Wiring 2 Big John Dowriggers

Hey guys, just bought 2 used Big Johns, both have what look like 2-prong plugs (almost like a household lamp cord) I have a cranking battery in the rear, and to deep cycle 12Vs up front that power the 24V Minn Kota. It seems to make sense to me that, since I wont be using the Minn Kota when trolling, that I run the power from the bow to the back for the downriggers, but what marine-grade option is there for the female end I need to rig? Should the plug be switched to something else...like the 1/4-turn Minn Kota style? Also, the boat is 20' long, so the power I run needs to travel about that far. Will too much be lost? I'm guessing with the proper gauge of marine-grade wire, it'll work fine.

Also, I haven't been in a boat with downriggers for probably 20 years...and am puzzled by the fact that one of the aluminum bases holds the downrigger square, the other @ about 45 degrees. What is the purpose of that? I'll see if I can dig-up the photos.

Which battery is getting the charge from the motor when you are trolling? That is the 12v battery you want to connect to even if it is the starting battery. Keep in mind you can always beef that battery up a bit.

I have two big john brutes and they will quickly wipe out a battery that isn't getting charged constantly. Match the same wire the downrigger uses and fuse it with a 50 amp fuse or breaker. Depending on the gauge of feed wire, you have some options. I used twist lock trolling motor plugs and have had no issue.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big Jack

Which battery is getting the charge from the motor when you are trolling? That is the 12v battery you want to connect to even if it is the starting battery. Keep in mind you can always beef that battery up a bit.

I have two big john brutes and they will quickly wipe out a battery that isn't getting charged constantly. Match the same wire the downrigger uses and fuse it with a 50 amp fuse or breaker. Depending on the gauge of feed wire, you have some options. I used twist lock trolling motor plugs and have had no issue.

---

I would do the same sorter the run of wire better and alway to the battery that is being charged.last thing you want to do is row row row your boat.Or call for help and get the tow of same back to port because of a dead battery.been there done that even when the motor over heated it is still not a nice feeling getting towed back.

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. Brings me to the next question~the cranking battery is connected to 90hp Merc which for now, will be the motor I'll troll with. In time, I'll add a second motor if I really enjoy it but for now...may use a drift sock (or two) to slow it to trolling speeds~something my walleye-fishing buddies do. (anyone else do this?) So, at low speed, do you guys suggesting that your motor is charging the battery at a rate sufficient to keep the downriggers functioning?

Makes me wonder if I should have booster cables with 20' cords on board just in case!

Your 90 should charge the battery at idle and at trolling speeds just fine . The riggers will not be used all the time so up or down is not going to drain the battery. You can use an extension cord just cut the male end off and connect it to the battery

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sambo

Your 90 should charge the battery at idle and at trolling speeds just fine . The riggers will not be used all the time so up or down is not going to drain the battery. You can use an extension cord just cut the male end off and connect it to the battery

---

It's that simple?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GrouseWhisperer

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. Brings me to the next question~the cranking battery is connected to 90hp Merc which for now, will be the motor I'll troll with. In time, I'll add a second motor if I really enjoy it but for now...may use a drift sock (or two) to slow it to trolling speeds~something my walleye-fishing buddies do. (anyone else do this?) So, at low speed, do you guys suggesting that your motor is charging the battery at a rate sufficient to keep the downriggers functioning?

Makes me wonder if I should have booster cables with 20' cords on board just in case!

---

That 90 likely charges at 20 amp at least. Idle will charge well - no need for jumper IMO.

One drift sock on each corner will slow you down alright. Got a buddy in swift current that trols with a 150 and he uses two 5 gal pails!

Thanks for the advice guys, greatly appreciated!

Here is a photo of one of the downriggers, and one of the bases. This base has a fixed top that is positioned 45 degrees from the bottom, the other has a top and bottom that are square with one another. Any reason one boat would have one of each style? Are these good bases?

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...downrigger.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...ownrigger2.jpg

I like the Marinco brand products, I'd look for one of those for the plug.

i'll just add that appropriate wire gauge should be calculated when the the length of the wire increases:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...ge=Marine-Wire