In-Line Breaker For Trolling Motor?

[shady oaks]

I recently fried the circuit board in the head of my trolling motor (BPS Prowler 50, which if I were to do again would not buy) under normal use. Normal use is a sunny day, low 70's, with light weed growth here in michigan. There was no arch marks or any other visible sign of any contact inside the head. Which leads me to believe it was a possible power surge. I want to put an inline breaker to see if this is the case, or if the problem is in the unit itself. The biggest I can find at Tractor Supply is 30 amp. Is this too little, too much or just right?

On a side note, I will spare BPS of any negative remarks based on helping me out with a used part from their repair shop since nobody, including them, can get new parts. I love BPS, will continue buying from them and there brand, but can't recommend their trolling motors based on parts availability.

[slonezp]

I'd check with the mfgs specs on the motor. 50-60 amp is pretty standard. Here are some BPS circuit breakers.

http://www.basspro.com/Marnico-Switchable-Reset-Circuit-Breakers/product/97362/97711

[Wayne P.]

BPS does not have a trolling motor. They are made by either Motor Guide or Minnkota depending on which one will make them for the best profit margin. Parts are available at most trolling motor repair shops.

Motor Guide recommends a 50 A and Minnkota recommends their 60 A.

This is all you need for your motor:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Electric-Trolling-Motors/Electric-Trolling-Motor-Accessories%7C/pc/104794380/c/104716980/sc/104312880/Manual-Reset-Circuit-Breaker/738260.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-electric-trolling-motors-electric-trolling-motor-accessories%2F_%2FN-1100550%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104312880%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104794380%253Bcat104716980&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104794380%3Bcat104716980%3Bcat104312880

It is not to protect the motor, it is to protect your wiring/boat.

You can't get a "power surge" unless you have a charger hooked up and that fails.

[scrutch]

Slonezp has the right idea. The manufacturers specs are the only way to be sure.

FWIW, this is for a 30lb thrust motor...

http://answers.basspro.com/answers/2010/product/98206/bass-pro-shops-bass-pro-shops-prowler-t30-30-trolling-motor-questions-answers/questions.htm?sort=answers&dir=asc

Bass Pro will email you the owners manual if you need one.

Edit: Wayne brings up a good point. It has a lot to do with the wire size in your boat too. Owners manual should help you out with than too.