Connecting trolling motor to main motor battery

[JJP]

Just got a new to me Yamaha T-8 and am wondering if there is any problem connecting it to the same battery as the main motor. Can both motors be running at the same time and not damage anything, if connected to the same battery? Trying to avoid any unnecessary trips to the repair shop. Thanks.

[lowe1648mt]

JJP,
It's done all the time. I'd prefer an isolator between the battery and the kicker. Just insurance, the charging curcuit on the main motor puts out a lot of juice. the kicker not so much. There are already diodes in the rectifier in the kicker to prevent damage. However I believe "Too much is never enough".
A fuse just slightly larger than the draw of the starter should be suffucient. If it is not electric start, a fuse larger than the charging curcuit output should do. Say 10 amp. There is probably one under the motor cover on a Yami.

[JJP]

Thanks for the information it is much appreciated.