Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

[PAkev]

My post is two parts:<br /><br />First, how difficult is it to mount and wire up a brand new 24V 74lb Power Drive or Maxxum and 3 bank carger? My rig is new and will be already wired for the TM to plug into however It will not be coming with the Deep Cycle batteries and therefore not wired in the series for 24V. I also intend to install a 3 bank charger for the two TM batteries and starting battery. I am fairly handy but am willing to pay to have it installed neatly and right by an experienced professional.<br /><br />My dilemna is that the local dealer is charging nearly $100 over what I can purchase it from Bass Pro Shop for. On top of that he indicates it will take approx. 2 hrs of shop time at $60/hr. I respect the fact that they need to pay the bills and will pay their cost if this seems to be the norm. I didn't commit to the order and installation or object to the price, however in the back of my mind I am thinking of how I will have a few extra sheckles for some extra fishing tackle or other boat stuff if I am able to make it a weekend do-it-yourself project. Finally, If they are indeed treating the TM purchase and the installation as two seperate transactions, does it seem unreasonable for me to purchase the TM from BPS and pay the dealer their $60/hr shop rate for installation? <br /><br />Helpful advice appreciated<br /><br />Kevin

 

[jimr]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

to answer your question with a question would you take your own steak to a restraunt and ask them to cook it for you? that is how your dealer and every place of retail buisness make their living buy making money on goods and services. 2 hours doesn't sound unreasonable

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

Jimr has a point, but if the dealer you deal with is OK with that then I wouldnt wory about it.<br /><br />The other issue about doing it yourself would depend on your ability and willingness to spend an afternoon doing it yourself. Both units will come with detailed instructions. If you wire it wrong you could fry an expensive unit, and then were would you be. I too think that two hrs. is resonable for a quality intallation.<br /><br />Another note, you should buy a 24 volt charger. I beleive the one you mentioned is a 12V X 3.

 

[BayStealth]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

If you are going to buy it from BPS, then install it yourself. I install mobile video in vehicles and I don't install 'outside' units due to warranty issues. If the trolling motor causes a problem then the dealer can say its the motor and BPS can tell you is was the wiring. If you do install it your self with the 3 bank charger, ck how long you need to extend the cables to the starter battery. Then figure out what size wire to use depending on the amps. Sounds like you may need to use 6 ga wire. The hardest part to the charger is finding where to install it, the cables just attach right to the battery and like said above give good directions with their unit. To hook up the series for the trolling motor batteries, hook a jumper cable from the (+) to the (-) and the negative lead from the trolling motor harness to the open negative and the positive from the trolling motor lead to the open positive. Be sure to put at least a 50 amp breaker in the positive wire also.

 

[JoeW]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

I just installed a new 65# 24v Power Drive on my boat. There really wasn't much to it. I was fortunate enough to have a nice broad flat surface on the bow for the motor. That's what made me decide to do it myself. If I had to make a mount to fit a bunch of curves, I might have taken it to a pro. I got a 40 amp circuit breaker from West Marine. I used 6ga wire that I got from a hardware store. It was much cheaper than what West Marine had and it was better quality (oil & water resistant). I also used a sliding mount bracket. It was $37 but I figure that was a good investment. <br />I don't have an on-board charger yet. I'm still using the little portable job.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

It's not so much that I have a problem paying the few extra sheckles out of the gate for the TM . I really don't expect any favors from a local dealer which I haven't spent any money with yet and would consider their extra charge as money invested in developing a mutual relationship. However, I just don't want this to set a prescidence of being exploited for future services if the dealer doesn't exhibit similar interests to make it a positive experience for both of us. <br /><br />From the context of the follow up posts it appears the $60/hr x 2hrs. shop fee is fairly competitive and I'm inclined to give the dealer a fair chance at installing my TM and charger.<br /> <br />Thanks for the helpful input<br />Kevin

 

[kalan2000]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

Joe,<br /><br />Email me. How did the installationturn out? have you tried it yet?<br /><br />Al<br />kalan at cwnet.com

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Trolling Motor and Charger Installation

Pakev – if you know your right foot from your left you can likely install all that stuff yourself. It might be helpful to approach it as a project and not as a way to save $$$, tho you certainly will save $$$. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to do…in hindsight. <br /><br />If you decide to have the shop install the unit, ask them outright to be competitive on their pricing…”knock $100 off” and I’ll order from you and I’ll pay you for the install.