I have a Great White 36 volt trolling motor.  I have only ever had 12 volt trolling motors in the past. So....stupid question...will a 36 volt trolling motor function on 12 or 24 volts? If so, would there be any damage to the trolling motor from this? I realize that at the very least, the pounds of thrust would be reduced, but I don't want to damage the motor, and the price of buying 3 deep cycle 12v batteries is a bit daunting financially speaking. Sorry if I sound dumb, but this is really not anything I am familiar with.   Thanks.

Probably won't work. It's not just the motor, it's also the control board for it...and that control board wants the full voltage.

The Garmin Force will work on 24 or 36 volt.  I think the Lowrance trolling motor will too.  But not 12 volt.

 

Retired grass grower

9 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Probably won't work. It's not just the motor, it's also the control board for it...and that control board wants the full voltage.

FIFY.

1/3 the rated voltage is a no go.

Contact Motorguide to be sure.  But generally, if you're just wanting to use it as a 12v motor, then you'll probably be better off if you sell it, and buy a 12v trolling motor.  It'll probably run better, eat less power, and might even put some money in your pocket.  

Kirt, what boat are you going to be using it on? Is it a boat that needs a 36V TM.  Or is it something small that only needs a 12V TM.

2 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Kirt, what boat are you going to be using it on? Is it a boat that needs a 36V TM.  Or is it something small that only needs a 12V TM.

15 foot Boston Whaler Super Sport with a 60 horse 4 stroke motor.  The boat was given to me, and included the Great White trolling motor. Weight of boat fully loaded would be about 3200 lbs max.

 

3 minutes ago, Kirt Howe said:

15 foot Boston Whaler Super Sport with a 60 horse 4 stroke motor.  The boat was given to me, and included the Great White trolling motor. Weight of boat fully loaded would be about 3200 lbs max.

 

That 36V TM would be a good fit. I’d keep my eyes open for some good deals on 12V deep cycle batteries. You don’t need to get extreme on your purchases of them. I’m sure someone on here will let you know of some good batteries at a good price. 

I'd call them.

 

I know some 24v Minn Kotas can be run on 12v.

 

"It depends on the model of motor. For a cable steer or hand controlled model this will not hurt the motor, but it will considerably affect the performance of the motor. However, an electric steer motor, such as, the PowerDrive, Terrova, or Ulterra cannot be used on lower voltages. "

 

www.minnkotamotors.com/support/faqs/can-i-run-my-24-volt-motor-12-volts

Go get some from Walmart.  They will get you by for a while as you save up some $$$$ for some good AGMs.

On 12/24/2021 at 5:00 PM, Jig Man said:

Go get some from Walmart.  They will get you by for a while as you save up some $$$$ for some good AGMs.

I just replaced the Walmart brand batteries in my boat. They where date coded 9/12. I got my moneys worth outta those. In fact I bought some more. I've also got a group 29 on my Pelican 10e that I bought in 2014. Still going strong and holding a charge. Not sure who builds Walmart batteries but I've had great success with them. Waiting for them to release a lithium deep cycle battery. I'd love to cut at least 100 pounds outta my Bass boat. But the cost of lithium is outrageous right now.