12v conversion help

[wzt4z3]

I am in the market for a new trolling motor. My boat currently has a 12/24 30lbs Johnson that makes too much noise. I would like to upgrade to a MK Edge 55lbs 12v or 70lbs 24v motor. The price difference is about $200 including the free one bank charger that comes with the 55lb. I already have two trolling motor batteries that I bought before the season started. If I go with the 55lb 12 V and run the batteries parallel (or just keep one charged for a spare) would I need to buy a new plug and receptacle and run new wires from the batteries to the front of the boat? My plug now is a three prong Marinco. Would the 70lb 24V make that much of a difference if I just fish a couple hours after work and on the weekends?

[Jig Man]

If you are fishing short times and know parallel then get the 12V and run them both at the same.

You can charge them both at the same time.  That way you save $200 and have a charger thrown in.

[wzt4z3]

That is the way I was leaning.  Will I have to buy a new plug and receptacle too? If the new charger says its recovery time is 10 hours, will it take 20 hours if batteries are wired parallel?

[Way2slow]

What size cable is in the boat?  For a 12V 74# thrust, you must have at least #6 or larger.

[jim payne]

I am in the market for a new trolling motor. My boat currently has a 12/24 30lbs Johnson that makes too much noise. I would like to upgrade to a MK Edge 55lbs 12v or 70lbs 24v motor. The price difference is about $200 including the free one bank charger that comes with the 55lb. I already have two trolling motor batteries that I bought before the season started. If I go with the 55lb 12 V and run the batteries parallel (or just keep one charged for a spare) would I need to buy a new plug and receptacle and run new wires from the batteries to the front of the boat? My plug now is a three prong Marinco. Would the 70lb 24V make that much of a difference if I just fish a couple hours after work and on the weekends?

You would be able to use the same wiring for the 55lb as you did as you did with the 30lb but it would depend on what size wires your boat already has seeing it was already set up for a 12/24, I would find out what size they are now and go from there. You also need to find out what size the plug on the boat is and make sure it is rated high enough before you throw the 70lber on there. what year and make is the boat?

[wzt4z3]

Thanks for the good input, please keep it coming. I  was thinking about buying the 55 lb 12 volt motor.  The boat is a 88 Bomber Crappiemate.  I am worried putting a 70lbs trust on a 20+ year old boat may not be the best investment.  However, the boat is in decent shape and has been in the family since new.  I just don't think I would get full use out of the 70 lbs.  I will go check the plug and wires again and let you know how it looks. 

[wzt4z3]

I just looked at the wires. It looks like 6 ga. I couldn't get much off the plug as the numbers were worn off. It is a 3 prong push and turn model. Two red wires and a black wire runnning into the back of the receptacle. I guess this looks like I need a new plug and receptacle too?  Since the old one was a 12/24v motor could I just not hook up one of the red wires and it still work?

[jim payne]

If the wires are 6awg ou should be able to just use two of the wires and put the 70 lber on there if you wanted and the plug should be fine too. Biggest thing is you need to make sure you have a good circuit breaker on the batteries.

[wzt4z3]

I will make sure to install one when I hook the new motor up.  Thanks for all your help!

[Way2slow]

Most of the push in and twist plugs I've seen are only rated at 30 amps, that 70# Tm is probably going to be close to 60 amps.   One of the first things I do is take those things off and throw them in my junk pile.  I would suggest you get two of these  http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3BY20?Pid=search