Trolling Motor Wiring Question / Circuit Breakers / Etc

[NCMIKE]

I have purchased two 101lb thrust Minn Kotas. One is a bowmount foot control and the other is a transom mount tiller steer. Both obviously 36volt.

Can someone guide me on whether or not they need a circuit breaker between the motor and the batteries and if so, how this is wired in and where to get one? I have heard different opinions on whether they are needed.

Also, both motors are 52 inch shafts and are way too long. I can use them like this, but have heard that the shafts can be cut. What is involved in this, and does it compromise anything if you do it in terms of waterproofing and seals, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me.

Mike

 

[RivRunR]

Yes, you need to install a circuit breaker as close to the battery as possible. You can get them any number of places, Amazon, etc...

Not sure of the breaker size for a 101, your amp draw may be listed in your owner's manual. Otherwise, I'd guess that a 60 amp breaker would be correct.

Here's a link to MinnKota's Breaker Install Guide

Can't help you with the shaft cutting question, sorry.

 

[TNtroller]

look for a breaker that you can "reset" so you can get back to fishing by just reseting the breaker. I got one at my local boat dealer for <$10, and it mounts onto the battery post and then you only have to put a ring terminal on the wire and make the connection.

If the TM's are new, it would be best to have a MK certified repair facility do the cutting on the shafts as I have read where it will not void the warranty if done by a MK certified shop. If no warranty, then google it and pretty sure someone has posted how they did it.

 

[Bob Landry]

Size the wire according to the amp draw of the motors. There are many online wire calculators to help with that. Then size the circuit breaker according to the current capacity of the wire. Do not use a circuit breaker that exceeds the current capacity of the wire.