Trolling motor wiring for 2011 Suntracker Party Barge

[jfreeman0674]

I am new to the forums and I just bought a pontoon from Bass Pro. They want $200 to pre-wire the boat for a trolling motor. Is it worth it? Has anyone done this that could send me some pics or details of where/how they ran the wires and placed the outlet?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor wiring for 2011 Suntracker Party Barge

This is not a major undertaking but you need to give us more information. Do you have a 12 volt troller (uses one 12 volt battery) or a 24 volt model (that uses two batteries wired in series). You need to determine where on your boat the battery(ies) will be placed. The size of the motor (thrust) will determine the size of the wire you need. Normally #6 or #8 gauge wire (not household wire) would be sufficient for most motors. You connect a 50 - 60 amp circuit breaker to the positive terminal of the battery. The red wire then runs from the circuit breaker to the receptacle. The black wire runs from the receptacle to the negative terminal of the battery. Plug the motor in and go boating. Where you run the wires depends on where you place the battery. They would typically be run in a channel along one of the tubes under the deck and protected from, chaffing using wire ties and/or placing the wires in protective split tubing. If you are electrically challenged it is suggested that you have this done buy someone who knows what they are doing. Here is a diagram, of a typical 12 volt troller installation.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Trolling motor wiring for 2011 Suntracker Party Barge

$200 is not a bad price. You will probably spend 40-50 for circuit breaker, $20 for trolling motor plug and depending on length and guage of marine wire 40-50 Considering your time and labor is up to you. Hope this puts in perspective.