How to Connect a 24V Trolling Motor (2 Step Methods)
Content
If you need to hook up a 24V trolling motor, my article will show you how.
You will need to connect two 12v batteries in series, using at least the power cable and connection cable.
I will also advise you on how to choose the right battery, what size wire to use, and how long you can expect the 24V motor to run.
Trolling motors
A trolling motor is usually 12V, 24V, or 36V. A 24V motor is usually the ideal motor for anglers that combines good fishing capabilities with an affordable price.
Choosing the Right Battery
Battery size and location
The 24V trolling motor is powered by two 12V batteries connected in series.
This arrangement doubles the voltage to provide the required 24 volts. Wiring is easy enough to do yourself without hiring an electrician.
Battery Type
There are two types of batteries that anglers recommend using for trolling motors: flooded lead-acid batteries and AGM batteries.
They differ in quality/price and maintenance requirements. So consider how much you can dedicate to maintenance work beyond what you can afford and how long you can expect the battery to last.
Lead-acid batteries are usually cheaper; for this reason they are more common. Most anglers use this type. However, if you can afford it, AGM batteries have more advantages. These are fully sealed batteries. Its main benefits are extended battery life and longer lifespan. In addition, they require virtually no maintenance.
You pay extra for these benefits as they are more expensive (significantly, actually), but their performance advantage may make you consider choosing an AGM battery.
Attention! Do not mix different types of batteries. For example, a 12V lead-acid battery with an AGM battery will combine two different types. This can damage the batteries, so it's best not to mix them. Either use two lead acid batteries in series or two AGM batteries in series.
Before connecting the 24V trolling motor
The two 12V batteries must be connected in series, not in parallel. Only then the supply voltage can be 24V.
In addition, before connecting, you will need the following items:
- Two 12V deep cycle marine batteries
- Power cable
- Connecting cable (or jumper)
Before you start wiring your 24V trolling motor, there are a few more things you should do:
- Battery – Check both batteries to make sure they are sufficiently charged and can supply the required voltage. They should be around or close to 12V each. Typically, the red wire is connected to the positive battery terminal and the black wire to the negative.
- Circuit breaker (Optional) - The circuit breaker is designed to protect the engine, wiring and boat. Alternatively, you can use a fuse, but a circuit breaker is better for this purpose.
Trolling Motor Harness 24V
There are two ways to connect a 24V trolling motor: with and without circuit breakers.
Method 1 (simple method)
The first method only requires a power cable (with one red and one black wire) and a connection cable. The procedure is as follows:
- Connect the black wire of the power cable to the negative terminal of one battery.
- Connect the red wire of the power cable to the positive terminal of another battery.
- Connect a jumper cable (of the same gauge) from the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the other battery.
Method 2 (using two circuit breakers)
The second method requires an additional white cable and two circuit breakers in addition to the power cable and connection cable. The procedure is as follows:
- Connect the red wire of the power cable to the positive terminal of one battery and place a 40 amp circuit breaker on this connection.
- Connect the black wire of the power cable to the negative terminal of another battery.
- Connect a white cable (of the same gauge) to the positive terminal of the second battery and another 40 amp switch to this connection.
- Connect the connecting cable between the remaining battery terminals.
Correct wire size
A 24V trolling motor usually requires 8 gauge wire.
But if the wire is longer than 20 feet, you should use thicker 6-gauge wire. Expanded systems will also require the wire to be thicker than eight gauge, i.e. a smaller gauge. (1)
The manufacturer of your trolling motor has indicated or recommended which wire to use, so check your manual or contact the manufacturer directly. Otherwise, using the standard size wire mentioned above should be safe depending on how long the wire you need.
How long does the engine run
The battery life of the trolling motor will depend on how long and intensively you use it.
As a general rule, you can expect a 24V trolling motor to last about a couple of hours if you use it at full power. So it can last longer if you use it with less power. It can work up to 4 hours at half power.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Which wire to connect two 12V batteries in parallel?
- What happens if you connect the white wire to the black wire
- How to connect 2 amps with one power wire
Help
(1) Boating. Soldier boy. Boating Vol. 68, no. 7, p. 44 July 1995
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