Wiring a new trolling motor

[John Roby]

I've purchased a new Minn Kota Riptide SP and will mounting it on a Minn Kota quick release bracket. Because I fly fish I want to try and keep the bow as clean as possible. Any tips on how I might run the wires that go to the battery to keep them off my front deck? Is it risky to mount a plug on the bow deck right next to the mounting bracket that faces up? I've seen them on the inside wall of the bow deck, but would prefer to keep the wire off my deck. My battery for it is in the bow well.

Thanks
John

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring a new trolling motor

Don't mount the receptacle vertically as it will always be full of water. What you can do is route the troller cable through a small access hatch located next to the quick release plate. Yes, that means modifying the deck a bit but you have limited options -- hide the cable or deal with it. The hatch/hole would only need to be big enough to route the cable plug through to wherever the receptacle gets mounted.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Wiring a new trolling motor

I agree with ST, keep the plug mounted vertical. But in your case I don't know if that's feasible since you don't want any plugs or wires to get fouled with your fly line.

I think a plug like this would work well for connecting your TM to the battery(s), that way you don't have to mount a receptacle in the boat. I've used them before and they snap together pretty snug. The only problem I see with this type of connector is that the wires could work loose after a while since there is no strain relief on the plug. If not his plug, maybe some other type that does not require a mounted receptacle.

Oh yeah, check your PM's

 

[seabob4]

Re: Wiring a new trolling motor

What I did for a customer:

Add a small plug (his will be hard wired) and your good to go...