wiring trolling motor

[taxidermyguy]

Hi. can I run a wire back to my starter battery for my front trolling motor or is a 12" wire to long for enough juice. thanks! Guy @ www.talltalestaxidermy.net

[Northlander]

You will want a trolling motor battery or a dual purpose. Starting battery's are not meant to be used on a trolling motor.

[taxidermyguy]

thanks for the ifo, I have a 14' bayliner and having the battery on the front deck, gets in the way, so could I wire it to the back with a seperate battery? thanks! Guy

[skunked_once]

Northlander is correct. You need a separate deep-cycle battery or a dual-purpose battery. As far as the wiring, I have a 14' boat with the battery in the front and a set of heavy-duty wires running down the inside to the back of the boat where I hook up the trolling motor. Be sure you use

heavy wire (8-10 gauge should be sufficient.) Also use good connectors.

[taxidermyguy]

thanks, for the wiring info!!!!!!!!!!!!

good luck this fishing season!

Guy

[Whoaru99]

I would recommend using 8-ga wire as a minimum. With a single battery (12-volt system) you need to keep the voltage drop to absolute minimum for best operation/efficiency.

Also, be SURE to put a fuse or circuit breaker as close as possible to the positive battery terminal. There are some (circuit breakers/fuse holders) that will mount directly to the battery terminal. I think something in the 30 to 50 amp range is likely appropriate. Don't want to burn down the house, ya' know...

[fish-n-geek]

I would definitely not go with anything smaller than 8ga.

30amps over 8ga at 12' is okay. If you go up to 16' 8ga is too small. Likewise if you stay at 12', but go to 40amps, 8ga is too small.

You can do a search online for "voltage drop" and find some handy calculators for sizing wire, or you can post your actual motor amp draw (max) and actual wire length (including all slack) and one of us can do the math for you. I need 6ga on my 15' boat due to the current draw of the motor.

-rus-

[Fishing Junky]

I just ran wiring from the front battery to the back of the boat for a transom mount 12 volt. I used 6 gauge wire. Heavy wire, but I feel safe using it. Also installed a 40 amp breaker at the battery. I think I could have gotten by with 8 gauge, but didn't know any better. Good luck, Junky......