Wiring trolling motor

[Rich Phalin]

Right now my trolling motor has a plug that plugs into the front of the boat. I'm going to put a new trolling motor on and wanted to know if hard wiring it is better. Are there pro's and con's to each way. Thanks

[jjue1979]

Hard wiring eliminates one point of failure. Some people don't use a plug that is rated for higher current, so the plugs either wear out and fail from heat cycles or worse (burn up). I use the Minn-Kota trolling motor plug on my 24V Terrova, and I'd get another one for whichever trolling motor that I get next (no matter the brand) since it helps with removing trolling motor for storage or service.

[bobcoy]

Without a plug or a switch where you can quickly disconnect in case an issue it might be a problem. It is also good practice to remove battery power from the motor while charging. There are quality plug-ins that are very secure connections which have screw knobs. Properly placed Anderson type quick connects at a minimum (easy to access) Any thing you do must be at least capable of 70 Amps. JMO Bob

[catdude28]

As mentioned, hard wiring eliminates one point of potential failure, although rare. Hard wiring requires a shut off at the battery so you can disconnect when charging. Bussman makes a combo switch that is a breaker/shut off that many here use.

[JK9027]

I have used split bolt connectors under the deck and the bussman breaker mentioned in the past. Worked great for me. Turn it on or off when doing the straps.

[SLYDoggie]

Don't know which motor you will be installing, but I just installed a new Minn Kota Ulterra Quest motor and the wiring gauge was increased for the Quest motors. The new Ulterra Quest at 32V requires 6 gauge wiring. I did use the Minn Kota MKR-28 Trolling Motor Plug and MKR-27 60A Circuit Breaker. The plug is a beast and worked perfectly with the 6 gauge wire. The circuit breaker also serves as the "switch" for the motor.

[Rich Phalin]

Thanks for the advise. I am going to install the 24 volt ultrex quest, I have the 6 gauge wire already. I have to check out that minn kota trolling motor plug.

[CatFan]

Thanks for the advise. I am going to install the 24 volt ultrex quest, I have the 6 gauge wire already. I have to check out that minn kota trolling motor plug.

Unless you have a small boat or batteries forward, you need 4AWG for the 24V Quest. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com...-battery-guide

[bobcoy]

This is another good choice on a plug. https://www.batterytender.com/dc-power-connector The tender plug is only up to #6 Wire.
Maybe #2!! (25’)Might have to go with the MK for #2

[SLYDoggie]

Unless you have a small boat or batteries forward, you need 4AWG for the 24V Quest. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com...-battery-guide

Great information. My Ulterra Quest is using a single Lithium 36 Volt battery, and it is near the front of the boat. It has always seemed backwards to me that 24V motors require heavier gauge wire than 36V motors... I have a lot to learn about electrical "stuff"

[Bill Reynolds]

Unless you have a small boat or batteries forward, you need 4AWG for the 24V Quest. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com...-battery-guide

Why does the required wire size go from #6 on the 80# Ultrex to #2 on the 80# Quest? Is it related to the brushless motor?
6 gauge is the largest I can terminate and I can’t imagine trying to pull 2 gauge through my hull.

[SLYDoggie]

Why does the required wire size go from #6 on the 80# Ultrex to #2 on the 80# Quest? Is it related to the brushless motor?
6 gauge is the largest I can terminate and I can’t imagine trying to pull 2 gauge through my hull.

Just want to be clear, there is no such thing as a 24V or 36V Quest. There is only one Quest version for each model and it detects 24V or 36V source and auto switches to support that voltage. If wiring is an issue, you could always go to a 36V setup and that would probably require a smaller wire... depending on your run length.

[mactlman]

Great information. My Ulterra Quest is using a single Lithium 36 Volt battery, and it is near the front of the boat. It has always seemed backwards to me that 24V motors require heavier gauge wire than 36V motors... I have a lot to learn about electrical "stuff"

the higher the voltage the less amps are used -- amps dictates the wire gauge required

[CatFan]

Why does the required wire size go from #6 on the 80# Ultrex to #2 on the 80# Quest? Is it related to the brushless motor?
6 gauge is the largest I can terminate and I can’t imagine trying to pull 2 gauge through my hull.

My suspicion is it’s more sensitive to low voltage.

[Rich Phalin]

Just when I thought it was going to be somewhat easy to install now I have to run all new wiring because I have a 24 volt system.

[Bill Reynolds]

My suspicion is it’s more sensitive to low voltage.

Me Too. I am just an analog guy and don’t understand electronic commutation.
I am really confused after checking on two other brushless motor brands. Wire size recommendation for Garmin Force is same as Quest but Lowrance Ghost is 6 gauge.