Trolling Motor Wiring Question

[Caligula]

I just purchased a new 70 lb. / 24V MotorGuide for a Nitro. The old MotorGuide used a plug. The back of the plug had 4 posts - each goes straight back to the batteries. The new MotorGuide is set to be hardwired; however, I'd rather use the plug set up. The issue is that the hardwire set up only had a positive and negative and not a ground, as the old plug had. Is there a way to install a plug on the new MotorGuide while ensuring a ground? I've attached photos of my set up and the old plug that I took apart.

[Jackl]

CALIGULA,
You should have gotten a wiring diagram with your TM, it should tell you how to wire your new TM! If not, it is a simple hook-up. Since it is a 24V unit, you will not need the 4wires running to the plug, only 2. Go back to your batteries and hook the red wire to the Pos (+) post of batt#1, now hook the black wire to the Neg (-) post of batt #2, then hook a short jumper wire from the Pos (+) post of batt #2 to the Neg (-) post of batt
#1. You now have 24 volts running to the front of the boat in 2 wires. Hook your TM wires to the plug posts that coincide with the + & - wires in the socket. You may need a test light to find the right polarity in the socket wires.

JackL

[bassboogieman]

You should consider installing a 50A breaker between your batteries and the connection up front, with a minimum of #8 cu wire (#6 wire would be better) for a straight 24v T/M.
You can install the breaker in the battery compartment where it is easily accessible.