Circuit Breaker Question

[uicdent11]

Would a 40 amp circuit breaker work for a new endura #50? Minn Kota recommends their 60 amp, but it is pricey for my application. I ask because I already have a 40 amp. If you recommend something different, could you give me the information on what do get. Thanks in advance guys.

Jon

[Wayne P.]

You don't have to use one but to protect your motor and boat wiring you should use it.

This site has them in the $10 range

http://www.iboats.com/Battery_Electrical/dm/category_id.238352--view_id.238352

[uicdent11]

Thanks for the quick reply Wayne. I guess my main question is will the 40amp one I already have be ok? Thanks,

Jon

[zo6fisherman]

It may work just fine.  But more then likely when the motor is on high speed and you are putting a load on it it will trip the breaker even though the motor is not in danger.  Here is something for you to think  about volts x amps =watts.  Watts is a measure of power actully used.  So if your motor is a 12v system that would be a total of 72 watts used before the breaker trips with what they are recomending.  Where as with a 40 amp breaker it is just 48watts before the breaker trips.  So i would definitly go with the recomended breaker.  If cost is a factor you might be able to find a inline fuse holder with some fuses that you could pick us for 5-15 dollars

Matt

[zo6fisherman]

Take a look at this i am not sure what size wire you are using but i am sure you can find a kit like this probably at you local auto parts store for around 15 bucks.  Good luck.

Matt

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=inline+fuse&i=142P8FHI

[tennwalkinghorse]

There should be a data plate some were on the motor look at it and see what the FLA is( Full Load Amps) if it is over 40amps change the breaker . If you know someone that has a DC amp probe (DC amps and AC amps are not the same) put the boat in the water and have them check the load of the motor at full power. See if it is drawing close to 40amps if it is change the breaker. As for using a fuse there are many kinds quick blow, slow blow and so on it can get very confusing on what type to use also remember if you use double protection the one that is closest to the power source will blow first. If I were you I would just bite the bullet and buy the recommend breaker and be done with it. Lets face it all your going to do with the extra money is feed the Bait Monkey any way. Lots of luck there is no substitute for safety :

[Wayne P.]

Since I don't know what the highest amp draw of your motor, I can't recommend a minimum size breaker. I definately would not recommend a fuze, if you get wrapped up in grass or stall out by hitting the lake bottom, the fuse may break and you are SOL if you don't carry a spare or two. At least with a circuit breaker, you can let of cool off for the auto reset type and be back in business or if you get the manual reset you can wait about a minute and reset it and be back in business. Also only use a circuit breaker that is suitable for the marine environment. The automotive type is subject to moisture intrusion and corrosion.

The next BIG issue is if the wriing you have is rated for the max amps and the distance it is from the battery to the motor connection.

[uicdent11]

I can't find the max amps drawn from an endura 50# thrust. I have looked at all the paperwork they gave me and checked online. I think I will pick up the minn kota 60 amp manual reset circuit breaker they recommend at Cabelas this week. It will work with my 12V system and I can use it when I upgrade in the future. Would anybody recommend something different? As for the wire, I am either going to attach 6 gauge to the existing 10 or if I have enough 6, I will attach it directly to the trolling motor unit and run it to the battery. Thank to everyone that has responded. I am just getting back into bass fishing, but this is my first time with any kind of boat. Thanks again,

Jon

[Way2slow]

Unless you run the motor on it's highest setting for a long duration, the 40 should work fine.

Try it, the only thing it can hurt is having to reset the breaker if it trips.  If you find you're tripping it out, get the bigger one.