Trolling Motor Questions

[Ocktane]

Hey WAlakers! So I have an old Evinrude Intruder 74FP trolling motor on my Allison. Got it with the boat, 24 volts, 74 lbs. I've got a couple questions, been sending emails all over asking. Anyone know a good way to determine the amp draw on this motor?(I know, Lotech Joe already asked this in a different thread). I'm trying to determine the proper wire size (6 gauge was already run in the boat for the motor). I'm also wondering if anyone every has a problem with their trolling motor shaft dropping into the water until the head is pretty much sitting on the bracket. I keep tightening the little screw on the side but more and more it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I guess I should just put a rubber shim or something in there for friction but there isn't much room for it. Also, whats the ideal depth to have the troller in the water? Thanks everyone!

[Lotech Joe]

I wonder if these guys would be able to help.

WEST MARINE

[hewesfisher]

You'll be fine with 6awg wire. I seem to recall posting here in the past on this, and if I recall correctly, 12v trolling motors pull approximately 1.5 amps per pound of thrust and 24v trolling motors pull .95 amps per pound of thrust. I can't seem to find the source of that info now, but somewhere on the forum I've posted the numbers, and yes, I can't remember the topic now either (getting old is tough, I've heard the first thing to go is your memory, can't remember what's next [lol] ).

To know for certain, contact the mfr of your motor and ask for the motor amp draw. They should be able to help.

[Ocktane]

Thanks for the info! I was told by a reliable source that it pulls 47 amps max, so I'm stickin' with the 6 ga. Now to solve the problem of the shaft dropping into the water all the time...

[Amx]

Some motors have a narrow, long 'shim' under that screw so the screw tightens against that shim and so pushes the shim against and tightens the shaft. Mine is that way. Look for a narrow, long slot that the screw sticks out in towards the shaft.

[hewesfisher]

Found the post, and I was close just going on memory (that's scary!).