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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
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    81

    1990 168 12/24 Charge Switch Question

    Does anyone happen to know the current rating for the 12/24v - charge switch in the bow? I think I may have undersized what I ordered.

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Woodland Hills California
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    102
    #2
    The MINN KOTA book that I have recommended (20amp rating for 2 bank 12/24v) (30amp rating for 3 bank 12/24/36v) & (40amp rating for 4 bank 12/24/36/48v) These rating are for there latest chargers that i would assume to be more efficient than a charging system 28 years ago. If you wanted to be on the safe side you could bump those ratings up to 30/40/50amp rated switch. Mine is done automatically by the charger internally with each bank output of 5amp minimum @ 20-125 AH (Battery Amp Hour Rating) up to 15amp @ 60-180AH. In short the efficiency of the batteries being charged along with the efficiency of the charging system has the correct answer your looking for. I'm sure you are not using the original batteries from 1990 & the current replacements have a much higher charging capacity which would have myself bumping up the rating of the switch to 30amp minimum. I just replaced my plug connection for my 12/24 Thruster trolling motor to 50amp rating since the boat wiring is #6 from the 30amp receptical the boat came with. I'm sure that my motor (33 years old) draws more amps than when it was new, better safe than sorry. Also consider if your wires are only rated for 20amps bumping the switch up to 30amps will only keep the switch from frying not new weak link of wires rated for less than the switch. If the charger leads are #10 your good for 30amp #12 your good for 20amp. I would put a meter to see what the output on each lead is while charging. Rule of thumb is dont exceed 70% of the wires rating . Hope this makes sense & helps.

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    81
    #3
    I have a 24v system with two 600 CCA Interstate Marine Batteries. The wires are 6 AWG and each 12v circuit has its own 40 breaker. So, are the breakers oversized based on what Minn Kota says (20amp rating for 2 bank 12/24v). Seems like 6 AWG should be able to carry at least 50 amps. Thanks for your input! I'm new to the Champion boat realm & still trying to figure this all out.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Woodland Hills California
    Posts
    102
    #4
    Yes #6 is rated for 50amp, your good to go!
    Robert Lafreniere
    Lomita, California
    1986 Champion Mean 15
    1986 Mercury Tower Of Power 90hp

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Bella Vista AR
    Posts
    273
    #5
    Don't use the bow switch unless you actually have a 4 wire 12/24 troll motor. If your running a 2 wire 24v find any of the 2 running back and put the jumper cable (batt to batt) in the back of the boat.
    Phil 4:19 2018 Nitro Z19, 200Pro Xs, Lowrance, Minnkota