Trolling Motor Wiring

[Juan Grande]

Got a quick question about wiring a trolling motor. I bought a Minnkota Vector 3X for my in-laws pontoon and we need to run wire all the way to back of the boat which is where the batteries are stored. Is 8 gauge wire heavy/thick enough to make that connection? If not, what gauge wire do I need?

It's a 70 lb thrust, 24V.

Thanks in advance.

John

[aanderud]

Read the manual and see what the maximum current draw is. With the amperage, you are almost set. Get the voltage drop per foot off of this chart for 8 gauge wire (it'll drop more volts per foot at higher amps):

http://www.minn-kota.com/Minn-Kota-faq/Minn_Kota_FAQ.htm#6

Then measure the length of your cabling to the batteries (if you have a 25 foot pontoon, you could just estimate 50 feet, but it might be more or less depending on your layout). Multiply the voltage drop per foot by the number of feet you're running. If the total is under 1 volt, you're good to go. Otherwise go to a higher gauge (or make the battery run less).

Just guessing, I'd have to think your run will be >40 feet. And I'd also guess that your maximum current draw is >40 amps. Have to think you'd be better off with 6 gauge in this case. One suggestion -- those pontoons usually have plenty of storage up front for batteries under bench seats, etc. Check on moving the trolling batteries up there somewhere if you don't want to go buy a bunch of 6 gauge wire.

[Tator2k]

Minnkota recommends 6 gauge on any 24 volt install.

[Juan Grande]

Thanks guys, I'll go with the 6 gauge.

[ogrejce]

I also picked up the minkota circuit breaker for my conversion for 39.99, but I am running an 80lb that draws 56 amps. Don't know if I can post where I got the wire but I only found one spot and it was a great deal.

[Tator2k]

We it less than a $1/ft? Just can't link directly.

I use the same fuse and wire on my 101 lb.

[ogrejce]

yeah, they quoted me that price then "Ball parked" it in my favor. Got 40' (20red 20black) total feet for 30 bucks. I didn't argue.

[Tator2k]

That's a really good price.

[ogrejce]

yeah I was happy