Wiring connections to trolling motor?

[Kingfish]

I am replacing the plug-in connections on my trolling motor. Instead of using the tube style krimp on electrical connections would it be a stronger connection if I soldered the wires together? I'm also replacing the in-line fuse with a 40 amp in-line circuit breaker. It seems like in my short 14'6" boat the plug in gets stepped on alot.

 

[hl&s]

Soldering is always the best way to attach or splice electrical connections, although it's not the most convenient or fastest. Solderless connections are open to corrosion and tend to vibrate loose over time. Use a rosin core solder. Acid core will deteriorate the connection. When soldering connections directly to a switch or device, don't overheat the terminal. Heat will travel through the connecter and damage the device. Use an electric or propane soldering gun that will heat those large wires quickly. If you have compressed air available, cool the soldered connection immediately after the solder turns from liquid back to solid. Use heat shrink tubing to seal and insulate the solder area.

 

[Kingfish]

Thanks. Will follow your suggestions.

 

[Fat Albert]

<font color="#ff0066">Hl&s, that is a good explaination and the correct way to do it.....hope he follows your directions.....FA</font>

 

[hl&s]

Hey FA.....I miss your "seriously under medicated" signature. Since I don't go to movies (oversexed), watch tv (too many dumb shows and dumber commercials), listen to news (all bad), would you care to let me know what "Mahola" means. Is it a new Hawaiian species of largemouth bass, or a long lost indian tribe ???

Sorry for temporarily getting off topic !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Guest]

FA is talking about "His Halo" over his head. 

 

[SpurHunter]

Good advice there HLS. </p>

Mahalo means, "big belly bass catcher"</p>

Or for you Soddy natives, it has an alternate meaning of "old guy in PJ's"</p>

 

[Fat Albert]

SpurHunter - 10/24/2007 1:33 PM

Mahalo means, "big belly bass catcher"</p>

Or for you Soddy natives, it has an alternate meaning of "old guy in PJ's"</p>



<font color="#ff0033">Spurhunter,,,you are soooooo goofy.....has nothing to do with fishin,my fat belly,or old in PJs....   Mahalo in Hawaiian means  <u>"THANK YOU."</u>  Ain't that nice????          FA

</font></p>

 

[SpurHunter]

I know what it means yahoo....

 

[hl&s]

That is nice FA......but I like Doc1's answer better...My Halo !! Gee, I've never had one of those. emoSmile

Spur, I would have believed ya but you have been known to pull a few legs !!!emoBigsmile

 

[Liveliner]

If I may, Here is my $.02 worth.  Do not have a solid connection to your TM from your battery even with an inline breaker on the positive side. I suggest that you have a way to quickly disconnect the power in an emergency or if a short circuit occurance.  A well placed plug and socket is the very best way to go.  </p>

I get quality tube type connectors at Boaters World that will be large enough to hold your connections properly.  A second way to make your connection is to use a copper sleave abount 1'" long.  Flux your bare wire before you place it into the sleave.  Crimp the copper sleave to lock in the wire. Then heat the sleave with a torch where it will suck in silver solder.  Then heat shink the joint.  If you have terminals on your wire, you may want to slide the heat shrink wrap onto your wire before you make your connection.</p>

 

[SpurHunter]

hl&s - 10/24/2007 7:39 PM Spur, I would have believed ya but you have been known to pull a few legs !!!emoBigsmile

</p>

Who....ME!?!?!?</p>

 

[fisherpal2k]

Good info Liveliner. I used to think it would be better to have a solid connection till the motor switch overheated and almost caught the thing on fire. It is best to leave it in a plug so it can be disconnected in a hurry if you have too.

 

[Kingfish]

Thanks for all the info. I did intall new plug connections and soldered the wires. Sure feel more comfortable about the wiring connections. See you on the water.