If you are worried about the current draw being too much, just put another relay in parallel with each one in the diagram. These relays are cheap - ~$3 each last I looked. It'll probably be a wiring nightmare though! :smile:

Good idea! I have a 70 amp model (4 pin) that I can use to turn on the system, and I think I have 4 30amp 5 pins laying around. Yes, wiring will be "interesting, but I can swing it!

So if you put them in parallel will that mean that half the current will flow through each relay?

Correct. :great:

Ok, so I wired up a VERY simple system today. Figured I would do this and get a feel for amp draw, etc.

Used the 70 amp 4 pin relay on the pos side, and wired it for forward only via a simple 2 pos toggle (on/off).

Observations:

-I have the motor wired backwards at the brushes, the black wire is on the pos brush for forward operation of the motor. Not a big deal, as it will get fixed...

-The 10 gauge wire I used (good car stero stuff with lots of tiny strands, and "better" copper) seems to do fine with the current draw. Connections were all cool, and the wire stayed cool.

- The existing wire that runs from the junction block to the motor (about 14-18") is not up to par as it got warm after a few mins. Might be 10gauge with a thinner jacket, but I suspect it is 12.

- Going full power in reverse when you are expecting forwards is funny, glad no one was watching!

So I have decided to stick with this very simple system. I will re-wire all the way to the motor with 10gauge, and solder all of the connections (no a big fan of crimp terminals). Also plan to keep all wires as short as possible, and use gold plated connectors where the wires attach to the battery.

I will use the original internal wiring in the boat to acrtivate the relay, with some sort of marine spec (waterproof) toggle switch on the dash. That way I do not have to run more wires.

Since this is a paddle boat I see no real need for reverse, as I can always cut the motor off and paddle backwards. Also, the multiple motor speeds are not really necessary, as full tilt running is not very fast (unless you have the motor wired backwards and did not expects it!).

I will report back and possibly take some pics. This is a very crude setup, but lots of fun and will allow me to explore all of the canals around the area I live.

Thank Allah! Now maybe you will stop crudely exploring the canals of the members on this forum. Bondo will find a new master...