How do I set up a 24V trolling system for new Trolling motor

[Walleyeser]

I am wanting to upgrade to a bigger transom mount trolling motor but I am not too familiar with how to set up the battery system. It is not going to be hooked to any onboard charging system or anything. I just need to know how to tie the two 12 volt batteries together, Do the two batteries need to be right beside each other? Also, currently I hook my depth finder up the the trolling battery, can I still do that even if the two batteries are tied together making a 24V system. Any other information I will need to get the job done would be great. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Mike1410]

To make a 24 system connect a jumper wire (preferrably 6 guage) between the positive terminal of one battery and the negative terminal on the other battery. Then connect the trolling motor positive (red) wire to the open positive terminal on one battery and the negative trolling motor wire (black) to the open negative terminal on the other battery. If you want to use a plug-in connector just make sure that you follow the wires from the battery to the trolling motor and they connect as described.

You can't use the 24v system for your depth finders. You really don't want to use trolling motor batteries for your depth finders under any circumstances anyway. When the motor is running it can cause interference.

[Joe]

Mike, Do you mean if I put a locater on the bow, I have to hook it up to the main battery if I have a 24 volt setup up front. If this is true, you will save me lots of grief! Thanks

[Joe]

This may sound silly,but does anyone have 2 batteries up front but not hooked up for 24volt? In other words get a quick connect and switch them over when each battery goes dead.[12 volt system with a spare so to speak] Any disadvantages??

[Mike1410]

Joe, if I understand your question correctly, you have three batteries - two up front for the trolling motor and one in the back for starting the main motor? If this is correct then you should hook your finder/s to the battery in the back not to the trolling motor batteries.

[J.P.]

A simple way to go to 24v system is to get the plugs that convert 2-12v to a 24v system. You simply run the 2 12v batteries to the female end. The male end which you attach to your trolling motor coverts it to 24v. That way you can run accessories off either 12v battery or hookup a on-board charger to both. Just disconnect trolling motor when charging. Any good boat dealer should have these or can get them.

[Jim Ordway]

I have an older motorguide and the 12 to 24 plug setup works great. I highly recommend it. I run 4 batteries, 2 trolling, 1 starter, and 1 accessory battery. Sometimes my accessory runs low due to long days using my TR1. I just tap into one of the trolling motor batteries with a jumper and use the "reserve".
Good luck

[Mike1410]

I had a 12 volt trolling motor and wanted extra long usage. I hooked two batteries together - positive to positive and neg to neg - which kept it 12 volt. I could troll forever without running down.

[Jim Ordway]

Well, Walleyeser, what are you going to do? I vote for JPs solution. JP's plug plan is what you'll find on most new boats.
Just curious,

[Gilly]

I also have a question regarding a similar setup. I have a new boat with only one battery for starting my motor which I also use to run my lights and fish finder. If I want to add another battery up front for a 12 volt trolling motor can it also be connected to charge from my 70 hp Johnson's alternator? Also should I move my lights/accessories/finder to this battery to save the main for cranking up the motor? Hate to end up with a dead battery one night after hours of still fishing.

[Gilly]

Got the answer to my questions from the post below. Thanks