Thread: Minn Kota going from 12 volt to 24 volt.

Originally Posted by CrappieKidd

I present have the 2016 Terrova 12 volt 55 thrust with Ipilot. I want to get a new one because of the new spot lock plus want the mega DI. I have to go 80 thrust and 24 volt. Here is the question. I have a 2006 Bass tracker. Can I go from 12 volt to 24 volt with existing wire from batteries to trolling motor. I have 2 batteries that are in sequence for 12 volt did that to get more use when I troll. So can I use the same gauge wire to trolling motor and change my cable sequence to get 24 volt?

Depends on the existing wire gauge. Which TM are you getting? Yes, you can wire your battery jumper + to - instead of + to + and - to -. Then, you will hook the negative lead on your TM wiring to one battery, and the positive lead to the other battery.

Current 12V diagram:


New 24V diagram

This is my opinion that wiring should be sufficient to carry 24 motor unless you were running on higher speeds for long periods of time. Some will argue you need 6 gage and that is a good choice if you are requiring but personally believe that the existing wiring is sufficient for most applications. More important is quality of connections at each point. At very least I would double check connections and give it a try. Then if you see a performance issue consider running new heavier wire.


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Originally Posted by Cray

This is my opinion that wiring should be sufficient to carry 24 motor unless you were running on higher speeds for long periods of time. Some will argue you need 6 gage and that is a good choice if you are rewiring but personally believe that the existing wiring is sufficient for most applications. More important is quality of connections at each point. At very least I would double check connections and give it a try. Then if you see a performance issue consider running new heavier wire.


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Cannot answer question without knowing what your current wiring size is, but you might be OK since, in general, a higher-voltage TM draws less current than one of the same thrust at a lower voltage. I have the 24V 80 lb MK iPilot terrova, and I used 8 AWG to wire it instead of the 12 AWG that came in the boat, but if the run is short, 10 or even 12 gauge might be OK.

My run came with the boat. Back of boat to front. Will check the gauge.

Ok I took a look and cant find any stamp on wire to determine gauge. It looks like an 8 gauge and what I have research that trackers back then mostly used 8 gauge. Manual says boat can use 12 volt or 24 volt. Breaker at batteries is a 12/24 volt 50 amp short stop. Minn Kota recommend 60 amp. The boat original came with mechanical motor guide and I had replaced with a Terrova Ipilot 55 thrust back in 2016. "Old Gen Spotlock." I wanted to get new gen spotlock and dedicated DI since I fish manly brush piles and laydowns. Might just stick with 55 thrust 2d with new spotlock and not take a chance on 24 volt. Last thoughts and thanks.

8 gauge? You'll be fine with the 24V MK.