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SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
SELECTING THE CORRECT BATTERIES
QUEST series motors will operate with any deep cycle marine 12, 24 or 36-volt battery/batteries and have been optimized for use with
LiFePO lithium-ion battery cells. Lithium-ion batteries maintain higher voltages for more extended periods than lead-acid batteries and
will provide the best performance in powering the trolling motor.
QUEST series trolling motors may also be powered with lead-
acid (flooded, AGM, or GEL) deep-cycle marine 12-volt battery/
batteries. For best results Minn Kota recommends using a
deep-cycle marine battery with rating outlined in the "Deep Cycle
Amp-Hour Rating" table. Maintain lead-acid batteries at full
charge. Proper care will ensure battery power when needed and
significantly improve 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. When using Lithium Ion batteries, manufacturers may recommend storing in a
semi-charged state and charging fully prior to use.
If using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, Minn Kota recommends using a separate battery/batteries for your Minn Kota
trolling motor. Always check with the battery manufacturer for specific maintenance, care and storage instructions. Minn Kota also
oers a wide selection of chargers to fit your charging needs. For more information on battery selection, rigging, and chargers, please
visit minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com.
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. Learn more about Minn Kota chargers online at
minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
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-27 60-amp circuit breaker (1865115) 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.
Deep Cycle Amp-Hour Rating
Run Time Voltage Group Size Amp-Hour
GOOD 12 24 70-85
BETTER 12 27 85-110
BEST 12 31 95-125
CONNECTING THE BATTERIES IN SERIES
(IF REQUIRED FOR YOUR MOTOR)
24-Volt Systems
Two 12-volt batteries are required. The batteries must be wired in
series, only as directed in the wiring diagram, to provide 24 volts.
1. Make sure that the motor is switched o (speed selector on “0”).
2. Connect a connector cable to the positive ( + ) terminal of
battery 1 and to the negative ( – ) terminal of battery 2.
3. Connect positive ( + ) red motor lead to positive ( + ) terminal
on battery 2.
4. Connect negative ( – ) black motor lead to negative ( – ) terminal
of battery 1.
To trolling motor negative
24 Volt Series Connection
Battery #1
(Low Side)
Neg - Neg -Pos + Pos +
Battery #2
(High Side)
+24 Volts to trolling motor
positive (or circuit breaker)
Two 12-volt batteries connected in series for 24 volts
WARNING
For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water. If installing a leadwire plug, observe proper polarity and
follow instructions in your boat owner’s manual.
WARNING
• 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 volt systems could cause battery explosion.
• Keep leadwire wing nut connections tight and solid to battery terminals.
• Locate battery in a ventilated compartment.