SOLD

Yo, Rob -- I have a very similar 55-lb/12V version on my Four Winns. Do you know if the conversion to the 24V setup would be a pretty straightforward operation? Man, if I could find a buyer to swap out my 55'er, and it was a simple switchover, I might consider it. Since they're apparently the same basic model, I'm thinking the mounting plate I currently have would work with yours, too. Hmmm...

- jeff

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Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

I wouldn't count on anything with boats being simple...

Going from the 80 Maxxum to the 101 Fortrex I had to drill two new holes in the bow to mount it. It's the same brand motor and they do this to you!

You'd also need to check your wiring from the battery compartment to the bow to make sure it's heavy enough gauge. Ideally 6 gauge. Then you have to check your breaker, if there is one installed now at all. If it's not strong enough or there isn't one, you have to install one.

The 24 requires another battery so you have to put that somewhere. Probably means installing a new tray.

Then there's the plug at the bow. It has to handle 24v. If it does already you're in luck, otherwise you have to get a new plug.

That's a good list of things to check for starters. You might be lucky and your boat is already pretty much set up for 24v but I wouldn't take anything for granted.

Yeah, I suppose you're right -- as similar as they appear, even with the same model name, it's pretty unlikely to be a simple 'plug-n-play' type scenario, but maybe I'd get lucky?

Do you know of any trolling motor specialists in the area? I had Jay Liu put in a second battery years ago (in parallel, of course, to keep it @ 12V), but that was just before he retired. I guess one of my fellow GBM members might have some resources, or the Coyote B&T folks.

Changing to a 'series' config shouldn't be too much of a concern. Of course, the reason I added a second batt was to try & get some extended life from the charge (in terms of daily on-the-water performance). Were you able to get a full day's draw on a 2-battery bank? I know that the deeper-V hull (and added weight) on my Four Winns prob'ly rquires more energy over the course of the day, but I could certainly use more pulling power, however long it would last!

Anyway, still mulling it over to decide if I should do this. I'll keep you posted!


'Preciate the quick response!

- jeff

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Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

With the 80 Maxxum and two Everstart Group 29 batteries I had good battery life. The batteries were about 2 years old but I didn't have any problems with them getting tired at the end of the day.

I don't know any trolling motor guys any more. Like you I went to Jay when he was in Newark by my old work.

With an 80 on your boat you'd probably be fine with group 27s, but if you have the space and don't mind a little more weight and a little higher price it's hard not to justify group 29s or even 31s. Nothing is a bigger bummer than running out of juice at the end of the day.