Can I run a 12V trolling motor with 2 batteries???

[Christopher Quast]

I've heard you can do this so if it's possible do I hook my batteries up in sequence or parallel and which ever way it happens to be could I get some info on how to do it?

[Geeksquad21]

I tried it drains both batteries at the same time if you can run a switch to cut off power to one battery that will work .Normally Ill just switch to the fresh battery by switching the cables.

[Pat K]

If you hook them up paralel (+ to +, - to -) it will still be 12v and nearly double your run time.

[marine_man]

You'll get more run time if you connect two batteries in parallel as Pat K described above - positive to positive and negative to negative.

marine_man

[DP]

This is ok, as long as your batteries are fairly identical, and are of the same age. I would recommend a switch like Geeksquad21 suggested. I use a rotary switch that allows connection to #1, #2, both or off. I utilize one of these between my starting and trolling motor batteries, it allows me to charge my trolling motor battery from my outboard when I am on a long run etc.

[goose89]

K.I.S.S. I'd stick with the advice from Pat K & marine man. You'll be happy with that simple set up. I NEVER drained both my batteries in parallel, assuming they were fully charged and in good shape. Your choice, but switches and gizmo's that charge during a long run are just more things to break or malfunction than it's worth. IMO.

[DonBo]

How about when you charge the batteries in this set up? Can you put the charger on just one and charge both at same time?

[marine_man]

Yes, you can put the charger on one battery and it'll charge the other. It'll take longer this way then running a two bank charger, but it will charge both banks.

marine_man

[snowman678]

 Originally Posted By: marine_man

Yes, you can put the charger on one battery and it'll charge the other. It'll take longer this way then running a two bank charger, but it will charge both banks.

marine_man

So, to clarify for my electrically-challenged mind, will running a 2 bank charger with the batteries connected in parallel mess anything up with the batteries or charger?

[raymondk]

Skip hooking them up in parallel. if one of your battery is a little weaker it will drain your other battery with it. I just run one out and just switch the wires which i made long enough to hook them up to both batteries also i have a 2 bank charger if you have them hooked up in parallel it will take you to long to charge with just one bank to charge 2 batteries . i have been doing this for a few years and i never run into having completely dead batteries . Just keep it simple alot less problem .

[marine_man]

 Originally Posted By: snowman678

will running a 2 bank charger with the batteries connected in parallel mess anything up with the batteries or charger?

No - you'll just charge them faster.

marine_man

[snowman678]

Thanks MM! Now we just need to get rid of the ice & maybe I'll finally get on the water.

[slammer]

If I hook two batteries together, does it matter how long the wires are between batteries?

[YUM]

It shouldnt, I had two batteries hooked up in parallel and they were 8 feet apart and never had any problems, and now they are hooked up in a series for a 24... no problems.

[marine_man]

Unless you're talking 20' or something like that (and have to consider current drop and wire gauge over distance) you won't notice much of a difference.

marine_man