MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

[Dreads0518]

Got a used minnkota riptide 55 with the boat I bought. Hooked it up to the battery and it didnt work (the connections, all of em, was VERY corroded).
I replaced everything, and it works.
In the instructions of the female (in deck) connector, it recommends installing an in-line fuse near the battery. AND refer to the owners manual for the amp of the fuse.

What Amp do I use?
Or do I really need it?

 

[Dreads0518]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

Thanks for nothing.......................

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

It is a holiday weekend after all! Did you expect us to just sit around waiting for your question? You knew how to find us but apparently you couldn't find the MinnKota web site which would have given you the information you needed. So lets apply a little thought to your questions:

Do you need a fuse: No you don't need a fuse. (Unless there is a problem with the wiring in your boat in which case this could create a dead short across the battery causing smoke and fire.) Now then -- you have the information needed for you to make an informed decision.?

What size fuse or breaker: 40 amp might get you by. 50 amp preferred -- which is covered in the MinnKota specs listed on their web site.

 

[rwidman]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

As Silvertip points out, a fuse is needed to protect the wiring in the boat against a short circuit or overload. It's not that the wiring is especially valuable, just that the short or overload could start a fire and burn your boat, possibly while you are in it.

The rating of the fuse is determined by the gauge of the positive and negative wires powering the motor. The owner's manual should tell you what gauge wire to use and what fuse value.

If you don't understand electrical wiring, please don't wire your boat yourself without competent help. Electrical problems or fires on boats are not a good thing.

 

[Dreads0518]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

Sometimes my methods may be out of the norm, but its the end results im looking for. And Im sorry if it seems im looking for instant gratification, but after all, I was born and raised in America, so its not my fault completely.
If I had an owners manual, I may not be asking this question. I also checked the minnkota site first and didnt see any info on my model unit (maybe I didnt look hard enough)

What size fuse or breaker: 40 amp might get you by. 50 amp preferred -- which is covered in the MinnKota specs listed on their web site.

Thanks AGAIN for your help...

 

[rwidman]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

Sometimes my methods may be out of the norm, but its the end results im looking for. And Im sorry if it seems im looking for instant gratification, but after all, I was born and raised in America, so its not my fault completely.
If I had an owners manual, I may not be asking this question. I also checked the minnkota site first and didnt see any info on my model unit (maybe I didnt look hard enough)

Thanks for nothing.......................

You come off a little strong with that post. People here are taking their own time to help others for free. Sometimes there's nobody around who knows the answer. Sometimes you pi$$ them off and they won't give you the answer even if they know it.

A little more research on your part and you could have found the answer yourself. There may come a day when you will be on your own and will need the research skills to find answers on your own.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MinnKota Riptide 55 *fuse or no fuse*

The last page of the MinnKota product catalog has all the numbers anyone needs. 55# MinnKotas draw a maximum of 50 amps. That is very likely at stalled rotor which won't happen in real life unless one winds up a length of rope or gets into a really nasty milfoil bed. You find ending specs the very same way -- look at the catalog. The owners manual for a boat contains zip-nada about any accessories on that vessel since those accessories come from various suppliers and they provide their own manuals.