Thread: 12 V for trolling?

I have a 17' Xpress, came with a 46lb 12V. I currently run two batteries in parallel and it will run a long time. But my next motor is a 24V MinKota Maxxum 70 pound. I think you ought to go with a bigger motor on your boat than a 50 pound. Running a 24V means you need an extra battery, but the price difference on the motors themselves, 12V 55lb to 24V 70 lb is only about $30. You can get by with smaller diameter wire with the 24V system too. I mean, if your 8 ga wire is enough for the 50 12V, it will surely be enough for the 70 24V. My boat is currently wired only with 10 ga wire...that is marginal to start with. I'm wiring a different boat with 6 ga.