My first 24v trolling motor, need info. please

[weekendfisherman]

I have just purchased a 24v trolling motor to replace my 12v for more power in river current.My boat, a 16' Grumman aluminum bassboat, came from the factory with a12v trolling motor.I understand the series wiring of the 2 batteries, but want to know if it's possible to hook my outboard starting cables to the 2 trolling batteries or do i need a third battery? Will i have to replace the lead wires from the troller to the batteries with a larger gauge wire because changing from 12 to 24? Also, would like info. on charging the 2 series connected batteries, do they have to be disconnected to charge with a 12v charger,etc? Any help will be greatly appreciated ,thanks.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: My first 24v trolling motor, need info. please

Hello<br /><br />No expert on the battery set-up(There are many here), but thought I would chime in with a few thoughts. I would not use one of the batteries as a primary starting battery. I would opt for one battery dedicated for starting and 2 other deep cycle batteries for the troller. You should not have to replace the wiring, as 24 volt motors draw less correct than 12 volt motors, unless it's substantially larger thrust. You can charge the 2 12 volt batteries independently while they are still hooked up together by going to their respective terminals to maintain 12 volts. Positive to negative on one of the batteries will still be 12 volts. Only when you go across both batteries will it be 24 volts. There are numerous ways to hook up chargers and switches to accomplish your goal. Others who know far more than I will be by to help you further...Anyway, Welcome and hang in there...

 

[weekendfisherman]

Re: My first 24v trolling motor, need info. please

Thanks a lot Rick, that pretty much tells me what I needed to know.

 

[weekendfisherman]

Re: My first 24v trolling motor, need info. please

Thanks a lot Rick, that pretty much tells me what I needed to know.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: My first 24v trolling motor, need info. please

If you wish to charge both batteries using shore power, you'll need a dual output charger that has isolated outputs (most newer chargers are). If the outputs are not isolated (use a common ground) you will get sparks. You can connect the engine cables to one of the trolling motor batteries (use the battery that has the negative trolling motor cable connected to it). Keep in mind that you will probably have an imbalance (charge difference) between the two batteries if you do that. It may impact battery life and certainly will affect trolling motor run-time. How much of an impact is anyones guess.