So I've got a 24v trolling motor set up and everything else is ran off of the starting battery. Everything works but I've got a few questions.

1. Should the 24v system have a ground ran from the ground terminal to the ground terminal of the 12v system which goes to the engine block ground?

2. I saw this diagram earlier of a Perko switch, and the guys says he can jump his starting battery with his trolling batteries using the switch? Anybody have any input on this?


3. Is there a way to have the alternator charge all 3 batteries vs just the starting battery? Or do I need the MinnKota alternator?

wish i could help, but, that's over my head.

when you turn the perko to all yes you can jump over, you get the amps from all 3 batteries and still 12v.

you can buy an add on to charge all batteries while running, check the minn kota site I think they have one.

you do not need to ground the 24v to the engine and it could cause problems you do not want. the 24v is a closed system and batteries to tm is all that is needed.

Thanks hopalong

Your diagram looks correct. Thee are ways to charge the batteries from the motor but I don't think it will be very effective. Deep Cycle batteries take longer for a deeper charge. Unless you are making an hour run somewhere I doubt the charge from the motor will make that much of a difference.
On another note, I was having trouble keeping all of my electronics running on the starting battery. I installed a 24v to 12v converter and feed regulated and filtered power to my electronics from the TM batteries. From the converter it goes into a fuse box with each fish finder and a 12V USB plug running on their own circuits. I have a main cut off switch for the TM batteries and another main switch for the starter battery that can connect the first TM battery for emergency starts. Its a 1, 2, 1+2, OFF switch. I can run all of my electronics and the TM at 50 for 8 hours and still have plenty of juice in the batteries.

Top trolling motor is not in the perko switch circuit. Will boost cranking battery from middle battery for trolling only when set to 2 position.