Selecting the correct type of battery to run a Minn Kota Trolling Motor
A Minn Kota trolling motor will operate with a lead acid or lithium deep cycle marine 12-volt battery/batteries. For best results, use a deep cycle, marine battery with at least a 110-ampere hour rating.
Advice Regarding Batteries
- Never connect the (+) and the (-) terminals of the same battery together. Take care that no metal object can fall onto the battery and short the terminals. This would immediately lead to a short and extreme fire danger.
- It is highly recommended that a circuit breaker or fuse be used when installing a trolling motor. Refer to the Minn Kota “Conductor Gauge and Circuit Breaker Sizing Table”. For motors requiring a 60-amp breaker, the Minn Kota MKR-19 60-amp circuit breaker is recommended.
- Batteries should be stored and maintained at full charge. Failure to recharge lead-acid batteries (within 12-24 hours) is the leading cause of premature battery failure. Minn Kota offers a wide selection of chargers to fit your needs and application.
- If using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, we recommend that you use separate deep cycle marine battery/batteries for your Minn Kota trolling motor.
CAUTION:
- For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water. If installing a lead wire plug, observe proper polarity and follow instructions in your boat owner’s manual.
- For safety reasons, disconnect the motor from the battery or batteries when the motor is not in use or while the battery/batteries are being charged.
- Improper wiring of 24/36/48-volt systems could cause battery explosion!
- Keep all battery post connections tight to the battery terminals.
- Install battery in a ventilated compartment.
