This is probably a ridiculous question, but I couldn't find the answer online. If I want to get a 24v trolling motor do i need three batteries on the boat? Or do I run it off the starting battery and the trolling motor battery? Also how much does it cost to install a trolling motor? (looking for a ball park figure obviously). Just bought a boat with an old 12v trolling motor and I think I want an upgrade at some point. Probably next spring. Thanks guys.

 

You'd have two deep cycle batteries and one cranking battery.  You'd probably want to upgrade to a three bank charger as well.

Thank you! Do you know how big of a job would it be to install the new trolling motor and battery myself?

Not much of a job at all if you can find a trolling motor with the same foot print as yours then it is just a bolt on job and run some wires.

If u plan on going Mk to Mk or Mg to My I would invest in a universal TM bracket. I just had to replace my TM an it took me about a 1/2 to replace it. They are a little pricey ( 139$) but it is well worth it!

If you buy a new trolling motor SPEND MONEY the one I had for 10 years went out last year and I went and spent about 600 on a new one and I hate the thing.

 

It has cable steering and I just hate it.  Spend the money get a good one so you can enjoy fishing.  As to batteries getting a three bank smart charger is the move.  You leave them plugged in year round and it seems to get a good three seasons out of the batteries.

 

 

Thanks guys! Any recomendations on what to get? My total boat weight is a little over 2250 with gear and two ppl. And the finger lakes area can get a little windy. 

I am from the school thought that says prepare for the worst.

I have a 100 lb thrust trolling motor on a 16 foot Crestliner.

 

I always have enough power to get me through anything and I can run it on the lowest setting if needed.

 

 

 

With a boat and load of that size on windy lakes you'll want 100 pounds or more of thrust with a 52+ inch shaft. Of course with increased thrust the price increases with it. I think 112 lbs is as high as they currently make. Installing a TM is very simple until it gets to the wiring. Depending on the boat, upgrading to a 24 volt system will require some rewiring.

On 8/15/2017 at 11:05 AM, BassNJake said:

I am from the school thought that says prepare for the worst.

I have a 100 lb thrust trolling motor on a 16 foot Crestliner.

 

I always have enough power to get me through anything and I can run it on the lowest setting if needed.

 

 

 

 

17 hours ago, Bulletman20XD said:

With a boat and load of that size on windy lakes you'll want 100 pounds or more of thrust with a 52+ inch shaft. Of course with increased thrust the price increases with it. I think 112 lbs is as high as they currently make. Installing a TM is very simple until it gets to the wiring. Depending on the boat, upgrading to a 24 volt system will require some rewiring.

 

I'm with you: 112 on an 1850 Crestliner here. Mine gets run at 2.5 - 3.5 most of the time. It'll run 3.5 MPH on 10.  Handy in strong current or wind. 

On 8/14/2017 at 4:29 PM, J Francho said:

You'd have two deep cycle batteries and one cranking battery.  You'd probably want to upgrade to a three bank charger as well.

this.