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SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
Using DC or Alternator Chargers
Your Minn Kota trolling motor may be designed with an internal bonding wire to reduce sonar interference. Most alternator charging systems
do not account for this bonding wire, and connect the negative posts of the trolling motor batteries to the negative posts of the crank/starting
battery. These external connections can damage connected electronics and the electrical system of your trolling motor, voiding your warranty.
Review your charger’s manual carefully or consult the manufacturer prior to use to ensure your charger is compatible.
Minn Kota recommends using Minn Kota brand chargers to recharge the batteries connected to your Minn Kota trolling motor, as they have
been engineered to work with motors that include a bonding wire.
Additional Accessories Connected to Trolling Motor Batteries
Significant damage to your Minn Kota motor, your boat electronics, and your boat can occur if incorrect connections are made between
your trolling motor batteries and other battery systems. Minn Kota recommends using an exclusive battery system for your trolling motor.
Where possible, accessories should be connected to a separate battery system. Radios and sonar units should not be connected to any
trolling motor battery systems as interference from the trolling motor is unavoidable. If connecting any additional accessories to any
trolling motor battery system, or making connections between the trolling motor batteries and other battery systems on the boat, be sure
to carefully observe the information below.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
The motor will operate with any lead acid, deep cycle marine 12 volt battery/batteries. For best results, use a deep cycle, marine battery
with at least a 105 amp-hour rating. Maintain battery at full charge. Proper care will ensure having battery power when you need it, and
will significantly improve the battery life. Failure to recharge lead-acid batteries (within 12-24 hours) is the leading cause of premature
battery failure. Use a multi-stage charger to avoid overcharging. We offer a wide selection of chargers to fit your charging needs. If you
are using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, we recommend that you use a separate deep cycle marine battery/batteries for your
Minn Kota trolling motor. For more information on battery selection and rigging, please visit minnkotamotors.com. Minn Kota trolling
motors can run on Lithium Ion batteries. However, they are specifically designed to run on traditional lead acid batteries (flooded, AMG
or GEL). Lithium Ion batteries maintian higher voltages for longer periods of time than lead acid. Therefore, running a Minn Kota trolling
motor at speeds higher than 85% for a prolonged peiod could cause permanent damage to the motor.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Refer to “Conductor Gauge and Circuit Breaker Sizing Table” in the previous section to find the appropriate circuit breaker or fuse for
your motor. For motors requiring a 60-amp breaker, the Minn Kota MKR-19 60-amp circuit breaker is recommended.
CAUTION
Please read the following information before connecting your motor to your batteries in order to avoid damaging your motor and/or
voiding your warranty.
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