If you’re someone who enjoys boating or is out on the water a lot, chances are you need to learn how to connect your trolling motor to the battery. Trolling motors are known for their outstanding features as they are adjustable and help the boat with maneuverability. Most of the time, people don’t know how to connect the wire to the battery so that the motor can be used on the boat and that leads to less fun experience on the water.
To follow the correct procedure, you need specific tools. You need a trolling motor control that includes a remote control and manual fill. You must have batteries chosen according to the needs of your boat. You can use one or more batteries connected in parallel or in series. To fix the motor power cables with the battery, the ends of the lugs are necessary. In the case of connected high-voltage batteries, you also need a jumper wire. A circuit breaker should be used for protection, as well as a trolling motorboat which helps in a quick disconnect with the motorboat. The trolling motor is easily removed with a quick release plate. You may need extension cables as there may be more than one battery to connect and the jumper may not be sufficient for this. You also need some power cords.
How to choose the right battery?
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There are two types of batteries used for trolling motors. One is the Absorbed Glass Mat battery, commonly known as AGM, and the other is a lead-acid wet cell. AGM batteries are durable and resistant to vibration, allowing them to survive for a long time. Plus, they last for four years, unlike the typical battery that dies after two years. If you want exceptional performance, AGM batteries are your safest bet, but they are very expensive and can push you over your budget.
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A leaded wet cell is acceptable in terms of working for an engine. It can withstand pressure and is cheaper than AGM. However, they do not last long and can cause losses. They will not withstand vibrations, which means very high maintenance is required.
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The battery (or batteries jumpered in series) must not have been used before. First, take the red wire, which was lead, from the outboard motor and connect it to the positive terminal of the battery. Then take the black wire and connect it to the negative battery terminal. Remember that the black wire is connected to the black terminal and the red wire is connected to the red terminal. It is advisable to use a 50 amp circuit breaker in the middle.
If there is a 12V battery, only this process is necessary. If the motor is 24 volts and there are two 12 volt batteries included, take the black wire from the motor and connect it to the negative terminal of the first battery. Next, take the red wire from the motor and connect it to the positive terminal of the second battery. After that, use a jumper to connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. You must use a 40 amp circuit breaker for this.
If the motor is 36 volts, you will need three 12v batteries. This process is a bit tricky, but once you figure it out, you can do it with no problem. Connect the black motor cable to the negative terminal of the first battery. Then connect the red motor cable to the positive terminal of the third battery. After that you need two jumpers. Connect one from the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. Use another jumper to connect the positive terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of the third battery. You will finally have a 36V motor.
