running 24 volt and 12 volt systems

[cbrunick57]

On my boat I have a 12 volt transom mount trolling motor and am looking to upgrade my bow mount to a 24 volt. My boat has the trolling motor batteries located in the front and both the transom and bow plug run to the front compartment. My question is can I hook the 2 batteries together along with the bow mount for a 24 volt system, and hook my transom mount plug into just one of the batteries to make a 12 volt system. Long story short can I run both 24 and 12v off just 2 batteries.

[jjz]

Yes, but not advised. It would create uneven draw and prematurely wear both batteries. Better would be stick with 12 volt (two batteries wired together to double reserve capacity) or go 24 volt for both.

Good Luck

[gunner55]

We have done this but not at the same time.We just change how the batteries are wired together(series vs paralell).Our 24 volt is a transom mount & not on the boat or used often.