TM? If transom mount TM with the battery close enough to reach with the motor's cables, I wouldn't worry about a breaker. I've had several transom TM's that came from the factory with alligator clips on the wires, clip it on the battery and go. If there's a problem yank the cables off, though I never had a problem.

If it's a bow mount TM or the battery is below deck, enclosed or hard to get to, then yeah, you need a breaker. There are inexpensive $10 breakers you can buy, like this one

http://www.iboats.com/24-Volt-Marine-Circuit-Breaker-with-Manual-Reset-50Amp-Rig-Rite/dm/*******.134833414--**********.032921147--view_id.197184

I don't think you need a 60 amp breaker, 50 amp should do OK.

BTW, I don't think that Ebay breaker is a "Minn Kota" part, looks like a cheapie knock-off part to me.
 
nrf414

nrf414

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Feb 16, 2008
Messages
573
Re: can't figure out breaker

fishrdan said:
Is this a bow mount or transom mount TM? If transom mount TM with the battery close enough to reach with the motor's cables, I wouldn't worry about a breaker. I've had several transom TM's that came from the factory with alligator clips on the wires, clip it on the battery and go. If there's a problem yank the cables off, though I never had a problem.

If it's a bow mount TM or the battery is below deck, enclosed or hard to get to, then yeah, you need a breaker. There are inexpensive $10 breakers you can buy, like this one

http://www.iboats.com/24-Volt-Marine-Circuit-Breaker-with-Manual-Reset-50Amp-Rig-Rite/dm/*******.134833414--**********.032921147--view_id.197184

I don't think you need a 60 amp breaker, 50 amp should do OK.

BTW, I don't think that Ebay breaker is a "Minn Kota" part, looks like a cheapie knock-off part to me.
Click to expand...

Dually noted...

When I installed my bow mount trolling motor on my previous boat I went to the local marine shop and told them what I was doing. They gave me the appropriate amount of wire at the right gauge and threw in the 50A circuit breaker. I'm sure that everything along with the crimp connectors for the end of the wires was less than $30 and I had the install finished in about an hour.

This is the simplest and safest way to execute this plan.
 
stylesabu

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Messages
849
Re: can't figure out breaker

russell, the breaker is just a safety, that i wouldn't bypass. the position wire could get nicked, tm could short out. there is enough amperage in that battery and with gauge of wire if directly short would melt insulation on wire and could start fire and or blow up battery. I would aslo recommend a resetable breaker, meaning you have to reset. the other one from fisherdan post will keep reseting it self which is fine if its only powered up when your on the boat, so you can monitor it. I have see this type cb melt wires, won't cause fire, but as soon as it cools off it resets. get the one you have to reset.
 
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fishrdan

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Jan 25, 2008
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Re: can't figure out breaker

That is a manual reset breaker I posted............................................

Do as you please with the breaker, but for a transom mount trolling motor connected to a battery directly below it, I still don't recommend a breaker, alligator clips will do.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: can't figure out breaker

A 55# Minnkota draws 50 amps maximum but that would be stalled rotor so in my view, 60A is overkill. Remember that an electric motor draws its maximum current at zero rpm which only happens if the prop should get severely tangled with weeds or something jams it. I have used 55# Minnkotas for years and always set them up with 50 Amp breakers. Besides, I would rather have the motor shut down sooner than have it be pulled down to the point where things get really hot before the 60A breaker pops.
 
stylesabu

stylesabu

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Messages
849
Re: can't figure out breaker

Sorry fisherdan, second look and I see it was a manual reset
 
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russelln114

Seaman
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Feb 28, 2010
Messages
64
Re: can't figure out breaker

Thanks guys. I think i'll go with the 60amp breaker. If something happens and i have a 50 in there minn kota probably won't cover it. Since i received some responces from people with the endura 55, What size of battery do you use for it? I bought a dp27 and it says that it has a 175 reserve @23 amp average so i take it as if i'm drawing 50 amps at the highest setting that i'll get less than 87 minutes on number 5. Is this correct. What i would like to know is how many amps does the endura 55 draw on speed 1,2,3,4 and would i be able to troll all day on lets say speed 2 or 3
 
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fishrdan

Admiral
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Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: can't figure out breaker

You won't be able to troll all day on a 1 gp27 battery. I have a Endura 40 on my jon boat and it will suck a gp29 dry in 5-6 hours trolling at speed 2-3, that's a new battery. My batteries are 2-3 years old and I usually get 4 hours out of each one now.

If you had a Varimax or /Traxxis you might be able to troll all day on 1 gp 27, if it was a small boat.
 
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russelln114

Seaman
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Feb 28, 2010
Messages
64
Re: can't figure out breaker

Well now i'm stuck. People told me to get the biggest thrust i could afford. Well i did and now i'm stuck any suggestions. My boat is a small 12ft semi v. Total weight on water is less than 500lbs with gear and persons.
 
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fishrdan

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Re: can't figure out breaker

Suggestions on?

If the Endura is new (brand new) see if you can return it and get a Varimax or Traxxis, it's going to cost you another $100 though. I had both and returned both as they were noisier than the old speed coil TM's, and for my fishing I can't have extra noise,,, stealth fishing. Out of those 2 the Traxxis was a much better TM. While I had them I could troll far longer than the old speed coil motors (Endura) and was out all day on 1 gp29 with power left to spare.

The electronic TM's are nice as you can dial in the exact trolling speed, instead of choosing between 1-5. I've had times on the old speed coil TM's when 2 was too slow and 3 was too fast.......
 
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