12 Volt to 24 Volt Upgrade

  • john-o
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 144
    May 6, 2006 at 4:39 pm #1234197

    I could use your advise on a my 12 to 24 volt trolling motor upgrade. I am putting on a transom mounted Minn Kota Vector motor, on the back of a 16′ Crestliner. The boat has a 60 hp tiller, and has always had a 12 volt (not very effective) 12 volt transom trolling motor.

    I already have the new 24 volt motor and have also bought a nice 3 bank charger for the new system. I could use some advise on the two new batteries and placement of the new batteries.

    I am a concerned about the the added weight of the new motor, which could be 35 – 50 lbs. The weight of the charger, about 15 lbs. And then the two new batteries.
    I am willing to spend the time and money to rig it the best way possible. With my weight concerns what batteries would you choose, and where would you locate the new charger and batteries. I would be willing to cut in a new access and place the gear towards the front of the boat.

    Thanks for your help!

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 6, 2006 at 4:50 pm #444206

    I have a Vector 24 volt on a 165 Navigator with a 60 Yamaha 4-stroke tiller. I replaced my starting battery with a Dual Purpose battery. I have my second battery in the aft battery compartment along with a Minn-Kota MK-220 charger. I use Group 27 Trojan batteries. The boat takes a few seconds longer to plane but thats about it. If you keep your starting battery and place two batteries up front, besure to follow Minn-Kota’s guidelines for extending the motor leads and proper wire gauge.

    john-o
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 144
    May 6, 2006 at 5:03 pm #444183

    Thanks Derek, I didn’t consider having only two batteries in the total system. John O

    tom_gursky
    Michigan's Upper Peninsula(Iron Mountain)
    Posts: 4751
    May 7, 2006 at 4:56 pm #444273

    If you use the trolling motor a lot I’d definitely go two up front with an onboard charger…a 65# will be fine with a 16′ boat. Two batteries will really prolong your charge span.
    I run a 70# UT up front and run two big deep cycles and a 20 amp Minnkota charger(1750 Fishhawk)…it fully charges both batteries from low to full chg in about 20 minutes.
    I also run a big deep cycle for a starter with its own Guard 6amp in the back.
    You can leave them on 24/7 without a problem…they are designed for that. When I am fishing March or Nov in freezing temps they stay plugged in all night and ready to roll in the AM.

    john-o
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 144
    May 8, 2006 at 2:58 pm #444411

    Tom, Thanks for your advise! John O

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