Trolling motor install questions

[7lazy77]

I recently purchased a trolling motor to install on my pontoon this winter. Would like to know what gauge of wire to use when hooking up to the battery? Here is some additional information:
Minn-Kota bow mount 70# thrust. It will go directly to the batteries that I will store under the front seat. Distance is about 8' & I want to wire in a quick connection for easy removal of the motor. I am stuck between 6 & 10 gauge??
Do I have to install an "inline fuse" for the trolling motor?? If so, what amp size??
I was also curious to see what gauge of wire to use when crossing over the two batteries to get to my 24V??

 

[fucawi]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

the cross over wire as you call it is the same gauge as the rest of the wiring .. I would use an anderson connector for the motor . Go for the thickest wire you can afford ..you have 16 ft of cable .....fuse... well I would call it more a fusible link and I would rate at 100A .. bolt connectiions not some silly in line thing or use a trip rated 100a.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

Minnkota makes 6 or 7 different 70# thrust motors but all of them draw 42 amps maximum @ 24 volts. You don't need a fusable link or anything with a 100 amp rating. A 60 amp manual reset breaker within six inches of the battery POS lead is fine. #10 wire is too small. #6 will work but so will #8. Connectors and circuit breakers are available right here on I-Boats Marine store.

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

silvertip, sorry for my lack of knowledge when it comes to electrical, but I am a little confused on which "manual circuit breaker" I would need. When I did a search here on iboats, there is slew of them! Thanks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

http://www.iboats.com/60-AMP-Marine...2353866--**********.195875817--view_id.390978

 

[fucawi]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

Its normal to have the fuse rated at twice the normal run current ..... 42 x 2 is not 60 ...nearest commercial rating is 100A

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

Thanks everybody for your help & input. If a 60 amp breaker is $45, sure hate to see what the price is on a 100 amp!! Is there any other cheaper alternatives? Just curious.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

Siince a troller current is max only momentarily at startup or stalled rotor, the circuit will likely never see 42 amps. And since most Minnkotas also have soft start up that takes start up out of the equation. Put a 100 Amp in if it makes you feel good, but it is overkill and totally unnecessary from a cost perspective and a functional perspective. Then there is the issue of #6 or #8 wire as well so 100 amps is a bit much.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling motor install questions

I run a 50 amp on my 70lb MK and it has never tripped. MK does recommend a 60 amp.