Upgrading Trolling Motor

[sbfishySC]

Hey guys,

 

Right now I've got a 12v Minn Kota Edge 45# trolling motor on my 16' procraft bass boat. Needless to say, I can't fish in any sort of wind and it barely moves me without wind. I'm contemplating upgrading to the Edge 70# 24v (if I don't break the bank doing it) and I had a couple questions. 

 

Will I have to fully unmount the entire 45# (including mount) before I mount the 70# or will the 70# work on the same mount that I currently have since they are both MK Edges?

I've got one 12v battery powering the 45# so I know I'd need another 12v to run in series for a 24v 70#. Do I need to get two of the same batteries or can I just go pick up a new one to add to my existing one (couple years old now)? Any suggestions on batteries?

I've got a 2 bank onboard charger. With the batteries in series, if I put one bank of the charger on one, will it charge both batteries or will I need a 3 bank charger to charge all three batteries (2xTM and cranking)?

 

Thanks for the help and sorry for all the questions.

[J Francho]

Step up to the variable speed Maxxum 70.  Better battery life, and easy to dial in the perfect speed.  I'd get two new batteries together.  I'd just hook up the 2-bank to the TM batteries, and get a portable charger for the cranker, or replace the 2 bank with a 3-bank.

[sbfishySC]

Is the variable speed worth the extra ~$150?

[Fishes in trees]

YES -  since I got one with variable speed ( years ago)  I wouldn't have one that didn't have it.  It is just easier.

[J Francho]

Is the variable speed worth the extra ~$150?

 

It's a no brainer.  Definitely worth it.

[Jig Man]

You have been given some good advice.  Infinite variable is the only way to go for maximum boat control.  If your battery were only a year old it probably would be fine.  When you get batteries look at the reserve capacity.  180+ will run all day long and leave you with plenty of power at the end of the day.

 

If money is an issue, get a portable charger to use on the cranker because if you don't run a lot of accessories it shouldn't need to be charger a lot or real often.

[B@ssCrzy]

Is the variable speed worth the extra ~$150?

  Yes Yes Yes...just switched myself this year and will never go back to 5 spd.

[sbfishySC]

Thanks guys. Maxxum 70 looks like what I'm going after. Now I just need to wait to find a good sale on it so I can afford it and two batteries!

[topwaterrob]

I think the 80 maxxum was only 150 more???.

[BassnChris]

I found by 82lb motorguide pro on amazon for a lot less than anywhere else.

[martintheduck]

  Yes Yes Yes...just switched myself this year and will never go back to 5 spd.

 

Edge owner here... don't get one. The mount is absolute CRAP. 

 

I've been getting really aggravated recently - sometimes 2 isn't enough and 3 is WAYYYYY TOO MUCH.... the variable solves that problem!?!?!?

[B@ssCrzy]

Edge owner here... don't get one. The mount is absolute CRAP. 

 

I've been getting really aggravated recently - sometimes 2 isn't enough and 3 is WAYYYYY TOO MUCH.... the variable solves that problem!?!?!?

Absolutely. Works wonders. You can dial in the speed to match perfectly the conditions you need. Seems to make battery life better too since you are only using the amount of juice you really need. Some of that also has to do with the newer technology as well.

[BKeith]

I would never buy a trolling motor of any kind that's not variable speed. Those fixed speed controls that give you four, five, or six speeds totally suck when trying to use one while casting. They are always either too fast or too slow.

If looking at one of the larger motors 80+ pounds of thrust, be careful about the 36 volt models. While they are the most efficient, you run into some major installation problems when it comes to batteries. You have to have a large enough boat to install a third TM battery or you are forced to use the cranking battery as the third battery. Using the cranking battery as the third TM battery (while a number of people do it) can bite you in the butt, big time, and leave you stranded. Also, using the 36V system pretty much makes you buy three new batteries because in series, all batteries need to be the same age and type. If not, you will be constantly having dead battery problems because stronger battery will usually be damaged pretty quickly.

[sbfishySC]

Would two EverStart 27DC-6 Marine Batteries (from walmart) be sufficient for a Maxxum 70 or should I bump up to Group 29 (not all that sure on the difference to be honest)?

[mjseverson24]

go with the biggest batteries you can fit in the boat or that your budget will allow. 

 

Mitch

[J Francho]

I use group 29, and have never run out.  100% has felt like 50%, but never ran out.

[ww2farmer]

Is the variable speed worth the extra ~$150?

Yes...every penny................I use group 24's because of limited space in my boat, and I have yet in three years with this TM, fishing in the wind, heavy weeds, and other battery killing conditions for 8-12 hours, ever run out of power. In fact I have never even had to kick it up to 100% unless I am in the thickest of weeds. I can move around as fast as I want on 20-30% in calm open water, hold against a strong wind on 30-40%, and move against the wind ALL DAY on 50% faster than I care for. I even forgot to charge the batteries once over night and fished 8+ hours the next day with no noticeable loss of power. Granted, I am pulling around a 17' Aluminum boat with a 70lb thrust motor, but still............it's probably the best thing fishing related I ever bought. I don't have an on-board charger, I charge the TM batts. up at the end of the day with a Minn Kota 210P portable 2 bank, and have never used a charger for the cranker. I change my batteries out every 2 years......if they need it or not. And in 10 years of fishing this way it's worked for me. I don't run a ton of stuff off my cranking battery. 2 small lowrance elite 4 graphs, and a livewell pump. It probably helps my outboard is a small 4-stroke that starts easy, and I am pretty good on keeping stuff maintained.

[sbfishySC]

Thanks for all the help so far. 

 

I've got the trolling motor on the way, will be here next week and I'll grab the batteries then too. Currently, my wiring is 10AWG wiring with a 40amp fuse with my 12v 45# trolling motor. Am I going to need to upgrade the 10AWG to 8 or 6 gauge? Do I need a larger fuse? Also what type of wiring do I need to hook the batteries up in series? If wiring/fuse upgrade is needed, where is the best place to find the type I need?

[J Francho]

You should be able to get the wire and waterproof fuse at any car parts store. If you can't find the fuse, then I'd say try a boating supply, like West Marine, or order online. I'd be using 6ga wire if I were dong mine from scratch, but I think 8ga is what is commonly recommended. Use the old lines to snake the new ones through. You want a fuse on each line coming off the positive terminal.  On my Xpress, I think I have 30 amp fuses.  The Bullet has 30 or 40 amp breakers.  Here's a diagram from wiring two 12v batts in series for 24v:

 

 

[sbfishySC]

Thanks for the reply.

MK said my 10awg wire will work as long as I don't go over 20 ft. My boat is only a 16ft boat. Should I bother upgrading the wire if that's the case or can I just leave it alone and just upgrade the fuse?