24v hookup

[Godrew1972]

I’m trying to get a larger bow motor. I have a 45, but on windy days it’s really working just to hold. I’d like to get a 55 but most are 24v. Is it pretty easy to convert. My current setup is 55 on stern and 45 on bow with 2 battery in back of boat. Also a ff is connected to these batteries with an onboard charger. I have a 16ft Starcraft aluminum
1. I’m not that handy, is it pretty simple to do?
2. Is it even worth it just to up to 55 for the bow?

Thanks for any input

[NJSquatch]

I wouldn't bother for a 55# thrust. I would recommend at least a 70-80# to take advantage of the 24 volts. You will need to add another battery to ur setup for the stern motor and ff as they can't run on 24v. You might have to upgrade ur wiring on the 24 v circuit depending on the guage of your existing wiring.

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/suppo...on-and-rigging

Other consideration is your batteries. When wiring in series u want the batteries to match to maximize performance. I.e. Same age and size. Don't forget about upgrading the circuit breaker and onboard charger to a 3 bank.

I have an 80# bow mount on my 17' deep v and it is awesome. Drags the boat around all day with 29 series batteries.

[Godrew1972]

Couldn’t I get a 24v battery instead of 2 12v?

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by Godrew1972

Couldn’t I get a 24v battery instead of 2 12v?

never heard of a 24v deep cycle battery. imagine they would be spendy

[Gerry Zagorski]

Could you take two 12 volt batteries and wire them in series to make them act like one 24 volt??

This is done all the time in the RV world with two 6 volts, they wire them in series and work like one 12 volt.

[Godrew1972]

Yes, I think that is my option. Thanks for the feedback.

[Capt. Debbie]

You have two 12vdc batteries but that battery switch allows both batteries to be paralleled. When the switch is on BOTH electrically it looks like one battery 12vdc.


If space or cost is a concern add one 12vdc battery and place it in series with one of your existing batteries. Other wise this two new deep cycle 12vdc in series. Make sure the negative is tied to boat ground and dynaplate in contact with the water. If not your own generated electrolysis will begin to destroy your own boat's metal parts in the water.

Series connection is simple on 3rd battery POS goes to new motor. New battery NEG goes to POS on existing battery. And then run a new line from motor to NEG of that battery NEG you just hooked up to the new battery to make 24VDC..

Fuse it and have a shot off switch.

Use marine grade wire- my guess AWG #6. You should not use house construction wire because the copper strands inside are MUCH MUCH thicker than marine grade. That means marine grade is flexible like jumper cables. And house construction wire like THHM or THHW is like a coat hanger stiff.

Any questions PM me. I'm also a license electrician NJ Lic #7417.