Wiring a 24 volt Fortrex

[BBQBLUE]

I recently purchased a 2002 Skeeter with an 24 volt Fortrex. I don't know if it is efficiently set up. I would like to clean it up and make sure it is safe. I will be running 2 size 27 batteries in series. The current wires are 6 gauge marine grade. There are 50 amp breakers on each of the positive battery posts. The reset buttons on the breakers are impossible to reach if tripped! There are two power (red) wires and one ground (black) wire leading from the pictured outlet in front to the battery compartment.
My questions are: Is this considered a 12/24 system? Should I replace the plug in the bow? Do I need to a new breaker or can I use the two already installed? If so can I flip the breaker to access the reset?

[friogatto]

Sounds like you have a 12/24 system.

Not having access to the breaker is a problem. I don't believe in reusing old wiring, especially 15 year old boat wiring. Just had to help a friend replace his wiring. Cost was around $150.

Specs for trolling motor gauge wiring
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/WorkAr...t.aspx?id=1429

6AWG
60 Amp switchable breaker

www.genuinedealz.com
Custom Cables

Circuit Breaker - Bussman 185 Series Surface Mount 60 Amp with 1/4 studs.
$37.00

JUMPER CABLE FROM BATTERY + TO BATTERY -
6AWG Battery Cable
2ft
White / White
Cable Connector #1: Tinned Copper Lug for 5/16 inch bolt (M8)
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Cable Connector #2: Tinned Copper Lug for 3/8 inch bolt (M10)
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Total Cost: $7.80

NEGATIVE CABLE FROM BATTERY- TO TROLLING MOTOR-
6AWG Battery Cable
25ft
Black / Black
Cable Connector #1: Tinned Copper Lug for 5/16 inch bolt (M8)
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Cable Connector #2: Tinned Copper Lug for 1/4 inch bolt
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Total Cost: $40.00

POSITIVE CABLE FROM BATTERY+ TO BREAKER
6AWG Battery Cable
3ft
Red / Red
Cable Connector #1: Tinned Copper Lug for 1/4 inch bolt
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Cable Connector #2: Tinned Copper Lug for 3/8 inch bolt (M10)
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Total Cost: $9.20


POSITIVE CABLE FROM BREAKER TO TROLLING MOTOR+
6AWG Battery Cable
25ft
Red / Red
Cable Connector #1: Tinned Copper Lug for 1/4 inch bolt
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Cable Connector #2: Tinned Copper Lug for 1/4 inch bolt
Heat Shrink: Clear Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink
Total Cost: $40.00

West marine Stainless Steel. Not the cheapest but readily available.
1 pack of Ancor brand 10-12ga 1/4 ring terminals.
1 pack of Ancor adhesive lined shrink tube
2 1/4" Bolts 3/4" long
2 1/4" flat washers
2 1/4" split washers

Tools needed
Ratcheting double crimper

This cheap Ratcheting Crimp tool lasted about 25 crimps before the crimp started losing strength. Also had a tendency to twist in your hand while crimping.
$20 https://www.amazon.com/Ratcheting-So.../dp/B0002KR9GQ

Currently have this crimper. Replaced the above one. Is must more sturdy and provides a stronger crimp.
$68 https://www.amazon.com/Ancor-701030-.../dp/B000NI3EMK

Another cheap option if you have a local harborfreight. Assume it is similar quality as the cheap Amazon one. Pics look very similar.
$15 https://www.harborfreight.com/ratche...ool-97420.html

Heat gun, This is the one I have and has worked well for me.
$25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004TUCV...oding=UTF8&me=

Anyways, good luck on your project.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

I recently purchased a 2002 Skeeter with an 24 volt Fortrex. I don't know if it is efficiently set up. I would like to clean it up and make sure it is safe. I will be running 2 size 27 batteries in series. The current wires are 6 gauge marine grade. There are 50 amp breakers on each of the positive battery posts. The reset buttons on the breakers are impossible to reach if tripped! There are two power (red) wires and one ground (black) wire leading from the pictured outlet in front to the battery compartment.
My questions are: Is this considered a 12/24 system? Should I replace the plug in the bow? Do I need to a new breaker or can I use the two already installed? If so can I flip the breaker to access the reset?

Yours is considered a 12/24V system, not needed for the 24V trolling motor. You need two wires, the black ground from the neg of battery one and the red positive from the positive of battery 2. There should be a non breakered 6ga wire going from the positive of battery one to the negative of battery 2. Doesn't bother me to use the existing wire if it looks to be in good shape. Unless wiring is exposed to something to make it deteriorate, it will be fine. Use a breaker that also serves as a battery cutoff in a 60A breaker. This should be place within 18" of the positive battery, so you would have battery positive to breaker, breaker to trolling motor. You can use the same plug and just loose one of the wires -- or keep the wire connected and disconnect at the battery. For safety's sake, that circuit should be disconnected at the battery.
John

[BBQBLUE]

Great info guys!! Do you guys have a preferred battery cutoff breaker you like to use?

[Jonestrollingmotor]

I sell both MarPac and Buss. Some breakers with "off" names are made by a major mfg to the specs of who ever name is on the breaker.
John

[Dave in Mpls]

My biggest concern with your system is the Marinco plug & receptacle. Pretty sure the 305BP and 305CRRB are only rated at 30 Amps. Surely a 24V Fortrex will pull more than 30 Amps.

[BBQBLUE]

It does say 30amp on it. I was thinking that myself, what should I replace it with? Would rather not have to modify the hole in the front console.
Can anyone send me a link to a circuit breaker with a battery shutoff, there are so many styles I am having trouble choosing. Want something that I can cut the power at the battery so I don't have to unplug it in the front.
Thanks again!

[BBQBLUE]

Is my current 30amp 12/24 receptacle and plug ok to use?

[Jonestrollingmotor]

My biggest concern with your system is the Marinco plug & receptacle. Pretty sure the 305BP and 305CRRB are only rated at 30 Amps. Surely a 24V Fortrex will pull more than 30 Amps.

If you'll notice, it also says 120V @ 30A. That is an AC rating, not a DC rating. It will handle the 50 to 60A the trolling motor will draw on 24 or 36V

[Jonestrollingmotor]

It does say 30amp on it. I was thinking that myself, what should I replace it with? Would rather not have to modify the hole in the front console.
Can anyone send me a link to a circuit breaker with a battery shutoff, there are so many styles I am having trouble choosing. Want something that I can cut the power at the battery so I don't have to unplug it in the front.
Thanks again!

This is a Buss, I sell either it or Marpac, depending on which vendor I'm ordering from. this is the Buss, MarPac looks the same except for the coloring of the switch handle and button.

[BBQBLUE]

John,
Thanks for the response! I have a good understanding of what I need now!
Thanks everyone!!