Connecting Deep Cycle Batteries in Series or Parallel

Connecting batteries in series will double your voltage without increasing your runtime.

Connecting batteries in parallel will double your run time without doubling your voltage. This will allow you to spend more time on the water without damaging your Minn Kota product.

Jump to:

• Series 24 Volt Systems (2 Batteries)
• Series 36 Volt Systems (3 Batteries)
• Series 48 Volt Systems (4 Batteries)
• Parallel 12 Volt System (2 Batteries)
• Parallel 24 Volt System (4 Batteries)
• Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker Wiring Diagram
• Trolling Motor Plug and Receptacle Wiring Diagram
• Resources
  • Trolling Motor Manuals
  • MKR-27 Circuit Breaker Instructions
  • MKR-28 Plug and Receptacle Instructions
  • Accessory Manuals

Trolling Motor Battery Leads

Trolling Motor Power Leads

• Trolling motors come installed with 6 ft. 10 AWG red and black power leads. We recommend adhering to the chart below when selecting the correct gauge of wire to extend the trolling motor battery leads. Note: The Endura 30 lb. thrust motor has been optimized to perform as a portable trolling motor. We do not recommend altering the battery lead wires on this motor. 

Note: Kayak Terrova 

Series 24 Volt Systems (2 Batteries)

1. Two 12-volt deep cycle batteries are required.
2. Make sure that the trolling motor is switched to the off position or speed selector set to “0”.
3. Wire in series only as directed in wiring diagram, to provide 24 volts.
   1. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 2.
   2. Connect positive (+) red lead (from motor) to positive (+) terminal on battery 2.
   3. Connect negative (-) black lead (from motor) to negative (-) terminal of battery 1.

Series 36 Volt Systems (3 Batteries)

1. Three 12-volt deep cycle batteries are required.
2. Make sure that the trolling motor is switched to the off position or speed selector set to “0”.
3. Wire in series only as directed in wiring diagram, to provide 36 volts.
   1. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 2.
   2. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 2 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 3.
   3. Connect positive (+) red lead (from motor) to positive (+) terminal on battery 3.
   4. Connect negative (-) black lead (from motor) to negative (-) terminal of battery 1.

Series 48 Volt Systems (4 Batteries)

1. Four 12-volt deep cycle batteries are required.
2. Make sure that the trolling motor is switched to the off position or speed selector set to “0”.
3. Wire in series only as directed in wiring diagram, to provide 48 volts.
   
   1. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 2.
   2. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 2 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 3.
   3. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 3 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 4.
   4. Connect positive (+) red lead (from motor) to positive (+) terminal on battery 4.
   5. Connect negative (-) black lead (from motor) to negative (-) terminal of battery 1.

Parallel 12 Volt System (2 Batteries)

1. Two 12-volt deep cycle batteries are required. Batteries in the system must be the same manufacture, type, size, and age.
2. Make sure that the trolling motor is disconnected.
3. Wire in parallel only as directed in wiring diagram, to provide 12-volt system with increased amp hour capacity.
   1. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 1 and to the positive (+) terminal of battery 2.
   2. Connect a connector cable to the negative (-) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 2.
   3. Connect positive (+) red lead (from motor) to positive (+) terminal on battery 2.
   4. Connect negative (-) black lead (from motor) to negative (-) terminal of battery 1.

Parallel 24 Volt System (4 Batteries)

1. Four 12-volt deep cycle batteries are required. Batteries in the system must be the same manufacture, type, size, and age.
2. Make sure that the trolling motor is disconnected.
3. Wire in parallel only as directed in wiring diagram, to provide 12-volt system with increased amp hour capacity.
   1. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 3 and to the positive (+) terminal of battery 4.
   2. Connect a connector cable to the negative (-) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 2.
   3. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 1 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 3.
   4. Connect a connector cable to the positive (+) terminal of battery 2 and to the negative (-) terminal of battery 4.
   5. Connect positive (+) red lead (from motor) to positive (+) terminal on battery 4.
   6. Connect negative (-) black lead (from motor) to negative (-) terminal of battery 1.

Trolling Motor Circuit Breaker Wiring Diagram

• Minn Kota MKR-27 Circuit Break Shown Below
  • Circuit Breaker / MKR-27

Trolling Motor Plug and Receptacle Wiring Diagram

• Minn Kota MKR-28 Plug and Receptacle Shown Below
  • MKR-28 Plug and Receptacle

Resources

• Trolling Motor Manuals
• MKR-27 Circuit Breaker Instructions
• MKR-28 Plug and Receptacle Instructions
• Accessory Manuals