Can you run a 24v trolling motor on 12v? Absolutely not! Your trolling motor will only run half its potential or get overheated and even burn up due to the low voltage.
The solution is wiring a 24V trolling motor with two 12V batteries.
So how do you wire a 24v trolling motor? In fact, the wiring is really easy using our 24V trolling motor wiring diagram.
Here you can learn all you need to know about wiring 24V trolling motors for guaranteed success, including the wire size, chargers’ diagram, and step-by-step guide (with video).
Following our guide, you will become a pro in wiring a 24v trolling motor in minutes.
24V Trolling Motor Wiring Diagram
Basically, you will need two 12V marine batteries wired in series to run the rated 24 volt.
Here is a 24-volt trolling motor battery wiring diagram that gives you a quick idea about what the wiring process looks like:
This wiring diagram is a universal version and can be used as Minn Kota trolling motor wiring diagram or any other brand.
Caution: It’s important to use a circuit breaker or fuse (installed within 4″ of your battery) when wiring the 24v trolling motor, as indicated in the wiring diagram. It is required by the Coast Guard and can effectively prevent possible over-current issues.
Wiring 24V Trolling Motor: Step by Step Instructions
If you are still confused about how to wire 24 v trolling motors with the diagram, follow our step-by-step guide with our simple and explicit instructions.
Materials Needed & Preparations
- 12V marine batteries x 2
- Circuit breaker x 1
- Jumper wire x 1
- Trolling motor lead wire
- 24V trolling motor x 1
Pay attention to the wire size (gauge, measured in AWG) required to wire the 24v trolling motor properly. Usually, the jumper wire used should be one size larger than the trolling motor lead wire, and here is a table for your quick reference:
| Motor voltage | Motor thrust | 5 FT | 10 FT | 15 FT | 20 FT | 25 FT |
| 24V | 70 lb | 10 AWG | 10 AWG | 8 AWG | 8 AWG | 6 AWG |
| 24V | 80 lb | 8 AWG | 8 AWG | 8 AWG | 6 AWG | 6 AWG |
You can also check out the 24v trolling motor wiring kit for an easier start, providing a cost-effective solution for converting from a 12v system to a 24v one.
Note: Trolling motor extension wire might be needed if the batteries are placed far away.
How to Wire 24V Trolling Motors in Steps
It’s easier to read the steps by comparing them to the 24v trolling motor wiring diagram listed above.
- Step 1. Connect the positive (+) terminal of battery A and the negative (-) terminal of battery B with the jumper wire.
- Step 2. Connect positive (+) motor’s lead to the positive (+) terminal on the circuit breaker.
- Step 3. Connect the negative (-) terminal on the circuit breaker to the positive (+) terminal of battery A.
- Step 4. Connect negative (-) black lead from the motor to battery B’s negative (-) terminal.
Note: Make sure the motor is off before wiring the 24v trolling motor. The 12V batteries used to hook up with the 24v trolling motor are the same manufacturer, type, size, and age for the best performance and safety.
Here is also a video for you to learn how to hook up a 24v trolling motor:
Tips on Properly Wiring 24V Trolling Motor
Also, check out some bonus tips to properly set up the 24-volt trolling motor:
- After wiring the Minn Kota 24v trolling motor (or any other brand), remember to keep the positive terminals covered with protective shields or proper electrical tape to avoid shorts and possible fire danger.
- It’s advised to use deep cycle marine batteries with at least a 110-ampere hour rating to get the best performances of your trolling motor.
- Batteries should be kept at full charge during storage. Remember to recharge the lead-acid battery in less than 12-24 hours to prolong the battery life.
- Put the batteries in a ventilated place.
- Keep the battery post connections tight while wiring the 24-volt trolling motor.
- Do not connect the positive and negative terminals of the same battery together.
You can always find a qualified marine technician to help you with the 24-volt trolling motor wiring if you find it challenging (especially when a long wire extension is required) or just want to save the trouble.
FAQ about Wiring 24V Trolling Motor
1. Do you need two batteries for 24 volt trolling motor?
Not necessarily. You can use a single 24-volt marine battery or two 12-volt batteries connected in series to run the rated 24 volt.
2. Do I need a circuit breaker to hook up the 24v trolling motor?
Yes, it’s highly suggested to use a circuit breaker for over-current protection. Using the circuit breaker is also a requirement from the Coast Guard.
If you have more questions concerning the 24v trolling motor wiring, feel free to leave them in the comment below, and I will reply and update them to the list.