Loose trolling motor connection

[FlyPelican]

The plug on my bow-mounted trolling motor is loose and I am constantly having to jack with it to get the motor to work. It's super annoying.

Can anyone recommend a quick fix for this? I'm headed out tomorrow and hoping I don't have to bother with the dang trolling motor.

Thanks
-FlyPelican

[mgstei1]

Wire nuts! wire to wire until you have time to get right receptacle and plug. Loose connections will pull current and will be hard on your motor and battery also.

[FlyPelican]

Not sure I follow... the plug is loose in the receptacle. When I plug it in, I have to use my foot to get it to make a connection. Are you suggesting that I take the plug and receptacle off and "hard wire" it together using wire nuts?

[mgstei1]

Yep ! I wouldn't mess with a loose connection on Low Voltage DC. Surest way to damage wire, battery, and motor.
If you don't have time for a good fix the wire nuts will provide great connection.

[FlyPelican]

Thanks. Will give it a try.

[Termo]

If you store your boat normally in a secure area, hard wire the dang thing together with butt splices (shrink wrap type) and get rid of that plug. Make sure to install at least a 50A breaker (see your trolling motor's service manual for recommended size) close to the battery terminal on the + (positive side) to prevent frying the wiring in case of a short anywhere in the motor or circuit. I have never seen a trolling motor plug connector last more than a year and I wouldn't give you a nickel for that one.

[Root Canal]

What John said. Recommend you use Dielectric Grease on all your connections before crimping.

[Termo]

What John said. Recommend you use Dielectric Grease on all your connections before crimping.

X2 I put that stuff on everything but hamburgers!