Trolling motor wiring

[Okiedeerhunter]

I have a 1991 Champion 184 SCR Elite. I am going to replace my old Johnson 12-24 trolling motor with a new Fortrex 80. Does anybody out there know what the trolling motor wire gauge size is in this boat or am I going to have to run all new wires? Also it already has (2) circuit breakers -40 amp, already installed. All the wiring is like new.

[Wildcat Dude]

Welcome to the BBC, most likely its 8ga (should be printed on the wire somewhere). When you get the new TM it will tell you what the specs required are. Myself, I'd pull the old wiring out, put in a new plug and 6ga wiring with a 60amp breaker (but that's me). Mr. Jones can tell you what you need. You'll also be going straight 24 volt (no more 12/24).

Diagram will be based on what you tell Mr. Jones how your plug is wired (take photo's). The 2 40amp breakers you have now is one on the 12v side and one for the 24v side of the wires. At bare minimum you'll be going with ONE 50amp breaker (resettable), Mr. Jones can fix you up with that too. Myself, I'd be more concerned about your connections but you'll definitely be getting better results and efficiency with the newer 24 volt

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Welcome to the BBC boards. I'm John Jones, owner of Jones Trolling Motor in Texarkana, AR, one of the sponsors on the board and a moderator on this site.
Charles is correct about the wire size. On a 91, it could be either 8 or 6ga, but will be written on the side. The 40A breaker would make me think probably 8ga. The Fortrex will need 6ga with a 60A breaker for 24V. You will also need a plug that will carry (several are available) and appropriately crimped connections.
When you get ready to pull the trigger, I can take care of the wiring needs you may have, can have the motor shipped to your door, saving you sales tax, and provide customer support to help you in this upgrade.
John

[Okiedeerhunter]

Thanks !! Charles and John. I am going to check out what I have and get back to you. Supposed to rain all weekend so I'll be spending time in the shop. Thanks again.

[Fish.Team.Rose]

Johns the man!

[Okiedeerhunter]

John: I checked the wiring and it appears that I have 6 ga. wires already installed. I could not find anything on the outside of the wire except "105*centigrade". However the crimped terminals all say 6 ga. I have some 8 ga. and this wire is considerably larger than that.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

If you have 6ga, then you're good to go with the wire. You will need the 60A breaker and depending on the plug you have now, possibly a new plug.
John

[Okiedeerhunter]

I'll send you some pics of my wiring setup to your website and maybe you can tell me what I need to change and get from you.

[Okiedeerhunter]

John: I'm getting ready to wire this Fortrex up and have another question or two for you. If I make a jumper at the battery as usual will this effect my charger leads? Seems like the jumper might mess with the polarity while it is charging. I have a pro mariner 25-3 charger that has leads for each battery. So will it work as normal? I was wondering also if I could make the jumper at the old 12/24 switch instead of back at the battery?

[Jonestrollingmotor]

I would eliminate the 12/24 switch since you will be straight 24. This helps to reduce resistance in the system. Make the jump at the batteries, connect the charger with one set of leads per battery and you will be good to go.
John

[Okiedeerhunter]

Ok ! Thanks John I appreciate the help !!

[Okiedeerhunter]

I have a couple of other questions : I have a twist loc receptacle that has 3 poles- 30 A 125 volt. Will this work with the 2 wire on the Fortrex 80? Then I have a charger question: I have a Pro Mariner 3-25 , what size inline fuse holder and fuse amperage should I use?

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Don't change anything on the charger. The plug will work fine.

[Okiedeerhunter]

Thanks John!! I really appreciate it!