CONNECTING THE BATTERIES
12 VOLT SYSTEMS:
1. Make sure that the motor is switched off (speed selector on “OFF” or “0”).
2. Connect positive ( + ) red lead to positive ( + ) battery terminal.
3. Connect negative ( – ) black lead to negative ( – ) battery terminal.
4. For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water.
CAUTION:
For safety reasons, disconnect the motor from the battery/batteries when the motor is not in use or while the
battery/batteries are being charged.
SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
The motor will operate with any lead acid, deep cycle marine 12 volt battery/batteries. For best results, use a deep cycle, marine
battery with at least a 105 ampere hour rating. Maintain battery at full charge. Proper care will ensure having battery power
when you need it, and will significantly improve the battery life. Failure to recharge lead-acid batteries (within 12-24 hours) is the
leading cause of premature battery failure. Use a multi-stage charger to avoid overcharging. We offer a wide selection of chargers
to fit your charging needs. If you are using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, we recommend that you use a separate
deep cycle marine battery/batteries for your Minn Kota trolling motor.
Advice Regarding Batteries:
• Never connect the (+) and the (–) terminals of the same battery together. Take care that no metal object can fall onto the
battery and short the terminals. This would immediately lead to a short and extreme fire danger.
• It is highly recommended that a circuit breaker or fuse be used with this trolling motor. Refer to “Conductor Gauge and Circuit
Breaker Sizing Table” in the previous section to find the appropriate circuit breaker or fuse for your motor. For motors requiring
a 60-amp breaker, the Minn Kota MKR-19 60-amp circuit breaker is recommended.
CONNECTING THE BATTERIES IN SERIES (IF REQUIRED FOR YOUR MOTOR)
24 VOLT SYSTEMS:
1. Make sure that the motor is switched off (speed selector on “0”).
2. Two 12 volt batteries are required.
3. The batteries must be wired in series, only as directed in wiring
diagram, to provide 24 volts.
a. Connect a connector cable to the positive ( + ) terminal of
battery 1 and to the negative ( – ) terminal of battery 2.
b. Connect positive ( + ) red motor lead to
positive ( + ) terminal on battery 2.
c. Connect negative ( – ) black motor lead to
negative ( – ) terminal of battery 1.
4. For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water. If installing a leadwire plug, observe proper
polarity and follow instructions in your boat owner’s manual. See wiring diagram on following pages.
CAUTION
• For safety reasons, disconnect the motor from the battery or batteries when the motor is not in use or while
the battery/batteries are being charged.
• Improper wiring of 24/36 volt systems could cause battery explosion!
• Keep leadwire wing nut connections tight and solid to battery terminals.
• Locate battery in a ventilated compartment.
To trolling motor negative
24 Volt Connection
Battery #1 (Low Side)
Neg -
Neg -
Pos +
Pos +
Battery #2 (High Side)
+24 Volts to trolling motor
positive (or circuit breaker)
24 Volt Series Connection
MOTOR WIRING DIAGRAM
FIVE SPEED SWITCH
BATTERY 1
BATTERY 1
BATTERY 2
RED
YELL
OW
B
AT
B
AT
BLACK
12v
24v
WHITE
MOTOR
NOTE:
This is a universal, multi-voltage diagram. Double-check your motor's voltage for proper connections. Over-Current
Protection Devices not shown in this illustration.
