[arthurpete]

Just bought a trolling motor for the first time and it requires a 60 amp circuit breaker installed close to the + battery. I dont have any other electronics on board, is this really necessary?



Also, any advice on installation. Does it need to be mounted, will the inside of the battery box do?



Thanks

 

[whipper snapper]

it will work without it. but, i would put one on though. could save you from a meltdown!

 

[FlounderAssassin]

i dont know where you could get this but my boat came with a curcit breaker that was on a small bracket that was attached to the positive post on the battery and that mounted it to the battery. then the wire for the trolling motor hooks to the other post on the breaker. have never had a problem with it.

 

[X-Shark]

Install the CB. It can also be used as a ON/OFF switch. It is a safety item.



Use a Blue Seas surface mount CB.

 

[sosmarine]

All devices attatched to the battery have to be connected to a fuse or CB within 3 ft of the battery. The CB above will allow you turn the motor on/off. It is also resettable if it trips. It is a little expensive though around $50.

 

[speckula]

Install the CB.I have tripped the breaker on my boat many times. The link below shows a 50 amp breaker that motorguide sells that may be cheaper than the one shown above, but it does not have the on/off switch.It may also be easier to install.You should be able to get one at a well supplied dealer or at the motorguide repair shop in Cantonment on Hwy 29.

http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=125,60971&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

 

[X-Shark]

That is a much cheaper unit in $ & quality. It would also need a Blue seas Mini ON/OFF switch added to the system. I add a switch to a system anyway. I want the power OFF to the TM when not in use.

I just stick with the Blue Seas CB units. They are designed for "Marine use" and the surface mount style is very stout and easy to mount. Think about the boat bouncing. [Boats do bounce 'ya know] and the tugging of the cables on the mount.



That cheap one just has a little single plastic tab. That's fine for something stationary. Boats ain't stationary.

 

[Chris Phillips]

I had a plug catch on fire, so I would highly recommend using some sort of breaker!

 

[speckula]

You do not need an on/off switch with the Motorguide CB. Just unplug the motorwhen you want to disconnect it from the battery. The on/off swith on the motor should be enough, even if the boat bounces, like they all do, you know. The unit that Motor Guide sells is made for amarine environment and it will break the circuit over 50 amps, which is the goal.

I have used Motor Guides CB's on three boats over 12 years and have never had one fail. If you want to save money get one, since it is all you need. If you want to spend three time the money for no necessary reason, go with the Blue seas model.

Shark x must have stock in that blue seas company.

 

[arthurpete]

Great info guys, I do appreciate.



I'll have to get one before I go out. I would assume BPS or a local marine supply store would carry these. I live in FWB so driving to Cantonment is not desired.

 

[sosmarine]

Go to West Marine in Mariner Plaza, Cinco Bayou, and see Joe or John.