Trolling motor wiring question....

[ewirz]

I plan on putting a Minn Kota PD 55# AP on the front of a Tournament Pro 175. I am toying with the idea of wiring two batteries parallel to extend run time. Anyone have experience with this or advice on the wisdom (or lack of) for this? Thx for the help.

ERW

[Giant_Jackpot]

ERW,

This setup works fine. I did it for years and have friends that do it as well.

On a side note, the 55 will work just fine on that boat but if you can afford it, you will be much happier with a 65 pound thrust or bigger on that boat. I have a 1750 Fish Hawk and started out with the 55 and went to a 74 pounder two years later. Just a thought…..

[Northlander]

I agree with Giant Jackpot. I have a 55# on my 17' Explorer and wish I had at least a 65 and 74 would be the best I think. If you can afford it go to the 74. May seem like overkill but I have found many times that I wish I had it. High winds and High currents. Also I suggest the auto pilot and even better with the remote that you can run from your wrist, rod or hung on your neck/jacket. Well worth the money if you dont drop it in the drink. Oh by the way a key float on it would be a great idea. Why didnt I think of that sooner?

[bkft]

I agree with Giant. I'm looking at the same boat as you, and I'm thinking of going with a 70-80lb motor for the bow. Of course, you're talking a 24v system now, instead of the 12v the 55lb motor runs on. My opinion is to go to the highest thrust you can afford. Unless you're always going to be fishing glass water, my guess is you'll eventually want some more horse to move you around.

John

[ewirz]

I really would like to go bigger but don't have the fundage right now. I'll have the same size transom, between the two, I should be fine until I can get something bigger. Thanks for all the advice.

ERW

[norma]

I have a Trophy 180 that I went the 55ap route. First off, not enough thrust, I will probably upgrade to a 70 or 80 this year.

Also, if you want to wire it 12v in parallel it is best accomplished at the outlet at the bow. All you have to do is move the 24v jumper from pos- neg to pos-pos and add a neg-neg jumper. Hope this helps