Reply With QuoteI would think that you would want to match the gage of the wire on the trolling motor. It's more about the amps. than the voltage.
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Crappie Wall Hanger
Changing 12v to 24v Question
HELP........I own a 2001 Bass Tracker V18 Tournament boat, that is currently 12v and would like to change it to 24v. In laymans terms how do I do this? I currently have a motorguide trolling mtr 12v and would like to change it to a 24v minnkota. I operate 2 batteries 1 cranking and 1 trolling and have a 2 bank charger, will I need to change the gauge of the wiring? I plan on placing a total of 3 batteries into my boat, 2 for trolling and 1 for cranking and a 3 bank charger.I have had someone tell me that this boats factory wiring is big enough to handle the change and that there is no need to change the wiring. I want to do the right thing as not to damage my boat. So in order to get the correct information I come to you guys.....Thank each of you in advance for any advise, information or comments
Minnow
I would think that you would want to match the gage of the wire on the trolling motor. It's more about the amps. than the voltage.
Crappie Wall Hanger
glc495, sir i apoligize for not understanding, but so I need to match whatever size gage wiring that is with my new trolling motor, throughout my boat, from the trolling motor to the batteries and charger? I am not very mechanically inclined, as you can already guess.lol Thanks
Minnow
if you don't want to damage wire, trolling motor etc. put a inline fuse or breaker that will trip if you pull more amperes than the wire is designed for.( need to find out what wire gage is to match breaker ) That is the safest way to protect trolling motor and wiring in your boat.Locate it close to your batteries for easy access. I hope this helps you.
Crappie.com 1K Star General
The size of the wire you need is based on the amp draw of the motor you plan to install. When I put my 80# Terrova on my Lowe 180 I replaced the 8 gauge wire the boat came with to #6 gauge wire. I would recommend using marine wire and a quality breaker.
Crappie.com Legend
Anytime you have the chance to change from 8ga go to 6ga--your better off.There are a couple of ways you can go to 24v--you can put your 2 12v batteries in series and run one set of wires or you can do like on my Ranger--the batteries are paralleled--4 wires (post. and neg for each battery) that turn to 24v at the TM receptical. In series you have a jumper from one battery to the other. For your battery charger you would then need a 3 bank charger unless you unhook the start battery. You always want to have a resetable CB between your batt. and TM. the iboats forum has some very smart guys on it that can help (but they will ask alot of questions)
good luck
Crappie.com Legend
Look at the TM wiring back where the TM batt is now, there should be some small print on the red/blk insulation cover, it will either say 6ga/8ga or awg. If its 6, you've got sufficent size wire run to the front but just need to install the 2nd TM batt, OB charger and wire the 2 TM batts up correctly. 8 may be ok, but its debatable, you'll get mixed answers on that.
GO BIG ORANGE !
I meant to behave, but there were just way too many other options available at the time.
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