Trolling motor help

[CanoeBasser]

i was just blessed to buy a 24v 65 lb minn kota edge and it works great! but the problem is my boat is a 1985 that i just bought and the wiring is all jacked up i want to redo the whole entire wiring system for the trolling motor any help on a website i can find all the parts on or suggested things to use. im even having trouble just finding a long enough positive and negative cable! its a 17 foot boat

[BassnChris]

What's wrong with the existing trolling motor wiring?

[CanoeBasser]

its 20 years old

[Further North]

I'm trying to figure out what it is you are asking...But I'll take a shot at helping out: the wiring for your trolling motor is pretty easy stuff.

You need:

• Two batteries, you'll wire them in series.
• You need two pretty beefy wires to run power from where ever you have the batteries to the trolling motor.  Not sure what you mean by "...positive and negative wires..." any heavy wire the gauge recommended or a little heavier will work just fine.
• You need one short "jumper" wire (again, pretty heavy duty, I use a battery cable).
• Some way to fasten the batteries down.

At it's simplest, that'll work.

Most people will add:

• A plug to disconnect the trolling motor (get one rated for your set up - 24 volt in your case).  You can get these about anywhere, marina, on-line sellers, etc.
• A breaker to protect the motor. (Order from Minn Kota, favorite outdoors store like BAss Pro or Cabela's or your local boat dealer)
• A charger (you'd need a two bank if you just want to charge the trolling motor, a three bank if you want to charge the main battery at the same time (that's the way most people rig it).  Same sources as above...I like Minn Kota's chargers, others like different brands, they all work great.

The best way to run the wires is to fasten them securely to your existing wires and pull them through - you can avoid opening up the boat too much if you can get away with that.

Make your connections solid - solder the wire to wire connections isn't the worst idea if you can, otherwise good solid crimps, shrink wrap and silicone tape work great.

Make sure that where your wires run they are supported so that they don't rub against things that can wear away the insulation.

I hope all that helps.

[CanoeBasser]

3 minutes ago, Further North said:

I'm trying to figure out what it is you are asking...But I'll take a shot at helping out: the wiring for your trolling motor is pretty easy stuff.

You need:

• Two batteries, you'll wire them in series.
• You need two pretty beefy wires to run power from where ever you have the batteries to the trolling motor.  Not sure what you mean by "...positive and negative wires..." any heavy wire the gauge recommended or a little heavier will work just fine.
• You need one short "jumper" wire (again, pretty heavy duty, I use a battery cable).
• Some way to fasten the batteries down.

At it's simplest, that'll work.

Most people will add:

• A plug to disconnect the trolling motor (get one rated for your set up - 24 volt in your case).  You can get these about anywhere, marina, on-line sellers, etc.
• A breaker to protect the motor. (Order from Minn Kota, favorite outdoors store like BAss Pro or Cabela's or your local boat dealer)
• A charger (you'd need a two bank if you just want to charge the trolling motor, a three bank if you want to charge the main battery at the same time (that's the way most people rig it).  Same sources as above...I like Minn Kota's chargers, others like different brands, they all work great.

The best way to run the wires is to fasten them securely to your existing wires and pull them through - you can avoid opening up the boat too much if you can get away with that.

Make your connections solid - solder the wire to wire connections isn't the worst idea if you can, otherwise good solid crimps, shrink wrap and silicone tape work great.

Make sure that where your wires run they are supported so that they don't rub against things that can wear away the insulation.

I hope all that helps.

so far ive been looking on trollingmotors.net and have added a minn kota breaker, 1 black 1 red 6 gauge wire. and a plug and receptacle. i already have the charger and the jump cable to connect the batterys but those 4 items are running 170$ does that seem expensive?

[Further North]

Not sure - I bought my wire in pretty big spools at Farm & Fleet, so I'd have a hard time assigning a cost for just what I used on this boat.

Let's go at it this way:

Breakers are ~$40 MSRP on Minn Kota's site, A plug and receptacle are about another $30...so we're at $70 there...so it looks like you're paying $50 each for the wires...that seems spendy...I checked Farm and Fleet's website, they are selling 6 gauge wire for $0.89/foot...with a 17 foot boat, let's say you need 25 ft. of each...that'd be $44.50 for two pieces of wire...looks like they're pretty proud of their wire at about twice that.

[CanoeBasser]

8 minutes ago, Further North said:

Not sure - I bought my wire in pretty big spools at Farm & Fleet, so I'd have a hard time assigning a cost for just what I used on this boat.

Let's go at it this way:

Breakers are ~$40 MSRP on Minn Kota's site, A plug and receptacle are about another $30...so we're at $70 there...so it looks like you're paying $50 each for the wires...that seems spendy...I checked Farm and Fleet's website, they are selling 6 gauge wire for $0.89/foot...with a 17 foot boat, let's say you need 25 ft. of each...that'd be $44.50 for two pieces of wire...looks like they're pretty proud of their wire at about twice that.

thats what i was looking for! i was having a hard time finding wire!

[Further North]

It'll take some hunting around locally, but someone has it.

[Ski213]

If you know somebody at the phone company it would be worth asking them about wire. Unless there's been a drastic change since I was in that game, there is a lot of heavy gauge wire used in the powering of the equipment that makes your phone work.. I've thrown away miles of wire that would be perfect for what you want. 

[Scott F]

48 minutes ago, CanoeBasser said:

thats what i was looking for! i was having a hard time finding wire!

Have you tried an auto parts store?

[Puggz]

Some places sell marine grade wire at rip off prices. Auto parts stores don't sell tinned wire.

Here are my comments:

Wire - Glad to see you're using 6 ga.

Terminal connectors - didn't see any mention of these. You'll probably need up to 3 sizes per wire size. Ive seen batteries with 2 different size terminals, some are the same.  then you have your plug and circuit breaker to consider.  Its good practice to shrink wrap each connection, and use a proper crimper as not to damage the wire or connector. Ancor Marine makes good ones.

Circuit breaker - excellent advise.  Put it in a place that's easy to access. The MK model had a small tab that springs out when tripped.  Install it so its accessible

Batteries - they should be the same size/age or one will work more than the other and you'll have premature failure.  Also, if its flooded cell, check the electolite levels regularly.

Battery Trays - don't underestimate their importance. A loose battery will have a much shorter life (end more electrolyte can spill out)  I prefer the HD type over the ones with straps.

Plug and Socket - the MK model is decent (twist lock). Always unplug the motor when charging your batteries.

Trolling Motor - Add a quick release mounting bracket for convenience.  Remember to reinforce it from underneath.

On board chargers - Like everything these days, they range in price and quality.  I've had cheap ones and they are garbage.  The Minn Kota MK or PC series is what you want. (if you like your batteries :))

Fiberglass - You didn't say if your boat is glass or not.  Drilling glass is a lot different than wood or aluminum.  PM me if you need pointers.

Others - Grab a bag of black cable ties to keep everything neat and tidy.  Also, anywhere wire is exposed, cover it with plastic cable protector.

Good luck, take your time, and have fun! 

.