Rippinlips14 Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 I have a motorguide f3 30# TM I just use the motor's alligator clips direct to the battery. I've never seen one used except in the case of internal boat wiring. Should i use a breaker i just run it off one 12V battery since its a 12V TM Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 It is a fire hazard to run the TM without a properly rated breaker. If adding a breaker to the wiring, install it as close to the battery as possible. You could also use an inline fuse, which might be more streamlined if you're removing the TM from the boat after every outing. This should also be installed as close to the battery as possible, and be sure to carry spare fuses. If it were me, I would install some sort of circuit protection before using the TM. I like breakers for TMs, but a fuse will protect you all the same. Installing screw down battery terminals will also improve the performance of your TM over the alligator clips. I also can't overemphasize the importance of having a fire extinguisher on board your boat. 1 Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 Since a lot of things come with stern warnings, I figured I'd share my story. A friend of mine bought a used boat for a really good price. The hull and motor were in great shape, but the wiring was done by the previous owner who was obviously not an electrician. Everything worked, however. The first day that he had the boat we took it out for a test spin. Apparently the trolling motor wires had some areas on the shielding that had worn thin, but we hadn't noticed it at first glance. While on plane, the wires crossed and the hot wire shorted to ground. Sparks were flying everywhere and the wires were too hot to touch. I was able to cut the ground wire because I happened to have my tool bag with me for the test ride. If I hadn't acted quickly, there definitely would have been a fire. Touching those wires at that point could prove fatal, and being on a boat that is on fire is not a good thing. The trolling motor was stowed and not running at the time that this happened. Had there been a circuit breaker or a fuse on the TM, there would have been no issue. Breaker would have tripped or fuse would have blown, end of story. Needless to say, we spent the next several hours re-wiring the entire boat. The boat is reliable and a pleasure to fish from nowadays, but could have been a costly anchor if it had caught on fire. A fire also could have cost us our lives. Quote
Robeng Posted June 23, 2015 Posted June 23, 2015 Get a breaker. 50-60 amp is usually recommended if I recall correctly. Mini kota sells one that the positive lead from TM attaches to then attaches directly to positive battery post. Other manufacturers offer same. Quote
Rippinlips14 Posted June 23, 2015 Author Posted June 23, 2015 I put an inline fuse thanks guys! 1 Quote
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