Minnkota Terrova issue

[slayer2]

I am having issues with my Terrova- when I run my troller on fast speed- there is a reset switch on this device that opens up after about 1 minute or so. What is it's purpose and could it be weak? It is some sort of an overload device I assume?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

That is a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers protect the run of wire between the battery and the motor should a short occur. The breaker is opening because 1) it has too small a rating for the current capacity of the motor, 2) it has tripped so many times that is has become "weak" as you put it (degraded), 3) The motor is drawing too much current because (a) tight bearings, (b) water intrusion, (c) fish line wrapped up between the prop and motor housing.

What is the thrust rating of your motor. if it is 55# motor you need at least a 50 amp breaker.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

It is an 80 lb thrust....prob the problem eh.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

It only trips when motor is on the rabbit setting on the I pilot which is on high speed... Boat was purchased with this on it the way it was so someone prob undersized it then

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

If this is an 80# motor, where is the second battery and is it wired properly? Those are 24 volt motors. If you are running it on 12 volts no wonder it is tripping.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

It is hooked up to two batteries... 24v deep cycles.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

The wiring was confirmed correct

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

It is hooked up to two batteries... 24v deep cycles.

Defined.... (2) 12 v deep cycle batteries. Jumpered pos to neg from one to the other

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

Look at the breaker!!!!!!! What size is it??????????? Help us help you!!!!!!!!

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

The pic shows 40 a. I assume it is a 40. The reason why I am asking is I can find no where where there is anything that specifies anything about sizing these to my Terrova. I have no manual.... Can't find a manual and the sleaze ball that I bought the boat from said everything worked when I bought it and about half of the stuff actually works. He fished allot and I assume he would have everything working and installing fine but that is not the case. Yes... I could always put a larger breaker on the system but I don't like doing so because a properly sized breaker should work and I assumed it was properly sized. I sell air conditioners for a living and when a spec calls for a 30 amp... U don't put a 60 on it

Don't shoot the messenger here.. All I am doing is trying to fix something that I got screwed on when I purchased it and am learning as I go and is frustrating as every time I go out on the water. I find stuff that is hosed up.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

If you sell air conditioners then you know that it is the WIRE that determines what the maximum breaker or fuse size can be. Breakers and fuses do not protect devices, they protect the run of wire from the battery to the device. If a fuse or breaker trips it is because there is a short in the wire BEFORE current gets to the device or the device itself is drawng more current than the fuse or breaker can handle meaning that device is already toast. So here are the facts. Your 80# Terrova draws 56 amps maximum. So don't you think the 40 amp breaker is a bit small for that load? Maximum current draw is at the RABBIT speed setting so POP goes the breaker. So the next thing is to check the wire gauge. This is were you may also need to change things. 6 gauge is required for that motor as is a 60 - 70 amp breaker. You could have ordered a manual or possibly downloaded one from the Minnkota web site.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

This all makes sense.. I am hearing you. I would assume the wiring that came with the minnkota (factory wire) would be right...correct? That red and black wire goes directly to the batteries with the positive lead utilizing the shortstop an inch away from the battery positive post. The problem as I see it is simple... The dude used too small of a mini breaker when he installed this troller and when he tripped it. He just opened up the storage bay and pushed the reset. The largest short stop I can find is a 50.

 

[slayer2]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

I see minnkota offers an mkr19 60 amp breaker. I will see if the local sports shop has any of them

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

This all makes sense.. I am hearing you. I would assume the wiring that came with the minnkota (factory wire) would be right...correct? That red and black wire goes directly to the batteries with the positive lead utilizing the shortstop an inch away from the battery positive post. The problem as I see it is simple... The dude used too small of a mini breaker when he installed this troller and when he tripped it. He just opened up the storage bay and pushed the reset. The largest short stop I can find is a 50.

The wire gauge that runs from the troller to the plug is not what determines what the size of the wire from the battery to the plug. Length of the run (up and back) and the maximum current it must handle is what determines that wire size. Look at the wire insulation. It will be marked with the "awg" number. I'm betting you will fiind it is #8 which is too small for the size breaker you need. In other words the wire may melt before the breaker pops. All of this needs to work together. Refer to an "ampacity" chart to determine the size of wire you need for the total length of the run (up and back) for the maximum current draw. Then do not install a breaker larger than the wire can handle. But both must be capable of handling the maximum motor current draw.

 

[toolman99]

Re: Minnkota Terrova issue

The Terrova manual lists the following for recommended over current protection;
30 to 45 # 12V 50A
50 to 55 # 12V 60A
65 to 70 # 24V 50A
80 # 24V 60A
101 # 36V 50A
e drive 48V 40A

hope that helps