Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker

[Jim McC]

Can anyone tell me how to wire a circuit breaker for my new trolling motor, or point me to a link with pics? I have the Minn Kota Endura 55 lb. thrust. Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

The circuit breaker has two connection points (usually a couple of #8 or #10 machine screws). One of those connects to the positive post of the battery (a short (about 1") solid copper bar is best) and the other point hooks to the positive wire of the trolling motor.

The purpose of the circuit breaker is to protect the wire and/motor so it doesn't overheat and cause a fire when the motor draws more amps than the wires can support.

These are the more common ones:

http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/d60.html

You can spend 10 times that much for the Minnkota version if you want to.

[slonezp]

Not much to it. Break the positive lead somewhere between the motor and battery that's easily accessible. The circuit breaker(60 amp) has 2 terminals probably with male spades or screws. Strip the wires(both ends of the positive lead you cut) and put either insulated female spade connectors or regular female connectors and some heat shrink tubing. Attach male to female and you're done.

[Long Mike]

Just in case you don't know, the positive lead is the red wire.

[Sam]

Just in case you don't know, the positive lead id the red wire.

OK Long Mike!!!!!!

LOL!

[Jim McC]

I haven't had any luck finding a pic on how to wire this. Anyone? Yes, I'm still confused.

[TimJ]

sorry Im terrible with paint. heres your "diagram" (used loosely). not trying to be funny, just quick.

[Jim McC]

Thanks. So I don't need any additional wire, other than the original motor wiring?

[CWB]

Second one down is what I use. Only have to splice in one #10 ring to wahtever guage wire your boat is equipped with. (crimp on ring)

They make a 24 V. model also.

http://www.rigritemfg.com/trolling.shtml

[Jim McC]

The boat store sold me 2 yellow rings to crimp on, and a 50 amp breaker. But I get home and my manual tells me to use a 60 amp breaker for my 55 lb. thrust motor. So now I need to find a 60 amp breaker. Does anyone know the gauge wire the Minn Kota Endura 55 lb. thrust uses? After I crimp on the 2 connectors and connect them to the breaker, do I need to waterproof the connection? Thanks.

[slonezp]

Should be 6 guage. Heat shrink tubing never hurts.

[Jim McC]

Thanks everyone for helping this non-electrically inclined guy do this. I just finished, and the motor actually still works!! I've use trolling motors for 30 years, and I've never used a circuit breaker. The shop owner insisted that I'd be fine with a 50 amp breaker, so that's what I used. He also said a 55 lb. motor uses about 45 amps on high. Does that sound right?

[Wayne P.]

Should be 6 guage. Heat shrink tubing never hurts.

The Minnkota Endura 55# thrust you have is a transom mount like the two I have, the wire size is at most 10 guage. Neither conductor has the data embossed or printed on them. I have 8 guage and 6 guage wires in my boat and the TM wires are not that large. I checked a parts list and the cord is shown to be 10 guage.

Depending on the year model, they are rated at 45 or 50 amps.

This site has the parts list for all Minnkota models:

http://www.northlandmarine.com/images/Endura/Endura%20Trans%2055-03.pdf

[slonezp]

I stand corrected.

[Jim McC]

The Minnkota Endura 55# thrust you have is a transom mount like the two I have, the wire size is at most 10 guage. Neither conductor has the data embossed or printed on them. I have 8 guage and 6 guage wires in my boat and the TM wires are not that large. I checked a parts list and the cord is shown to be 10 guage.

Depending on the year model, they are rated at 45 or 50 amps.

This site has the parts list for all Minnkota models:

http://www.northlandmarine.com/images/Endura/Endura%20Trans%2055-03.pdf

It says in my manual to use a 60 amp breaker for 50-55 lb. thrust models. Anyway, like I said, I used a 50 amp breaker.