switching from 12 to 24 volt system

Finally tired of low trust trolling motor and stepping up to 24 volt Minn Kota 65pd. I’m looking for a diagram and or advice on setting this up. I have a 2 Bank charger now and since I will be adding a 3rd battery,I have located a 2nd 2 bank charger. The 2 wires heading to the bowmount are # 8 wire and may be a bit light for 42 amps @ 100 % power. I have 2 40 amp Circuit breakers in the lines now. I understand the 2 Battery jumper set-up but I am not sure about installing the 2 bank charger to what will now be a 24 volt system. Any advice ? Frank

The charger goes to + to + and – to –

It is that simple ? I was not sure about the jumper between the 2 batteries. (Thought the Charger might freak out).

Frank,

When you say that you originally have a 2 battery system, are you referring to 1 cranking battery and 1 trolling battery? If that is the case, I assume that your third battery is to add a second battery to your trolling motor?

That being the case, it sounds like you know how the jumper the terminals on your batteries to get 24V. For the charger, you may need to refer to the manufacturer for how to correctly wire to the batteries. I have a 2 bank ProMariner charger. There are two sets of leads that connect to each battery.

Not sure if you will need the other charger assuming that your big motor does a good job of keeping the charge on the cranking battery. I use a 2 bank charger on my trolling batteries and just let the motor charge the cranking battery.

Here is a chart copper AWG ratings Copper Wire Ampacity It would appear that you are good up to 60 amps with #8 wire.

Yes, its that simple.

Pete,
Yes, 1 Trolling and 1 cranking currently. The charger does have 4 leads ,so I should be all set. In that case I may have a spare 10 amp/2 bank charger for sale !

Derek,
Thanks ! it is always nice to be able to check with the experienced people to be sure.
Frank

Damn it Derek, quit simplifying things. Atleast refer to a Newton law or something.

Great advice, bud.