Electronics Test: Minn Kota Battery Power Center

Tag: Mobile Inverter

The wiring enclosed in the Power Center’s lid includes a 60-amp circuit breaker for the trolling motor connections, a 10-amp breaker for the two accessory sockets and a press-to-test charge meter. I really like the rubber-sealed sockets that accept standard automotive accessory power plugs—a definite upgrade from my older portable power centers’ plugs. A stout folding handle on top makes it easy to carry in one hand Mobile Inverter, and the handgrips molded into each end of the box are handy if you have two free hands.

I also use it to test electronics on my big boat. This self-contained power source insulates test units from any possible hardwired interference from my boat’s electrical system. I even bring it into my house to power sonar/GPS combo units in simulation mode so I can get used to them before hitting the water. Plug in an inverter and it can even run AC appliances. During the winter, I sled it out on frozen lakes to power my electronics while ice fishing.
Minn Kota’s Battery Power Center is the third unit of its kind I’ve tested over the years—and it’s my hands-down favorite. It comes as a rugged plastic battery box with internal wiring, external plug receptacles and threaded post and wing nut connectors for trolling motor cables.

This mobile Power Center can hold either a Group 24 or 27 battery. I went with a Group 27 because I use it to power a transom-mounted trolling motor when fishing from my 12-foot inflatable boat or a borrowed aluminum boat.

Assembly is simple: Set a battery inside the case, connect the red cable from the inside of the box lid to the positive battery post and the black cable to the negative post and replace the lid. A strap with buckle secures the lid and makes removing and replacing the lid easy. A pair of strap brackets with screws is included to permanently anchor the box if you prefer. The lid has two downward-facing openings that vent the case and provide a way to route extra wiring to the battery posts.