Trolling motor issue question

[Simonlawnservice]

My trolling motor is 24v and on the positive battery cables there is a distribution block that has a reset button. No big issue until I put the trolling motor on hi. When I put it on hi and run it for about 10 seconds or more those blocks get hot and the shut the trolling motor off and I have to get back there and hit the reset button. My question is why does it do this and are those blocks necessary or can I just run the positive cables straight to the batteries? Thanks for your help

[zimmy]

Pull the prop off and make sure you don't have any line wrapped around the shaft. Could be creating too much friction making it run hot. If you're super lucky may be the fix. Had it happen.
My 2 cents worth.

[adam7456]

Is this a new problem that started happening? Did you upgrade the trolling motor recently? it could just be the reset/breaker is not designed for the amperage of the motor or the wrong type of reset/breaker used.

If you have had that same setup for a long time but the problem just started then your motor is drawing more power for some reason. Either line or weeds as mentioned above. If not that then maybe the motor is starting to wear out, internal bearings are starting to go, or water getting inside the motor.

[Simonlawnservice]

I just bought the boat in the middle of last year and it has done it since. If I keep it in the middle speed range I can run it all day and it won't trip them. But as soon as I turn it on hi to go across a cove or whatever it will shut off after about 10-15 sec and when I go back to the batteries the resets are out and I just push them back in and it's good to go. I have taken the prop off and cleaned it all out and it still does it. My old boat didn't have any of those breakers on the trolling motor positives that's why I didn't know if I needed them.

[GeoFisher]

I just bought the boat in the middle of last year and it has done it since. If I keep it in the middle speed range I can run it all day and it won't trip them. But as soon as I turn it on hi to go across a cove or whatever it will shut off after about 10-15 sec and when I go back to the batteries the resets are out and I just push them back in and it's good to go. I have taken the prop off and cleaned it all out and it still does it. My old boat didn't have any of those breakers on the trolling motor positives that's why I didn't know if I needed them.

It is drawing too much amperage for that breaker.

1). Are the wires above the breaker also hot?
2). Do you have any corrosion on the wires at the battery. If this is 24v, what about the "series" wire that connects battery 1 to battery 2 Positive to Negative.

3). What about he trolling motor plug. How does the socket look.

Check all those. They are easy to confirm.....

Finally, simply replace the breaker.....they do go bad sometimes. They are less than 20 bucks to replace at any good marine shop. In the Lou Area, I suggest A2O over in Jeff.... .

Later,

Geo

[adam7456]

I just bought the boat in the middle of last year and it has done it since.

It could be the wrong type of breaker for a trolling motor. When I upgraded my boat from a 12 volt to 24 volt trolling motor I found there were cheap breakers around $10 but all the marine grade breakers were closer to $40. Various forums said not to go with the cheap breakers and to get the proper marine grade breaker. I spent the extra and got the correct breaker. Since then I've had no problems running my 80lb thrust 24v motor on high for extended periods.

It looks like the price has dropped on marine grade breaker. The one I bought is now $29 on Amazon. I would replace your current reset with this and if you still have problems it is something internal in your motor.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PTHKSK

[Simonlawnservice]

I think I found my problem. The breakers are only 12v35A. Shouldn't they be at least 50A??

[adam7456]

Yes 50amp minimum for a 24 volt system. You didn't say what brand or pound thrust but this page will apply to either brand and tell you what your specific system should have. http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Suppor...ion---Rigging/

[hairball]

I think I found my problem. The breakers are only 12v35A. Shouldn't they be at least 50A??

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Suppor...ion---Rigging/

This should tell you everything you need to know. Don't just assume that the wire gauge is appropriate. If it's too small, the insulation could melt and even catch fire. Not something you want to take chances with!

[hairball]

That's too weird! My last post was submitted seven minutes after adam7456 submitted his and we both posted the same link.

[GeoFisher]

My trolling motor is 24v and on the positive battery cables there is a distribution block that has a reset button. No big issue until I put the trolling motor on hi. When I put it on hi and run it for about 10 seconds or more those blocks get hot and the shut the trolling motor off and I have to get back there and hit the reset button. My question is why does it do this and are those blocks necessary or can I just run the positive cables straight to the batteries? Thanks for your help

do NOT remove the breaker without putting something in to replace it. That is a perfect way to BURN your boat and maybe you to the ground.

[hairball]

Bad breaker, loose wire or wire gauge too small. Also check connections for broken strands of wire. This is equivalent to wire gauge being too small.