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I am awaiting the arrival of a new Terrova iPilot. Since I have never had a bow mounted motor on this boat, I have a question. Which would be better and why? Wiring from the motor direct to battery, or wiring to a plug and outlet, which would then be connected to the battery? Thanks
First be sure to put a fuse at the battery on the positive lead. Probably a 45 to 50 amp resettable one is best. I would definitely put a plug up front. You may have occasions to remove the motor for service or security reasons. I put one of the quick disconnect mounting pods on mine. I can take mine off in about a minute, but it does have a lock on it. This simplifies installation as well. There are two types. Mine is a solid pod that mounts to the deck and the mating part mounts to the motor. It is made by Minnkota for this motor.
The 2nd type, which didn't exist when I bought my motor is a sliding bracket. The motor sticks out over the bow and can be damaged when docking if not careful plus if you use a cover it has to accommodate the motor hanging out over the bow unless you have the sliding bracket.
JMO, direct connection is best, unless you have the desire to be able to remove it easily. Plugs and receptacles just add another possible point for corrosion and poor connections, and I can tell you that Terrovas are very picky about bad connections, especially with Ipilot, BTDT.
As mentioned, you need an inline fuse holder as close to the batteries as possible, a circuit breaker will work as well. The recommended size will be in the manual.
I agree with the statement about poor connectivity using the common plugs you find on most all boats. Every one I've owned at some point got worn and loose resulting in a poor or no connection. I found the plug shown here in matching gauge to my TM and placed it on the TM leads and boat wiring leads. I used a zip tie to secure the connection and pushed the wire under the front edge of my boat out of harm's way.
It has remained dead solid for two years and if I need to remove motor a quick snip on the zip tie and I'm good to go.
Attachment 340485
Do not wire directly to battery. You need the ability to disconnect in a hurry. Doesn’t happen often with newer motors but I have seen them lose gps signal and start spinning. You need to be able to disconnect in a hurry. Use a 50/60 amp resetable circuit breaker at battery with a 6 inch piece of wire at least as big as the wire running to the front.
You also need to have it disconnected so you can charge the batteries. I’ve heard it’s best to not charge batteries w TM still attached.
I had been told that, but did not know if it was a real problem.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloakley930
It is with Power Drive motors. Not so with Terrova. Terrova has a switch that disconnects power when stowed. Power drive lacks that switchQuote:
Originally Posted by USMA65
I use resettable circuit breakers at the battery end and I open the circuit when the boat is not on the water so there is no danger of leaving something on and this also disconnects the batteries from the boat electrical system when traveling or charging the batteries or whatever. I fe3el that isolating the batteries is just safer all the way around.
On my current boat I direct wired the Terrova and installed a 60amp switchable circuit breaker at the battery from Blue Sea Systems. I’ve been very pleased. I still switch it to the off position when charging out of habit.
In the past I’ve used the Battery Tender brand of trolling motor plug on my bow mount and it is a very robust and secure plug. I ran a traditional resettable breaker at the battery on that rig.