Glen-L.com

Hey everybody,

I'm purchasing a Minn Kota motor from Cabelas and they recommend a circuit breaker. I've never used either before. Is it absolutely necessary to use the breaker, or is it an add-on item that the manufacturers just like to recommend. It costs nearly 1/2 the price of the motor itself, so if it weren't an absolute necessity I'd hold off on it.

If they are necessary and anybody can recommend that too would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Kind regards,

Mark

Big Mark,

Sorry no one got back with you on this one: I have a minn kota and I do not have a circuit breaker on it..maybe I should !

Steve

Thanks so much for your reply, better late than never.

Kind regards,

Mark

In a perfect world, every electrical circuit would be protected using one. I have never had one and, surprisingly, I just ran across this device today too.

I think I would do the following:

For a basic no-frills trolling motor, I would still straight wire it.

For some of the high end units I saw today (some right at $1000), it may be a wise investment. I would be that if someone accidentally cross wired it, some of the fancy internal circuitry would not be happy (i.e. expensive repairs).

I would check the warranty. I would bet that Minn Kota now includes a circuit breaker as a warranty requirement for their more costly models.

I picked up an automobile style one 50 AMP at a auto supply store.

I have also picked up a 50 amp circuit breaker for my 40 lb thrust Minn Kota. I have a plastic box which is not totally water proof - needs some air flow where the fuses for the bilge pump and lights are located. I also use Large Sermos connectors so I can disconect motor from wiring if needed. These Sermos connectors are expensive.

A circuit breaker is nothing more than a non-destructable fuse and some but not all re-set automatically. If cost is a factor why not use a cartridge fuse located in a practical spot?

Why would you need a Circuit Breaker or a fuse?

can you buy a separate circuit breaker?