12V To 24V Trolling Motor

[zildjian]

hey guys,

 

just wanted to ask a couple questions... I want to swap out my Motor Guide 12v for a Minn Kota 24v... what lb thrust do you guys recommend i go with for my size boat? i have a Bass Tracker PT 190 TX. 18' 7" Aluminum.

 

I wasn't sure if you could actually over power the boat with too much lb thrust. Does anyone recommend a specific model Minn Kota? As of now i have a 2 bank 4 amp on board battery charger, does this need to be upgraded to something bigger when i add a 24v trolling motor to the mix like a 3 bank charger and add an additional (third) battery?

 

thanks for the help,

 -Zildjian

[Long Mike]

Get the highest thrust motor you can afford.  You can never have too much thrust on a TM, especially when the wind becomes an issue.  If you are going to install a 24v TM you will need three batteries; two for the TM and one for the cranking chores on the big motor.  I would recommend that you replace your existing charger with a three bank, 10-15 Amp charger.

[slonezp]

I agree with Long Mike. He stated the idiot proof way of doing things. It can be done other ways but idiot proof is best. A 70lb motor is more than enough for your boat. 

[Comfortably Numb]

I have a 70# MK Maxxum and am very happy with it. They make an 80# but alot more money.

 

Make sure your boat has at least 4 gauge wire for the TM (diameter of your pinky). Mine did not and I had to run new wires to get full power out of the motor.

[zildjian]

I was looking at these Minn Kota chargers... Any suggestions on which one?

(Digital On-Board)
Model: MK 330D
3 bank
10 amps per bank
30 amps total output

Model: MK 345D
3 bank
15 amps per bank
45 amps total output

( Precision On-Board )
Model: MK 345PC
3 bank
15 amps output per bank
45 amps total output


As for batteries these are the two that I have as of now..

( Interstate Batteries )

Cranking/Starting
24M-XHD
12 Volt

Deep Cylce/Cranking
SRM-27
12 Volt

[slonezp]

Higher the amp rating on the OBC the faster the charge. I'm sure any of the 3 would suit your needs. There are a few other quality brands you may want to look at like Dual Pro, Pro Mariner, and Guest. As far as TM batteries, you will want 2 of similar age and reserve capacity.

[papajoe222]

You'll love the availability of the added thrust of a 24volt motor.  I upgraded to a MotorGuide digital Tour for my Tracker and love it.  Check with your Tracker dealer before running new wiring. My boat actually came with heavier guage wiring. Definately go with a three bank charger and stay away from BPS models.  I've heard nothing but good about the MinnKotas.  Be sure to add an in-line circuit breaker 40 or 50amp depending on the motor you choose.

[Long Mike]

I don't know about the other brands that slonezp recommended, but I bought a rebuilt three bank Dualpro from their site three years ago.  Still works like a charm and was less than half the price of a new one.

[Traveler2586]

I don't know about the other brands that slonezp recommended, but I bought a rebuilt three bank Dual pro from their site three years ago.  Still works like a charm and was less than half the price of a new one.

 

X2, I have a three bank Dual Pro that came with my 2003 Ranger and never had a problem with it.  Dual Pro have been around for a long time and I think I read somewhere they were the first on-board charger.

Quote: "has been and continues to be the choice of over 50 boat manufacturers and professional fishermen on the B.A.S.S. and FLW tournament circuit" End Quote.  http://www.dualpro.com/media/pdf/PS3b%20insert.pdf

 

You'll love the availability of the added thrust of a 24volt motor.  I upgraded to a MotorGuide digital Tour for my Tracker and love it.  Check with your Tracker dealer before running new wiring. My boat actually came with heavier gage wiring. Definitely go with a three bank charger and stay away from BPS models.  I've heard nothing but good about the MinnKotas.  Be sure to add an in-line circuit breaker 40 or 50amp depending on the motor you choose.

 

Check with Tracker or MinnKota on what wire gage to use, I believe 6 gage is standard.

 

 

A good circuit breaker mounted close to the batteries is a must have item, along with good, tight, ring connectors on the wires.

 

Most anglers don't have the correct tool for putting ring connectors on large wires; you need a good multi-point crimp on the connector or you'll have problems down the road.  Here's a tip: lay out your wires in your boat allowing a little extra for future adjustments, and cut the wire to length.  Then take the wire to a local electrical parts supplier and ask them for the correct ring terminals that fit the different connections, i.e. batteries & circuit breaker, and ask them to crimp them on for you, they will usually do the crimps for free if you purchased the wire from them too.  I've done this several times at two different local suppliers while helping friends upgrade their wiring.  If they do charge you for the time to do the crimps it shouldn't be much and it will be well worth it.  IMHO

[BassinB]

I have a 70# MK Maxxum and am very happy with it. They make an 80# but alot more money.

 

Make sure your boat has at least 4 gauge wire for the TM (diameter of your pinky). Mine did not and I had to run new wires to get full power out of the motor.

4 gauge, while fine, is definitely not necessary. 6 gauge is MUCH cheaper and what is recommended by Minn Kota. I even used 8ga for a short run (batt -> motor) all of last year and had no issue on a 24v system.

[Downeaster2010]

I don't fish two days in a row much anymore, so decided to get the MK 210d charger that was on sale through Cabelas

this spring.  It mounted easily, and charges two batteries simultaneously for my 24v 70lb thrust v2 motor.  I have noticed

that it easily brings both batteries up to full charge over night, and I never have a low battery anymore.  The slower the

rate you charge the longer your batteries will last and this does the job nicely.  I was reluctant, thinking I needed at least

10 amps per batt when charging.  I paid just $109 on sale.  As long as the batteries are full charge in the morning what

can I complain about.

[BrettD]

Like I tell everyone make sure you get one with variable speed the 5 speed trolling motors can be a pain getting the right speed 4 is to slow and 5 is to much.

[zildjian]

Thank you guys for all the comments!! I'm now just trying to figure out step by step what I need to make the change over from 12v to 24v... I like the 70lb thrust Minn Kota Maxxum maybe even the 80lb. Thinking about either the Dual Pro PS3 OBC or the Minn Kota MK 345PC. Also for my batteries, i will by a third battery but which battery is recommended for this setup? I just have the 2 12v interstate batteries as of now. Wasn't sure if I need to buy two new ones for the trolling motor and keep my cranking battery the same. Just a little confused about that...

[zildjian]

My check list so far as what i'm going to need for the change out from 12v - 24v trolling motor as of now, please let me know what i need to add to this list.

 

Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Maxxum 24v 70 or 80lb Thrust

OBC: Dual Pro PS3b or MK 345PC (3 bank Chargers)

Circuit Breaker: 40 or 50 amp. also mounted close to batteries

Gauge Wire: i'm not sure what my current gauge wire is. may need to run new wire either 6g or 4g.

Batteries: need to buy a third. and unsure which battery to buy for this setup of 24v along with replacing my current 12v interstate batteries i have one cranking/starting 24M-XHD 12v and one Deep Cycle/Cranking SRM-27 12v

[slonezp]

6ga wire is all you need. As far as batteries, group size is the physical dimension. Base that on what will fit in the tray/battery compartment? The higher the reserve capacity, the longer the battery will last before it discharges. There are a ton of different brands @ a ton of different prices. I've had good luck with Interstate, and Cabelas brands. A lot of guys like DieHards, or Wallyworld, or you can go with an AGM. If you get the AGM, make sure the charger is AGM compatible 

[LOZ]

I use a motor guide 65# thrust 12/24 volt.  I use it set on 12v unless its real windy then switch to 24 [which is like 4 wheel drive]. 

 

I purchased a Minn-Kota on board alternator charger in April this year, before fishing a two day tourney.  I fish about 3 days a week on average at Lake of the Ozarks.  I wanted to see how long I could go without a land based recharge.  I have not had to recharge the trolling batteries since april. 

 

http://mk.factoryoutletstore.com/details/20873-33550/minn-kota-2-dc.html

 

Personally I think Minn-Kota / Motor Guide and Lowrance / Humminbird are the same as Ford / Chevy personal preference. 

 

[Nice_Bass]

My check list so far as what i'm going to need for the change out from 12v - 24v trolling motor as of now, please let me know what i need to add to this list.

 

Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Maxxum 24v 70 or 80lb Thrust

OBC: Dual Pro PS3b or MK 345PC (3 bank Chargers)

Circuit Breaker: 40 or 50 amp. also mounted close to batteries

Gauge Wire: i'm not sure what my current gauge wire is. may need to run new wire either 6g or 4g.

Batteries: need to buy a third. and unsure which battery to buy for this setup of 24v along with replacing my current 12v interstate batteries i have one cranking/starting 24M-XHD 12v and one Deep Cycle/Cranking SRM-27 12v

You may want to check, but you should already have a 40 or 50 amp breaker mounted close on your current set up... Also, your wire may state gauge on it and you may be okay there.