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  1. #1
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    Ghost Wiring John Jones

    John the Ghost installation manual doesn't mention a main battery disconnect switch to be turned off, or a trolling motor plug to be disconnected, when charging the trolling motor batteries. I can only assume that the Power Button on the Ghost trolling motor pedal is a suitable "disconnect" means for charging trolling motor batteries, do you agree?

    According the Ghost installation manual....

    "Connecting the batteries
    ! Warning: The positive supply wire (red) should always be connected to (+) DC with a fuse or a circuit breaker (closest available to fuse rating)".



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    #2
    Interesting question. I always unplug mine, habit I guess.

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    #3
    Lucas at Lowrance states that the trolling motor pedal power button should be off, when charging the batteries, and he also said turning off/disconnecting power to the trolling motor would help protect the trolling motor, while charging the batteries. It didn't sound like a "you must do this statement", in regards to completely disconnecting or shutting off all the power to the trolling motor.



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    #4
    Always safer to disconnect. MK and Garmin recommend it. If you don't want to unplug every time, then the easiest thing to do is to install the appropriate breaker with a dual function of circuit protection and switching. Blue Seas makes several of these, and are quite popular here on BBC.
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    #5
    Agree, which is why I bought a Eaton Bussmann MRCB model 187F @ 50A.

    The Lowrance manual should have stated recommendations for charging, since a lot of guys do not disconnect their batteries from the trolling motor before charging.
    Last edited by Savage; 04-02-2020 at 09:57 PM.



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    #6
    On the info, I missed the live feed.

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    #7
    I think with modern day electronics it would be a good practice to disconnect power completely from any troll motor to protect the electronics. Battery chargers tend to cause problems with troll motors if power is not removed by turning off a breaker or unplugging the troll motor.

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    #8
    Agree, but I'm also all for the absolute minimum amount of make and break connections in the wiring system for the trolling motor. Less problems occur, with less connections.

    I hardwired the trolling motor connections this time instead of a Marinco outlet and plug that's exposed to the elements.



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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Savage View Post
    Agree, but I'm also all for the absolute minimum amount of make and break connections in the wiring system for the trolling motor. Less problems occur, with less connections.

    I hardwired the trolling motor connections this time instead of a Marinco outlet and plug that's exposed to the elements.
    Great set up along with your Bussman breaker/cut off
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  10. Member PowerFish's Avatar
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    #10
    So this is a somewhat interesting question, as I'm going to be assisting my buddy install his over the weekend. I reviewed the manual and it does not make any mention. His Ranger has has the trolling motor hard wired for years, there is no plug, but yes, there is a breaker in the back of the boat, but not what I would call a cutoff switch.

    I was wondering if we needed to plan on installing a plug as well, but sounds like the switch may be it?
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  11. Member
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    #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Savage View Post
    Agree, but I'm also all for the absolute minimum amount of make and break connections in the wiring system for the trolling motor. Less problems occur, with less connections.

    I hardwired the trolling motor connections this time instead of a Marinco outlet and plug that's exposed to the elements.
    Is one item to either unplug, turn off switch or turn off breaker to much to comprehend?

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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by PowerFish View Post
    So this is a somewhat interesting question, as I'm going to be assisting my buddy install his over the weekend. I reviewed the manual and it does not make any mention. His Ranger has has the trolling motor hard wired for years, there is no plug, but yes, there is a breaker in the back of the boat, but not what I would call a cutoff switch.

    I was wondering if we needed to plan on installing a plug as well, but sounds like the switch may be it?
    I been having My Ranger since 07. I have my troll motor hard wired. I just flig the breaker and charge the batterys. Never had issue with the breaker of the troll motor.

  13. Member LTZ25's Avatar
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Savage View Post
    Agree, but I'm also all for the absolute minimum amount of make and break connections in the wiring system for the trolling motor. Less problems occur, with less connections.

    I hardwired the trolling motor connections this time instead of a Marinco outlet and plug that's exposed to the elements.
    Mine is hardwired also but I installed a separate cutoff switch for TM batteries , just like the one I installed for main electrical system .

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    #14
    Whether "needed" or not, it's extra insurance and I always recommend it. I suggest the breaker that also function as a switch.
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    #15
    I'm really happy with the Eaton Bussmann MRCB model 187F @ 50A.