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charging batteries with trolling motor connected #12623357 02/12/18 03:18 PM
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JBailey1 Offline OP
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A previous post mentioned that newer trolling motors should not be connected to batteries while they are being charged. I assume that is because the new electronics can not handle the extra 1-1.5 volts necessary to charge a battery. If that is the case then is it also necessary to disconnect fish finders that are recommended to be directly connected to the battery to reduce interference? And related to that doesn't cut out switches on any wire leading to any electronics increase the possibility of interference just by having extra connections, etc.


1991 Kingfisher DC179, Yamaha ProV 150.
Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12623392 02/12/18 03:34 PM
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Dayne Offline
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I don't know about MK but MG shut off switch essentially unhooks it. A master shut off is the easiest way to go. Just a flip of the switch shuts down the whole boat.

Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12623587 02/12/18 04:46 PM
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Gamblinman Offline
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I back my boat in the shop and plug in the charger. Been doing it this way for 40 years and never had a problem.

Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12623962 02/12/18 07:55 PM
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ring fry Offline
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^^^This^^^ Not saying it's correct, but that's the way I've done it as well.

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Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12623970 02/12/18 08:00 PM
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Although I've never had a problem apparently with MG's Xi5 is can cause issues with the GPS system.

Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12624206 02/12/18 10:24 PM
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Most DC powered devices can handle an extra 5 volts without being damaged. Unless you Battery chargers shorts out and is dumping high voltage into your batteries your motor and devices will work just fine. I wouldn't think MK or MG electrical engineers would be that stupid to make voltage sensitive equipment.

Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12624475 02/13/18 01:00 AM
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Bobby Milam Offline
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I've been told that it should be unplugged. My manual tells me to unplug it. Trolling motor 40 years ago didn't have the same electronic components that you find in the new ones today and they didn't cost $2500.

I unplug mine because why gamble? If I don't, they might not repair it under the warranty and even if they do, I don't want to be without a trolling motor for weeks when I could have prevented it. I just went thru that and it isn't fun.

I don't unplug my fish finders because I can't get to the connector easily. I've already been thinking about putting a power shut off switch to just kill all power in the boat.

Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12624759 02/13/18 02:43 AM
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kennerdude Offline
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Ive installed cutoff for Xi5 and, whole boat electronics. It's an easy install for the DIYer. And again, many thanks to Flipping Out on this forum for his sage advice regarding this subject.


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Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12625825 02/13/18 06:56 PM
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Shadetree Offline
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Depends on how your trolling motor is wired and what type charger you are using. On a 12/24 hookup and using two automotive chargers it can smoke some equipment. This is eliminated with most onboard chargers. bg


If I'm not fishing or hunting I'm hunting a place to fish or hunt.
Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12626361 02/14/18 12:21 AM
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JBailey1 Offline OP
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It just seems with all the information out there on what the majority of fishermen do, how everybody likes to just pull in the garage and plug in the batteries to charge, that both trolling motor and other electronic boat equipment engineers would to make it safe. What is one more volt or two to allow for when you are actually designing something. They make stuff electronic that runs a lot higher voltage than that.


1991 Kingfisher DC179, Yamaha ProV 150.
Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12626971 02/14/18 05:31 AM
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Reads the installation: "Your Minn Kota trolling motor is designed with an internal bonding wire to reduce sonar interference. Most alternator charging systems do not account for this bonding wire, and connect the negative posts of the trolling motor batteries to the negative posts of the crank/starting battery. These external connections can damage connected electronics and the electrical system of your trolling motor, voiding your warranty. Review your chargers manual carefully or consult the manufacturer prior to use to ensure your charger is compatible. Minn Kota recommends using Minn Kota brand chargers to recharge the batteries connected to your Minn Kota trolling motor, as they have been engineered to work with motors that include a bonding wire."
It reads like the recommendation to unplug while charging has to do with the negative side of the various batteries when you have one charger for both trolling and cranking batteries. If your brand of charger brings all the negative battery connections together inside the charger, you may have problems. My charger has 3 pairs of wires for charging 3 batteries, but I can't say I have ever tested the negatives to see if they all have continuity.


1991 Kingfisher DC179, Yamaha ProV 150.
Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12627478 02/14/18 03:51 PM
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OK, the digital trolling motors draw current entire time that they are connected to the batteries -- just as your outboard, power poles or Talons do. The Depth finders do not. On Motorguide Tours, the on/off switch on the side of the footpedal disconnects the power wire going to the digital electronics. On a MinnKota, the mom/off/con switch is part of the control board and does not disconnect power from the batteries. Charge current is typically 1.5V to 2V per battery above battery voltage, which in a 36V/3 battery circuit could be as much as 6V above what the control board is designed to have input, so to avoid damage to the control board, the digital MinnKota has to be disconnected from the batteries. A 5-speed motor that is available today and has been the "norm" for the past 40yrs do not have the same electronics and it doesn't hurt them to stay connected, however disconnecting will avoid things like the cat setting on the button, causing the prop to turn and hang on the gunnel and burning up the motor (you get the idea, even if you don't own a cat).


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Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12627877 02/14/18 07:12 PM
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Don't know about the new equipment, I am running a MG Brute 12/24, probably 25 years old. When the 12/24 switch is on 24V If I connect two automotive type chargers to the batteries it creates a direct short circuit across battery #2. This is I believe because the two chargers are tied together on the minus side by the electrical (120v) system. This is not a problem with the on board chargers. bg


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Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12630122 02/16/18 12:03 AM
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Ive ALWAYS UNPLUGGED my TM as a precautionary measure. I would never direct wire a TM either.
Just the way I prefer to do it. Takes 2 seconds to unplug or plug it in & don't have to ever worry or deal with IF it does or doesn't cause problems.

Last edited by Curtbass; 02/16/18 12:05 AM.

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Re: charging batteries with trolling motor connected [Re: JBailey1] #12638273 02/21/18 12:56 AM
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Delbert Offline
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I suppose a manufacturer would also be concern with electrical spikes or lightning strikes could create damaging situation.

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