Help: Trolling motor issue?

[evofly]

I just purchased a 2019 SeaPro 248DLX. I purchased it from a dealer offering it on consignment for a customer. Problem is the dealer wasn’t too familiar with the boat so I’m figuring out everything myself.

Is there a trick I’m missing with powering on the Minn Kota trolling motor? I’ve plugged it in, go to push the power button and nothing. Batteries seem ok and charged at 70%.

I keep thinking maybe there is a relay or switch for the trolling motor but, I can’t seem to find one. Also, how the heck do you charge the batteries? Or are they only charged off of the engine?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Juan]

Congrats on the 248 purchase and Welcome to the forum.
Assuming it's a 24 Volt trolling motor (two batteries) first check the plug receptacle with a multimeter for 24 volts. If there is voltage at the receptacle, then it's very possible there's a switch installed between the receptacle and the trolling motor as a safety factor that kills power to the trolling motor.
You can purchase a charger that charges the trolling motor batteries when the engine is running but that's normally just a way to keep the batteries charged during a long day of fishing. The trolling motor batteries are normally charged using on onboard battery charger or by connecting them to a portable charger. I suspect there's an onboard charger somewhere on your boat. Look in the bilge area or under the console for a rectangular box with cables running from it and try to find the plug in receptacle where you will plug in the power to it. It could be just about anywhere but should be easy to get to.

[AHHHH-Spray]

Check for an in-line breaker or fuse in the TM power cables, near the battery.

[Juan]

I forgot about the breaker. Do as AHHHH Spray suggested. That's probably the problem. It should have a 50 or 60 amp circuit breaker with a trip switch near the batteries.

[evofly]

Thanks guys. I found the charger yesterday but just couldn’t find the dang plug. I finally found it tucked way up inside the compartment.

Pretty sure the batteries are completely dead so not sure if the charger will revive them. Might have to take them out and onto a dedicated battery charger.

[evofly]

Batteries were shot. Would have loved to throw lithiums in but, dang are they expensive. Put in 3 new deep cycles and bingo trolling motor works.

Thanks for the help.

[Juan]

Glad it was something that simple. I got a sweet deal on a bass boat once because the seller said the trolling motor was shot when in fact just the batteries were dead.
It happens.

[itshenry003]

Can a Battery for a Trolling Motor Get Wet?


A trolling motor battery shouldn't be exposed to water. If it happens, a fire could break out as a result of a short.The batteries can become wet from rain or waves, even though it shouldn't be submerged in water. A trolling motor is a self-contained device attached to the stern of a boat that consists of an electric motor, propeller, and controls.It is simpler to fish when the boat is moving forward or in the correct direction thanks to the motor, which also helps to maintain the boat in a fixed position.

[Juan]

Oct 26, 2022 6:18:00 GMT -6 itshenry003 said:

Can a Battery for a Trolling Motor Get Wet?


A trolling motor battery shouldn't be exposed to water. If it happens, a fire could break out as a result of a short.The batteries can become wet from rain or waves, even though it shouldn't be submerged in water. A trolling motor is a self-contained device attached to the stern of a boat that consists of an electric motor, propeller, and controls.It is simpler to fish when the boat is moving forward or in the correct direction thanks to the motor, which also helps to maintain the boat in a fixed position.

It won't hurt your batteries to get them wet but if it's saltwater, you should wash them down with fresh water to reduce the chance of corrosion. Trolling motors are usually mounted on the bow or stern and come in a variety of lengths, thrust and voltage.