14 | minnkotamotors.com
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SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
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.
WARNING
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.
Automatic Jump Start Systems and Selector Switches
Automatic jump start systems and selector switches tie the negatives of the connected batteries together. Connecting these systems
to the “High Side” Battery or “Middle” Battery in the diagrams below and will cause significant damage to your trolling motor and
electronics. The only trolling motor battery that is safe to connect to one of these systems is the “Low Side” Battery.
The negative (-) connection must be connected to the negative terminal of the same battery that the trolling motor negative lead
connects to. In the diagrams below this battery is labeled “Low Side” Battery. Connecting to any other trolling motor battery will input
positive voltage into the “ground” of that accessory, which can cause excess corrosion. Any damage caused by incorrect connections
between battery systems will not be covered under warranty.
36-Volt Systems
Three 12-volt batteries are requi
red. T
he batteries must be wired in series, only as directed in the wiring diagram, to provide 36 volts.
1. Make sure that the motor is switched
off (speed selector on “0”).
2. Connect a connector cable to the
positive ( + ) terminal of battery 1 and
to the negative ( – ) terminal of battery 2 and
another connector cable from the positive (
+ ) terminal of battery 2 to the negative ( – )
terminal of battery
of battery 3.
3. Connect positive ( + ) red motor lead
to positive ( + ) terminal on battery 3.
4. Connect negative ( – ) black motor lead to negative ( – ) terminal of battery 1.
To trolling motor negative
24 Volt Series Connection
36 Volt Series Connection
Battery #1 (Low Side)
Neg -
Neg -
Neg -
Pos +
Pos +
Pos +
Battery #2 (Middle)
Battery #3 (High Side)
+36 Volts to trolling motor
positive (or circuit breaker)
Three 12-volt batteries connected in series for 36 volts
WARNING
•
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.
WARNING
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.
