Going from 12V to 24V on a 1720 Key West questions

gumby

Trolling motor died and finally had the opportunity to upgrade to a 24 volt, 80lb Minn Kota I-pilot. Just installed the motor with no problems and am about to get going on the rest. My current plan is to move both trolling motor batteries to underneath the center console. I mentioned it to someone and they thought that it might create an issue, as I would be not only removing weight from the rear starboard side and then changing it to the middle. Just seeing if anyone had done this before and if you ran into any issues. The boat is a 2000 with a 90 Yamaha 2 stroke and does not have trim tabs. Also, if you did happen to do this already, did you use the current wiring (I have the adapter and plug for 6 gauge wire)? Thanks...

17footCC

I bought my Key West 1720 (2006) used and it already had the 24v trolling motor installed with the batteries in the center console so I cannot speak for the wiring or install but as for the weight distribution it has not been a problem. However, I have a 115 etec, powerpole, and poling platform in the back (which actually makes me slightly back heavy) so I can't say for sure since our set ups are a little different.

Flash

My two 12 volts are center console. Only battery in the rear compartment. Other one has some gear and an extra anchor. My setup for the trolling motor uses the Battery Tender in Bow and normal wire hookups if I remember.

tunaman

That 1720 will run just fine with the 90 and 2 batteries under center console. A friend had the same set up with 90 johnson, not sure where the batteries were. I have a 17 Palm Beach with 90 yammi 2 stoke. One battery port rear, 2 under center console for 8o lb, 24 volt minn kota, runs great. 6 gauge wire should be fine.

Pat O

This will help with your wiring question

https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437

TactileNeck

For what it's worth I'm in the process of moving my batteries now from the rear of my 88' 1710 key west to the center console and adding a battery switch with new 4Ga battery cables. My battery compartment was in the deck though just in front of the transom. I am running a 130 Johnson on the back so I've always felt like I was a little back heavy. Since my bilge was also in that hatch I always thought it was a bad design. After a failed bilge switch and two batteries later, I decided it was time for the move...the weight of the batteries should really have minimal effect IMO.

RJN500

move em forward! better weight distribution, and frees us the space in the aft of the boat for better use.